The initial construction of the Hotel Bissau Palace dates back to the year 1874, when Thakur Chandra Singhji had it built to serve as his residence in Jaipur. Since then, the palace has continued to serve as a regal residence for his family, even after it became a hotel open to visitors. In the 1920s, Rawal Raghubir Singhiji would further develop and renovate the palace, informed by his tastes and interests in books, jewelry, and various works of art. This interest is reflected throughout the property, with various antiques, mementos, and trophies dating further back to the 17th century dotting the royal residence.

Throughout this time, the palace remained intact and unharmed despite events such as both World Wars, India’s transition towards independence and becoming a republic, and the loss of ruling status for the noble families of India. It would only be in 1965 that the property was officially opened to the public as an accommodation, becoming an influence on other nobles in terms of transforming their palatial residences to become similar accommodations as well. Today, it is still known as a hospitality establishment that continues to provide its services to the public.

Design and Architecture

Despite being built in 1874, during British rule in India, Hotel Bissau Palace follows a distinct Shekhawati architectural design. This is observable from the exterior features, with its prominent use of ornate arch designs in entryways and elaborate design patterns on the walls and dome roofs. A subtle yet noticeable influence in the design is that of Indo-Saracenic architecture, reflected in elements like the overhanging chhajja eaves and external features such as terraces and courtyards. These spaces incorporate geometric patterns and forms in the tilework, as well as traditional details like jaali windows and chhatri pavilions.

As for the interiors, the palace maintains a design consistent with other local Shekhawati palatial residences. It is within these internal spaces that the Indo-Saracenic aesthetic becomes more pronounced, complemented by subtle elements of Art Deco design. In lobbies and common areas, the frequent presence of frescos, royal portraits, and other antique items provides a rich array of decorative designs. This is complemented by the elegant and extensive use of the typical naturalistic patterns and shapes that are prominent in the walls, ceilings, and floors. 

Inside the rooms, these features are more muted, giving way to a minimalist design with furnishings that either have Indian classical or Indo-Saracenic design, or the smooth yet elegantly patterned Art Deco marble stylings found in bathrooms and more lavish suites. 

Hotel Bissau Palace serves its customers with breakfast in both communal and private settings, with the latter potentially arranged with the hotel's front desk. For breakfast, the hotel provides a set of meals that include crepes, pancakes, and eggs, along with coffee and fresh juice.

Those who may wish to have a more private dining experience will be able to enjoy three prix fixe menus personally curated by the Bissau royal family. For intimate moments, the poolside garden can even host a private dinner for two, featuring the same menu.

For guests who prefer to dine indoors with others, the main dining hall offers a regal and luxurious setting. This space is also used by the Bissau family, and on occasion, guests may even have the opportunity to share a meal with them.

Bissau Palace may not boast an expansive estate for a massive destination wedding, but its beautiful gardens and interiors are perfect for an intimate ceremony with precious family and friends. The palace's courtyard lawn has plenty of outdoor space for a modest wedding and can accommodate 60 seated guests. You can avail of catering services at the hotel for a hassle-free ceremony.

There are plenty of opportunities at Hotel Bissau Palace for culture vultures to soak in what Jaipur has to offer. Within the property, guests can take in the sights and sounds of the city from the balconies and terraces while having their meals and watching the live performances of visiting local musicians and dancers. Furthermore, visitors can book special interactive cooking lessons to learn about recipes and meals that have been passed down through many generations. These cooking lessons are not just typical lessons because interested guests attending these lessons would be learning from none other than actual members of the noble family of Bissau, leading to a truly noble learning experience.

Visitors also have the option to explore Jaipur further with the help of the hotel’s expert guides, featuring tourist attractions such as the Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal, among other places. Alternatively, those with more culinary interests may book a street food tour where guests will be able to savor local dishes like kachoris, ras malai, lassi, namkeen, and many others.

Another interesting opportunity for guests to choose from is going on safari tours. The hotel has its countryside farmhouse where visitors can go on a camel safari, where they can tour the surrounding farmland and the local village. Morning or evening Leopard Safari tours are also available at the Jhalana Forest Reserve, home to 40 leopards, jackals, porcupines, and spotted deer. Guests can also get up close with elephants through the Kukas countryside, and have the chance to feed bananas to them.

Other Celebrations
Hotel Bissau Palace is open to guests who may want to celebrate special events or occasions within the property. Interested visitors should make arrangements with the management and staff to plan and coordinate the set-up and catering for the event.