India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [388]
Moderate
If for some reason our reviewed recommendations below are full, note that you can get a reasonably good deal at the Mansingh Palace (Fatehabad Rd.; 0562/233-1771; www.mansinghhotels.com; doubles from Rs 8,000), where you’ll have the option of getting a room from which you can (just) see the Taj. Styled as a faux fortress-palace, Mansingh Palace has similar amenities to the Taj-owned Gateway Hotel and Trident. For those on a more restricted budget, your best bet would be Howard Park Plaza (Fatehbad Rd.; 0562/233-1870;www.parkplaza.com), conveniently located near the Taj (15-min. walk). With doubles from Rs 5,000, this is good value for the host of amenities offered (including a pool).
The Gateway Hotel Fatehbad Road Agra Don’t be put off by the unattractive exterior of this, one of the first big tourist hotels to be built in Agra; what looks a bit like a 1970s apartment block offers a wide range of amenities and comfortable guest rooms, the best of which offer views of the monument you’re in town to see—at a fraction of the cost of both ITC Mughal and Amarvilas (though in truth, there’s no comparison in terms of design, luxury, or proximity). It’s worth reserving a Taj-facing room (room 518 has the best view) but bear in mind that it’s around 1km (1⁄2 mile) away. Generally, the deluxe rooms have more appeal, with marble floors and colorful throws and cushions, but they aren’t that much different from the slightly smaller, cheaper superior rooms. With extensive landscaped lawns and a marble pool with its own swim-up bar, this is a fair place to come home to after the rush of sightseeing.
Fatehabad Rd., Taj Ganj, Agra 282 001. 0562/223-2400 through -2418. Fax 0562/223-2420. www.tajhotels.com. 100 units. Rs 7,100 standard double; Rs 7,850 superior double; Rs 8,850 executive double Rs 19,000 executive suite; Rs 1,200 extra bed. Taxes extra. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; airport transfer (Rs 750); astrologer; babysitting; cultural performances by arrangement; currency exchange; doctor-on-call; health club and spa; Internet (Rs 250/hr., Rs 750/day); outdoor pool; putting green; room service; outdoor tennis court. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, minibar.
Trident Agra This is our second favorite hotel in Agra, predominantly because of the service levels, which are a great deal slicker than anywhere else in this price category—hardly surprising given that Trident is part of the distinguished Oberoi group (of which Amarvilas is their Agra flagship). In a low-key attempt to emulate Agra’s architectural heritage, this hotel uses the same red sandstone favored by the Mughal kings, but that’s where the similarity ends. In fact, the moment you step into the lobby, you’ll feel thoroughly located in the 21st century. Guest rooms use vibrant colors to inject energy into the otherwise ordinary spaces; the effect is refreshing, although hardly a stand-in for a bedside view of the Taj. Accommodations are arranged around a central garden, with manicured lawns, trimmed hedges, and a swimming pool; try to reserve a room facing this.
Taj Nagri Scheme, Fatehabad Rd., Agra 282 001. 0562/233-5000. Fax 0562/233-1827. www.tridenthotels.com. 138 units. Rs 8,500 deluxe garden view double; Rs 9,200 deluxe pool-view double; Rs 14,500 suite; no extra beds. Actual rate varies daily. Taxes extra. A friendly child policy is offered. Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; airport transfer (Rs 790); babysitting; doctor-on-call; Internet (Rs 200/hr., Rs 700/day); kids club; outdoor pool; room service; table tennis. In room: A/C, TV, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 200/hr., Rs 700/day).
Inexpensive
If you’re watching your rupees but want to be near the Taj, the Hotel Sheela (reviewed below) is less than 2 minutes’ walk from the entrance;