Having reached its golden age during the Mughal Empire, Agra’s rich historical past attracts visitors from far and wide, drawn by the city’s World Heritage sites, including the legendary Taj Mahal. After a hectic sight-seeing day, Agra’s 5 star hotels are the perfect place to relax away from the dusty streets while enjoying leisurely views of the Taj from the privacy of your room.
Oberoi Amarvilas, Mughal Sheraton and Taj View are among the most popular venues for discerning visitors in search of a memorable experience.
Oberoi Amarvilas Agra
The Oberoi Amarvilas is one of the leading resorts of the world and claims the best views of the Taj Mahal. The décor is of Moorish and Mughal design with gardens to match, lawns, pools and pavilions. All guest rooms have LCD TV, internet access, personalized butler service and Ayurvedic bathroom amenities. Top of the range are the luxury suites on the 5th floor.
The Oberoi spa menu offers yoga and holistic treatments by Thai therapists, including touch therapy and indigenous signature rituals. Guests will also find a steam room, gym and outdoor pool with shaded and sunny areas.
The Bellevue restaurant serves international and Indian cuisine while the Esphalan is for traditional Indian fare, evenings only, booking recommended. The Oberoi Amarvilas received four major awards in 2010.
ITC Mughal Sheraton Agra
The newly renovated Sheraton blends modern amenities with a stylish opulent décor. Guest accommodation includes Chamber of Emperors and Chamber of Kings rooms, with garden, pool or Taj Mahal views, and suites from Deluxe to Presidential.
The Royal Spa is the largest of its kind in India, designed in Mughal and contemporary styles. Among the options are water therapy and steam, luxury hamam, outdoor rain shower and Ayurvedic beauty rituals. There’s a fitness centre, yoga garden, outdoor pool, jogging track and nature trails.
Dining may be enjoyed at the Peshwari restaurant serving Indian dishes from the north-west frontier, Bagh e Bahar for multi-cuisine, with music and garden view, the Taj Bano for gourmet buffet and the Mahjong Room for Oriental delicacies.
A shopping arcade and business centre complete the Sheraton picture.
Taj View Agra
The Taj View Agra, or "Gateway Hotel Fatehabad," is a modern venue offering value for money rather than outlandish luxury. Guest rooms and executive suites have city, pool or garden view and in some cases, views of the Taj Mahal in the distance.
The Taj is set in six acres of landscaped gardens and has a swimming pool, business and fitness facilities, plus beauty salon, bookshop, shopping arcade and an astrologer who can be consulted in the lobby most evenings. The spa menu features traditional Indian rituals. Guests will find all day dining in the coffee shop, with international and Indian buffet, and Indian and Chinese cuisine in the traditional ambiance of the Jhankar restaurant.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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