The PARK Hotels has been given the contract to upgrade and operate the ‘Ran Baas’, the official guest house which is part of the Qila Mubarak, the 18th Century Fort at Patiala, Punjab. Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL), which owns the hotel chain has been engaged by the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab to upgrade the facilities as well as operate it.
Ran Baas was the guest house for the Maharaja of Patiala’s guests and is slated to now be developed into a 28-room luxury boutique hotel reflecting THE Park Hotels’ design ethos, and its quintessential hospitality experiences. The palace will have an all-day dining, bar, spa, and multiple indoor and outdoor banqueting spaces, etc.
Qila Mubarak was built by the first Maharaja of Patiala, Baba Ala Singh in 1763 and stands in a 10-acre complex in the heart of the Patiala city. The sprawling complex houses the ‘Qila Androon’ (Inner Fort) or main palace, ‘Ran Baas’, the guest house, and the Darbar Hall. The majestic fort is an outstanding example of a synthesis of the late Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles.
Priya Paul, Chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels said, “I am delighted that we will bring Ran Baas back to life as a jewel-like Heritage hotel under THE Park Collection. Punjab is special for us as the roots of Apeejay Surrendra Group are in Jalandhar. We are thankful to the Government of Punjab for entrusting us to partner with them to make Ran Baas a showcase for Punjab, nationally and internationally.” Ran Baas Qila Mubarak is slated to open in 2022 post-restoration.
