Drenched In Grandeur: 8 Heritage Hotels In Ahmedabad For An Immersive Stay

Constructed in 1924, The House of Mangaldas Girdhardas is undoubtedly Ahmedabad’s finest heritage property. The red-coloured colonial facade of the hotel will have you at first sight. The property features 38 opulently decorated rooms and suites with period furniture. They have an in-house cafe too, The Green House courtyard cafe. Their restaurant Agashiye serves sumptuous thali meals. Other facilities include an indoor swimming pool, lounge, terrace garden, and an heirloom shop. They also conduct heritage walks and rickshaw tours in the old city.

Image Courtesy: The House of MG/Facebook

This heritage bungalow was built by a Nagar Brahmin family some 250 years ago. Located at Lakha Patel ni Pol in Sakdi Sheri, the property is a 15-minute drive from The House of MG, its sister concern. Manek Chowk, known for its street food offerings, is just a kissing distance away. The central courtyard of the property features intricately carved stone jaalis featuring floral patterns. A traditional swing surrounded by grey round pillars makes for a great selfie spot. The rooms are beautified by wood-beamed ceilings and simple yet elegant furnishings. The hotel offers two suite rooms, of which the one at the terrace is better.

Image Courtesy: Mangaldas Ni Haveli I

The youngest of all the properties managed by The House of MG, this haveli was built 150 years ago. The gorgeous building stands as a testament to the rich architectural heritage of Ahmedabad in an old narrow alley in Gangadhiya ni Pol. The interiors are an interesting mix of modern and traditional. You would see chic bean bags placed against age-old cast-iron grills. The hotel serves continental breakfast. They have a cute cafe too, called Pol Kholi, which serves delicious street food. Of the six rooms here, one is a penthouse suite with a balcony. They also conduct specially curated half and full-day tours of the city.

Image courtesy: Vaishal Kothari/Instagram

This palatial bungalow-turned boutique hotel goes back to 1923, built as a home for the family of Manibhai Dalai. The facade of the property has been repurposed to give a modern touch. The property has hosted some of the most eminent writers and intellectuals of the country. The interior decor is equal measures contemporary and traditional. On the one hand, you will find retro windows, and on the other, you will be climbing up an age-old wooden staircase. The ceiling fans here are over 70 years old, but the bathrooms are as modern as they come. They have a pizzeria too, which once served as a room to grind spices. Also on offer are a swimming pool and gymnasium to meet your modern-day necessities.

Image: WelcomHeritage Mani Mansion

Owned and managed by the congenial Mr Jagdip Mehta, this 4-room heritage property is more of a homestay and dates back to 200 years. While it may not be at par with the more sophisticated heritage properties in Gujarat, its hospitality is unmatched. You’d feel like you’re in your own home. The building represents a typical Ahmedabadi house with a central courtyard and an elegant facade with colonial influences. The house also features a traditional rainwater harvesting system. The prime attraction here is the Italian-esque ceilings which feature imposing carvings. They also host lively cultural and musical evenings to entertain their guests.

Image: heritagehouseinahmedabad.blogspot.com

One of the prettiest buildings of Ahmedabad, this 150-year-old hotel is a seamless blend of European and traditional Indian architecture. The building was restored by prolific French architect Pierre Cadot and his team. The hotel used to serve as an exclusive place for artists to stay but was later made open to everyone. The vintage mansion once served as the family home of a jeweler family. The artefacts here have been sourced from different parts of India and go well with the plush interiors. Meals can be arranged on request. They conduct photography and cycling tours, traditional cookery workshops, community culinary walks, and more.

Image courtesy: @shoot_with_sim/Instagram

The vintage Deewanji ni Haveli is 250-year-old and stands as a good example of traditional wooded buildings of Gujarat. Much reasonable in comparison to its counterparts, the heritage hotel is one of the most sought-after places to stay for regular visitors to Ahmedabad. It’s a favourite among couples too, who find its ethnic interiors romantic. Every room comes with an attached balcony, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. Some of them also feature a seating area or open out on the terrace. The stay includes a wholesome vegetarian breakfast. They also provide car rentals for an additional cost.

Image courtesy: Deewanji Ni Haveli/Facebook

This lush green property near Parimal Garden offers two en-suite bedrooms. The colonially-styled property was built in 1920 and offers a B&B service on its ground floor. A part of it serves as a gallery for art exhibitions and book readings. Replete with vintage furniture, the hotel has bright and airy courtyards and a common drawing area. The well-lit porch features a grand swing or jhoola, where you can spend your lazy afternoons getting drenched in urban luxury. Their dining hall will remind you of one of those old-fashioned cafes you must have visited in Mumbai and Kolkata. Breakfast is included in the tariff. Free WiFi is also available. From here, you can head to Ellis Bridge for a shopping spree.

Image: Mangalbag Gallery and Residency