Umaid Bhawan Palace ranked world's top hotel

Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace has been adjudged the best hotel in the world based on reviews and opinions collected by travel site TripAdvisor.

The majestic sandstone edifice with 347 rooms has bagged No. 1 spot in the global top hotels category, according to TripAdvisor's 'Travellers' Choice awards for Hotels'.

Orange County Resorts in Mysore at No. 13 is the only other Indian property to feature in the list of 25 best hotels in this category.

Umaid Bhawan Palace is followed by Shinta Mani Resort - Siem Reap, Cambodia, at No. 2, Bellevue Syrene - Sorrento, Italy, No. 3, Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa - Hanoi, Vietnam, No. 4, Achtis Hotel - Afitos, Greece, No. 5 and Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons - Great Milton, UK at No 6.

"I am delighted with this year's edition of the awards. Over the years we are seeing the increasing presence of Indian hotels globally. The Indian hospitality industry has increased their standards and are in step with with global experience," TripAdvisor India country manager Nikhil Ganju said.

The Travellers' Choice awards for Hotels were determined based on millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travellers worldwide.

Now in its 14th year, the Travellers' Choice awards have recognised more than 7,000 properties around the world, with lists covering 97 countries and eight regions worldwide.

In the luxury category, The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Sawai Madhopur secured sixth position and Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur was at 15.

In the best bargain category in Asia, Bougainvillea Guest House (Goa) featured in the third position, Hotel Pearl Palace (Rajasthan) at the fourth and Kaiya House in Kerala at the sixth spot.