Given that it is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the world, Agra's accommodations can be disappointing, no doubt a case of resting on the Taj's laurels. The big exception is Amarvilas, which -- even if it means scrimping elsewhere -- is worth every cent, not least for its proximity to the Taj and the matchless views. Within the moderate price category, all located south and southwest (known as the Cantonment) of the Taj, there is incredible price parity; of these only the Trident offers good value. The best budget option, conveniently located within Tajganj (where the Taj is located), is the Hotel Sheela, reviewed below.
Moderate -- If for some reason our reviewed recommendations below are full, note that you can get an even better deal at the Mansingh Palace (Fatehabad Rd.; tel. 0562/233-1771; www.mansinghhotels.com; doubles from $155/£78), 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 and Trident, but the ambience is just a touch more cluttered; on the upside, however, this tends to mean that staff goes that little bit extra to try make you feel more comfortable. The previously government-run Hotel Yamuna View (6B, The Mall Rd.; tel. 0562/246-2990 or 0562-329-3777; www.hotelyamunaviewagra.com; doubles from $108/£54) has neat and fairly spacious guest rooms and a number of amenities such as an in-house restaurant, 24-hour room service, a pool, a travel desk, and laundry. But don't come expecting luxury, lavish trimmings, or above-average service.
Inexpensive -- If you're watching your rupees but want to be near the Taj, the Hotel Sheela (reviewed below) is less than a minute's walk from the entrance; it's ideal for travelers who can put up with absolute basics. Away from the main hype, the Hotel Amar (Tourist Complex Area, Fatehabad Rd.; tel. 0562/233-1884 through -1889; www.hotelamar.com) offers clean rooms with en-suite baths; renovations have given the lobby a modern feel, but the rooms are fairly tawdry, with standard amenities. All the rooms may be noisy given the proximity of traffic: Be sure to insist on an upstairs room looking toward the pool, which is well-maintained and sets the Amar apart from the other faceless options along busy Fatehabad Road. Doubles start at Rs 2,600 ($63/£32).
