Straddling a large bend of the holy Yamuna River is the gorgeous city of Agra. It’s famed as the legendary home of the marble mausoleum of Taj Mahal, which is an immortal ode to love. The magical allure of the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site draws travelers like moths to a chalk-white flame. And no matter what you’ve heard, the majestic monument is every bit as magnificent as you’ve heard. In fact, one of the best things to do is staying at hotels in Agra, India, that lies near the Taj Mahal or enjoy its views. Imagine waking up to misty views of the stunning monument, one of the Most Incredibly Beautiful World Heritage Sites, and taking in the scenery over your morning brew.
That said, the Taj is not the only attraction in the city. Since it was an important outpost of the Mughal empire, Agra has many Top Things To Do In And Around Agra. Think fascinating mausoleums, tombs, and a magnificent fort too. Even culture and shopping enthusiasts will have fun exploring the city’s bustling marketplaces, known as chowks. But, nothing beats staying near the Taj or enjoying its views from your perch. To that end, here are the 11 best hotels in Agra, India near the Taj Mahal or with its view.
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The Oberoi Amarvilas
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The Oberoi Amarvilas is one of the most luxurious hotels in Agra India with Taj view. You can see the monument from just about everywhere, your room, the restaurant, and even the comfort of your bathtub! Amarvilas is located right on the Taj East Gate Road, a stone’s throw from the entrance. What’s more, it’s also the only Agra hotel to offer unobstructed views from all its 102 rooms and suites. If that wasn’t enough, you even get premium access to the monument! The Kohinoor Suite is the best of them all, boasting a private terrace and wall-to-wall windows. The best bit? The freestanding bathtub and the king bed both face the monument. So, why not enjoy a romantic soak with your beau with stunning Taj views?
Every nook and cranny of the hotel is a tribute to Mughal splendor, antique furniture, jaalis (screens), intricate filigree work, arches, and landscaped gardens with fountains. Tuck into delectable Indian and international fare at its many restaurants, especially since they’re accompanied by live folk music. The multi-tiered pool surrounded by lush gardens is the ultimate place to unwind, especially since it also has Taj views. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, indulge in a four-course dinner under the stars on your private terrace with a personal butler serving you.
Hotel Taj Resorts
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On the Taj East Gate Road sits Hotel Taj Resorts, one of the most value-for-money hotels in Agra with Taj view. Choose from just 34 rooms and suites, which makes for an intimate stay. Besides being comfortable and immaculate, they’re done up in neutral hues and feature all standard amenities such as coffee and tea-making facilities, flatscreen TV, and free Wi-Fi.
That said, the hotel’s rooftop steals the show here. Not only does it have a gorgeous rooftop infinity pool, but it also offers some of the most Instagrammable views of the Taj Mahal. Next door sits the Taj Terrace restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious European, Chinese, and Mughlai fare with stunning views of the monument. In fact, the restaurant can even arrange for live Indian classical music to play while you dig into dinner and enjoy nighttime views of the Taj. Finally, the hotel even arranges for government-verified guides to show you around the city and free shuttle services to the Taj Mahal.
Hotel Atulyaa Taj
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Hotel Atulyaa Taj is one of the most gorgeous boutique hotels in Agra India near Taj Mahal. Located on the Taj East Gate Road, this hotel boasts comfy interiors and sleek designs. The rooms and suites feature warm and dark hues. They might not be quite as opulent as some of the other hotels on this list. But, they’re all spacious, with mod-cons such as flatscreen TVs and minibars and immaculate bathrooms. That said, the amenities are perhaps the best part of the hotel. The rooftop is the epicenter of all things amazing here since it has a heavenly swimming pool and a garden restaurant, both with spectacular views of the Taj Mahal. After a refreshing swim, you can relax on the daybeds and enjoy delicious meals at the restaurant.
Hotel Clarks Shiraz
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Another luxury hideaway hotel in Agra near Taj Mahal is Hotel Clarks Shiraz. The hotel lies on Taj Road, less than 10 minutes from its West Gate. Ensconced in mature foliage, this expansive hotel is one amazing peaceful retreat in the center of the city. You have the choice of 236 stunning rooms and suites which radiate a regal yet home-like vibe. Think rich, warm hues, wall hangings, and antique-style furniture, but with modern accouterments such as plush mattresses and modern bathrooms. Moreover, the best rooms enjoy views of the majestic Taj Mahal. Since not all rooms face the monument, you need to upgrade to a Taj-facing room for a fee. But trust us, it’s worth it.
