One of the world's largest private residences, India's historic Umaid Bhawan Palace is the best hotel in the world, according to Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards 2016. The palace hotel scored a perfect five on five from 840-odd reviews to emerge as the year's winner.
Perched above the city of Jodhpur in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, the sandstone palace hotel is a favourite with celebrities, and even hosted the wedding of Liz Hurley and Arun Nayar in 2007. It isn't surprising then that room prices start at a steep Rs 34,100 ($500) per night.
It is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, the Jodhpur ruler who commissioned the palace in 1928 to provide employment during a period of drought and famine. It was finally inaugurated in 1943. Besides serving as a luxury hotel, the 347-room Art Deco palace continues to be home to the royal family.
The other top-ranked hotels in the list included Cambodia's Shinta Mani Resort, Italy's Bellevue Syrene, Vietnam's Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa, Greece's Achtis Hotel, UK's Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Maldives' Mirihi Island Resort, Aruba's Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba, Granada's Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa, and Brazil's Hotel Ritta Hoppner.
You can also take a virtual tour of the palace here.