This property is the latest entrant into hotel chain’s ‘palace’ portfolio. The project involved renovation of the erstwhile guest residence of the Scindia dynasty turned heritage hotel. The rejuvenation process paid a nod to the austerity of the Maratha lifestyle, the Gwalior queens who were impactful personalities in their own right, the Gwalior architecture and the art deco style which had influenced the 120-year-old royal building.

The renovation process, which roped in the skills of stone-work and metal artisans for a detailed period flavour, culminated in striking spatial entities, among them suites and guest rooms, a ball room and an all-day dining space, The Gwalior style, itself a blend of Rajasthani haveli and Mughal architecture, was introduced through multifoil arches and jaalis, while original art deco elements, found throughout the palace, were restored and introduced to newer spaces as leitmotifs. Among these, the sunburst pattern is particularly notable as it also symbolises the name of the property. It is carried, as cut and bevelled mirrors and antique-finish metal light fixtures, to the common areas, especially the grand ball room — which also hosts restored chandeliers and a new art deco-inspired floor covering.

The Maratha suite, which pays homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha empire, is an understated room sketched with simple local materials such as Kota stone applied in intricate patterns and bespoke elements like light fixtures inspired by traditional oil lamps. The Maharani suite is a lush, richly detailed space, while the Presidential suit, similarly richly appointed, enjoys scenic views of the Gwalior Fort, located about 4 kms away from the hotel. The bed designs are classic and regal, with some rooms being graced by four-posters. Striking architectural elements were celebrated, among them the double staircase that leads from the lawns to the ballroom and the courtyard surrounded by colonnaded pathways that now hosts al-fresco meals in pleasant weather.