You’ll especially love the outdoor pool set amidst lush green lawns after a long day of sightseeing. After a refreshing swim, pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic treatment at the Adheba spa. Even the fitness center boasts huge windows with views of the monument, as does the excellent restaurant and bar that serves Mughlai cuisine.
Crystal Sarovar Premiere, Agra
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How’d you like waking up to views of the Taj Mahal every morning from your window? Then Crystal Sarovar Premier is one of the best hotels in Agra India. The five-star property lies on Agra Bah Road, less than 10 minutes from the Taj Mahal. The rooms and suites are swanky, with most of them offering clear views of the Taj Mahal’s ivory-white dome, one of the World’s Most Famous Domes, amidst lush greenery. What’s more, the luxurious living spaces feature comforts such as flatscreen TVs, leather sofas, and swish bathrooms. The rest of the hotel is equally impressive, especially the open-air restaurant. With barbeque grills and views of the Taj, it’s the perfect place to spend the sundown and the evening. Workout fanatics will like the fitness center, while families with children will appreciate the play zone for the kids.
The Coral Tree Homestay
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The Coral Tree Homestay is one of the chicest hotels in Agra near Taj Mahal. Located right off the Taj East Gate Road, this bright yellow-and-blue bed and breakfast is the perfect budget stay near the Taj. It’s run by an affable couple, of whom the husband is a government-approved tour guide! Choose from four spotless and spacious rooms decorated with posters and Indian motifs. Moreover, all the light-filled rooms have all basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, toiletries in the ensuite bathrooms, and coffee and tea-making facilities. The cherry on top is that they all have private balconies that overlook the lush but well-kept garden teeming with hundreds of local bird species.
You’ll love the rest of the thoughtfully maintained bed and breakfast. Bibliophiles, in particular, will love the well-stocked library with books on India. Eat a hearty breakfast at the communal table in the common lounge, where the couple also offers home-cooked lunches and dinners. What’s more, you can even get henna tattoos and cooking lessons at the place. Finally, the owners even offer guided nature walks around the Taj Mahal the rest of Agra.
Courtyard by Marriott
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Courtyard by Marriott is one of the plushest hotels in Agra India. The hotel lies less than 10 minutes from the Taj on Fatehabad Road. Done up in soothing and upscale hues of matte gold and silver, the contemporary décor is a welcome and subtle contrast to Agra’s hubbub. The lobby and the 171 rooms and suites are flooded with lots of natural light. Moreover, the digs also feature elegant furnishings, etched glasswork, and chevron patterns. The marble bathrooms are a standout feature, as are the patios with alfresco furniture in the higher-up rooms. They might not have the Taj view up-close, but these Agra hotel rooms do boast some of the best sweeping views of the city with the monument in the distance.
The rest of the hotel is equally impressive, especially the all-day MoMo Café restaurant that’s quite popular with the locals too. A stocked deli is perfect for grabbing meals on the go, but it’s the Onyx Bar that takes the cake. With its open plan, it’s the perfect place to grab a sundowner and a meal later on. Furthermore, the heavenly outdoor pool is a great place to cool off and enjoy a refreshing swim. Finally, unwind with an Ayurvedic massage or a body treatment at the Tattva Spa.
ITC Mughal
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No Agra hotel does tasteful luxury as the ITC Mughal, one of the best hotels in Agra with Taj view. Besides the superb views, the ITC has also won the Aga Khan Award for Architectural Excellence for representing Mughal architecture. Also, it’s the only Indian hotel to be awarded this honor! Set amidst lush formal gardens, the hotel boasts a slew of amazing rooms and suites. The best of them all is the Royal Mughal Suites, which lie in the discrete Khwab Mahal (Palace of Dreams). They’re huge and even come with rainfall showers and deep-soaking bathtubs. If you want something modern and indulgent, the sprawling Presidential Suites are more up your alley. They come with specially crafted mementos, plunge pools, lounge access, and even butler service.
It’s only natural to expect such an opulent hotel to have excellent amenities, and ITC doesn’t disappoint. Relish Indian, Mughlai, and Peshawari delicacies at the on-site restaurants. Couples will love sipping on sundowners at the Bagh-E-Bahar bar that overlooks the pool and the gardens. The piece de resistance is the sparkling blue pool peppered with foliage and surrounded by the plushest sunbeds you’ll ever see under umbrellas.
Trident, Agra
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Located right at the end of the Taj East Gate Road is Trident, one of the most lavish hotels in Agra India. Set amidst lush landscaped gardens featuring water fountains, the red sandstone hotel pays homage to Agra’s Mughal legacy. With just 135 rooms and suites, staying here is an exclusive experience indeed. Decked out in muted hues, all rooms feature tasteful decor and overlook the pool, the gardens, or the stunning central courtyard. Amongst the rooms, the Premier ones are the best and have Mughal-inspired art panels and classic styling. However, the suites are the epitome of luxury with luxury Kama bath amenities and Italian Botticino marble bathroom fittings.
