2 Best places to stay in Agra

Probably one of Agra’s most venerable hotels, the century-old Grand Imperial began as a high-end Raj-era hotel hosting the era’s political grandees in its heyday.

These days the revamped property is more focused on leisure visitors, still very comfortable and characterful yet certainly not catering to an uber-lux clientele.

Arched verandahs, lofty ceilings, wide corridors and retro furniture – including four-poster beds – all reinforce a subtle colonial atmosphere, offset with ethnic detailing.

It’s a good choice for those wanting a faintly ‘olde-worlde’ atmosphere without breaking the bank, and a sense of being slightly away from the main hubbub of the city.

All the main sites are around 1-2kms away, but sightseeing in Agra tends to be done by taxi/escorted bus, so it’s still easy to get to all the main sites.

Just 600m southeast of the Taj Mahal, this property’s suites, rooms, terraced lawns and swimming pool all boast uninterrupted views of the iconic monument across an expanse of shrubbery and thin forest.

Pavilions, fountains and reflection pools – all echoing the architecture and motifs of refined Mughal and Rajput design – add to the hotel’s sumptuous atmosphere.

Rooms here balance modern styling with vintage detailing and ‘ethnic’ touches, and all have Taj Mahal views – the only hotel in the area that can offer that.

Amarvilas experiences include private balcony dining – candle-lit dinners for two served by a butler – and dining under the stars beside gurgling pools of water, a particular treat on full-moon nights.

There’s probably no better hotel in Agra.