If you've ever been to Vadodara, you might have come across Surya Palace, now known as Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace. It may have been a family wedding, a corporate conference, or just a Sunday buffet. This hotel has been a part of the cultural fabric of the city for over 40 years!
Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace goes beyond crafting a royal experience when you visit or stay. It's a familiar name that has grown with the city, keeping pace with change, while holding onto the charm that made it so special.
Since joining the Accor Group under the Grand Mercure banner, the hotel has incorporated international hospitality standards with its local essence. It still feels rooted in Vadodara, although it now welcomes guests from all over the world.
Now, let's take a closer look at the humble beginnings of the hotel and the milestones that have shaped its legacy. We will also explore the values that continue to define its guest experiences today.
Let's go back to the early 1980s when global hotel chains had yet to arrive in Vadodara. It was during this time that Surya Palace opened its doors as a modest hotel, independently owned. Neither did it have the backing of a big name, nor the splendor of a luxury brand.
However, the hotel had something much more potential - ambition. The management was committed to making the guests feel cared for and looked after.
Located conveniently in Vadodara, Surya Palace started attracting both locals to host events and travellers to stay here. Wedding receptions and business lunches started becoming pretty common - something Vadodara hadn't seen much of at that time.
Here's what attracted visitors to Surya Palace.
Gradually, the reputation of Surya Palace became widespread through word of mouth, not flashy campaigns. People visited the hotel, loved the atmosphere, and then brought more people. They told their colleagues, families, and in the process, it emerged as one of the most trusted names in the hospitality sector of the city.
With little or no direct advertising, Surya Palace took time to evolve into a reputed name. As the years went by, it began to feel less like just a hotel and more like part of the daily life of the city. What started as a mid-sized independent property slowly became the venue for some of the most memorable moments of Vadodara.
Families celebrated milestone birthdays, engagement ceremonies, and weddings. Some families even booked the venue across two or three generations. Businesses in Vadodara opted for Surya Palace for corporate meetings and events. Its reliable service and well-designed spaces could handle everything from boardroom talks to grand banquets.
Beyond its infrastructure, the consistency of service made Surya Palace a talked-about name. Guests often speak of how they could always rely on the food quality. The prompt service and the coordinating staff remembering small preferences made them feel at home.
Today, there's a certain nostalgia that the hotel still carries within its walls. For many families in Vadodara, Surya Palace is a place where they created memories, and the stories have been passed on.
Surya Palace entered a new phase in 2017, when it joined hands with the Accor Group. The hotel was rebranded as Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace. This was the phase when it entered the international hospitality sector. However, as a hotel already loved by locals, it stayed true to its roots.
As it became a part of the Grand Mercure brand, the hotel embraced international standards. This included:
This shift wasn't a jolt, but a gentle transition to something more promising. At its heart, the commitment to serving visitors remained the same. The rebranding didn't dilute its local character, which is rare but worth appreciating. Today, guests enjoy the same warmth that once defined Surya Palace. The familiar staff, the trusted food, and the timeless hospitality stayed intact. Now, it's even more polished with a global outlook.
Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace is a name locals associate with celebrations and memories that they create.
Azure, the all-day dining restaurant at the hotel has defined the signature taste and quality of the establishment. It is known for its multi-cuisine menu and warm ambiance. Apart from guests, it's a favorite among residents around the city. They regularly drop by for special dinners and business lunches.
Vanilla is the Vanilla, the in-house patisserie at Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace. It is noted for its handcrafted cakes and pastries. Even today, many loyal customers believe that a celebration in Vadodara remains incomplete without a cake from Vanilla.
Maybe, there are very few people in Vadodara who haven't attended a function at the massive ballroom at Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace. It's the perfect venue for various events, including:
The strategic location of Surya Palace adds to its charm. It lies just a few minutes away from Sayaji Baug, Laxmi Vilas Palace, and key business districts around the city. It's perfectly placed for both tourists and professionals.
In 2025, Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace continues to evolve without losing its roots. Digital check-ins, smart control rooms, and an increasing shift towards sustainability define its consistent evolution. Accor has taken global green initiatives, incorporating energy-efficient lighting and waste reduction programs.
More than a hotel, Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace is a feeling, presenting a familiar smile whenever you check in. Visitors love the aroma of their well-loved dish, and the comfort of knowing some things never change.
For locals, it's a memory lane. For visitors, it's a warm welcome that carries the essence of tradition. Book your stay or lunch at a place that feels like the city's heart!