Families traveling to Agra with children will particularly love the hotel as it has a Trident Kids’ Club. The place has a tent for children, a splash pool, games, and a dedicated play area with toys. What’s more, it even has offerings for older children, such as nature walks, baking, painting, and pottery. Later on, the entire family can dine at the on-site restaurant, which is the only place in Agra that serves wood-fired oven pizzas. When the kids have gone to sleep, parents can enjoy a nightcap at the relaxed bar.
Joey’s Hostel
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Can you imagine that one of the best hotels in Agra with Taj view has rooms for less than 10 USD? Welcome to Joey’s Hostel, which lies just south of the monument in Taj Ganj. From its rooftop, the views of the Taj Mahal are so unobstructed and gorgeous that you won’t even have to zoom your camera! Choose from a host of dorms and private rooms, all of which are immaculate, spacious, and feature plush beds. Some of the rooms even have a patio with alfresco furniture where you can enjoy coffee and overlook the busy life in Taj Ganj. Despite being a budget hostel, Joey’s also has a shared lounge with barbeque facilities. It’s a great place to mingle, hang out and swap stories with fellow travelers. There’s a shared kitchen for whipping up quick meals, but the hostel offers a hearty breakfast to begin your day easy. Wrapping up the facilities are games and currency exchange facilities.
Radisson Hotel
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Radisson Hotel is one of the overall best hotels in Agra India near Taj Mahal. The Radisson brand is famous all over the world, and the Agra outpost is no exception. The five-star hotel boasts a bevy of rooms and suites that come with all mod-cons for a comfortable stay. Think flatscreen TVs and plush beds where you can watch movies as well as enjoy the best views of the Taj Mahal! What’s more, the rooms even have minibars that are perfect for chilling after a busy day. Couples will especially love the rooms, most of which have glass walls between the rooms and the bathrooms! The suites are especially decadent since there’s a jacuzzi tub right in the room, just steps from the bed.
That said, the two massive outdoor pools are the standout amenity on the property. The cool and refreshing waters are perfect for a dip, especially after a long day of sightseeing. There are also many dining options on the property, but the rooftop fine dining restaurant with views of the majestic monument is the best.
Where to Stay in Agra
Located less than four hours south of the capital New Delhi, Agra is one of the most scintillating cities in India. By a happy coincidence, most of the best hotels in Agra near Taj Mahal are within a 1.2-mile radius (2 km) of one of its three entrances. The most prominent entrance is along the Taj East Gate Road, which leads directly to the main ticket office. It features many hotels across all kinds of budgets, including the grand Oberoi Amarvilas. The final stretch of this road, around 1 km (1.6 miles), is a vehicle-free zone used only by electric shuttle buses, horse-carts, and cycle-rickshaws. The next best area is Taj ganj, a lovely village that sits along the southern perimeter of the Taj Mahal complex. It’s ideal for budget-minded travelers as the narrow, but spotless alleys are packed with cheap cafes and guesthouses.
Finally, the other main area to stay in Agra is near its other major attraction, Agra Fort, and it’s called Old City. This chaotic but utterly captivating area features bustling bazaars and even a majestic mosque. The Old City is around 2 km (1.2 miles) away, but it means you can explore attractions at your own pace.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Agra
- Jahanapanah: For the best Awadhi cuisine in the city, there’s no better place than Jahapanah, which means ‘Refuge of the World’ in Urdu. The restaurant serves some of the most sublime North Indian Mughlai fare with some of their most legendary dishes being kakori, galauti kebabs, and Lucknowi biryani.
- Stuff Makers: This is the restaurant to go to in Agra for delicious food and stunning views of the Taj Mahal. Tucked oin the rooftop terrace of the Kamal Hotel, the restaurant serves not only Indian but also Western and Continental cuisines. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll always have an amazing time at Stuff Makers.
Recommended Activities in Agra
- Private Taj Mahal and Agra Local Heritage Day Tour: There’s nothing like exploring the amazing architecture and monuments of Agra for an entire day. This amazing tour takes you around Agra and its gorgeous sights in an air-conditioned vehicle, while switching to the humble but quick autorickshaw to tour the narrow bylanes of the Old City.
- Agra Walking And Tasting Guided Tour: Agra boasts a bevy of culinary delights with sweets such as petha and the famous chaat gali, which a street full of vendors selling an array of savory snacks. On this two-hour tour, tuck into the best food that Agra has to offer on this tour.
