We decided to stop by Amarvilas for some cocktails and dinner to celebrate seeing the Taj. Our guide book had raved about the hotel and although it was very nice, to be honest it wasn't that unbelievable. Personally I didn't think the views were all that spectacular from the bar area, and there were no views from the pool or restaurant. Also the bar was small with limited options. The food was also pretty average, I wouldn't put it in my top 10 best meals in India. One of my travel companions doesn't drink and thus ordered a mocktail called Purple Tide. It was honestly the most disgusting thing I have ever smelled/tasted. Drinking it was like paying 300 rupees to experience college fraternity pledging. I was disappointed that an Oberoi hotel could have such a foul concoction on their menu. I'm sure it's the best hotel in Agra, but unless you have money to burn I would suggest splurging elsewhere.

1. I stayed in this hotel from 6 June to 7 June 2008 with my famely and friends. On 7 June when I came back to my room after visiting Tajmahal, my wallet which I did not bring during the trip to Tajmahal is gone from my room (521). 2. My relative all 3 girls stayed in room 106 was visited by 3 hotel members 7th June at 1 o'clock am with no reason at all. I made a complaint to the Operation Manager (he said) with no business card, and he told me that he'll e-mail me on the 8th of June (I gave him my business card), but till now I haven't receive the e-mail he promised me. I'am sure that Oberoi hotel management is very good on giving services to hotel guest but not with this "Operation Manager" only promising to give a better explanation by e-mail to me

To be upfront, I must admit that I'm a business traveler, not a luxury hotel traveler. This was a treat at the end of a business trip to India, stopping by to see the Taj Mahal on my way out of the country. The hotel was lovely, although the staff was incredibly stuffy. I had been sitting in a car for five hours upon arrival, and the staff kept insisting that I sit down while I wait for a personal concierge to check me in. They really honestly wouldn't be happy until I sat, and pestered me about nine times to sit. So I did. Then they walked me up to the room, and went through the check in process there, which I found kind of off-putting. Although maybe this is a luxury chain thing that I don't understand. The view of the Taj Mahal from the hotel room is incredible. It's so darn close. I didn't have a balcony, but it was summer in Agra, so staying inside was fine by me. The temperature at the end of April was something like 108 degrees F/45 degrees C, so it was HOT. The pool is simply the most exquisite pool I have ever been in. The water was perfect, and the staff around the pool were very attentive without being too much. The only complaint I had was that there are not nearly enough umbrellas at the pool. I think there were six total -- which seems somewhat hard to believe in the desert in India. The Internet was expensive -- probably $25 for a day's connection. The staff was very helpful helping me find a new driver back to Delhi, because the one I came with had car problems on the way down. If I were to do the trip again, I'd probably put the Oberoi/Taj Mahal visit at the front of the trip, instead of the end. I don't know if my complaints with the hotel and leg of the trip have to do with anything they did, or if I was just done and ready to go home.

Had an unpleasant experience dining at the Amarvillas, which left a sour after-taste. Called to make a reservation and was told it was a 'first come first serve' basis only. When arrived at the reception, was told that there were no tables available and had to wait for 45 mins to an hour. Strangely, as I left to take dinner elsewhere, they 'suddenly' had a table available in 10 mins. As I entered the restaurant, it was at least 1/3 empty. During the whole dinner, the restaurant never became full and there were at least 4 tables available at any one time. The most shocking thing was, as I took the first step into the restaurant, a waiter demanded to know my room number. I replied that I'm not staying at the hotel and made a reservation at the reception. He gave me a look, refused my entry and called the reception to confirm if I've lied?! I've never encountered such rude service at a supposedly top-notch hotel. Throughout dinner, the waiter simply threw the dishes and cutlery in front of me, as if he's doing me a favour, dishing me food. Funny how the level of service changed to utmost servility on other tables, with in-house guest. If they are not keen on serving me, why bother to 'suddenly' have a table available when I'm on the verge of leaving? Perhaps even the best hotels need business in the low tourist season...

My wife and I stayed at Amarvilas in November 2007. We were drawn in by the documented stunning views of the Taj from most of its guest rooms, restaurants, and lounges (as well as the lack of good lodging options in Agra), but we were unsure of our decision given that it was to be the most expensive hotel reservation we had ever made. After our less than pleasant overnight train journey and early morning transfer at the Mathura train station, I was no longer questioning the decision and was looking for comfort. Upon our arrival, I really did not have any further qualms, as we were given an upgrade to one of the top suites in the hotel. The suite was incredible. The most recent guests in our room may well have been Bollywood's "Big B," Amitabh Bachchan, or Mick Jagger (both were sighted recently at Amarvilas). Bill and Hillary Clinton have stayed here. We had a huge living area with a large balcony overlooking the grounds and a head-on view of the Taj. Off the dining portion of the living area was a kitchen with its own door for room service staff to enter. Our bedroom was lovely, with an ultra-luxurious and comfortable bed. The bathroom complex was something else. It had a huge, round, glass-enclosed, rain-style shower; a claw-foot tub with a window facing the Taj; multiple sink and mirror stations; and more than we can even remember now. We also had a powder room off the living room and another balcony leading from the bathroom. It is needless to say that everything was marble, beautiful fabric, etc. The staff was great; our check-in was painlessly processed in our room, and the service could not have been better. Simply put, it was the best hotel room we have ever had---and we certainly have stayed at the Four Seasons and comparable hotels before---and, certainly, will ever have. It would have easily been a multi-thousand dollar a night room, and that is not even considering the stunning views of the most beautiful building in the world. Looking back, we have no second thoughts about the splurge. Granted, not everyone will receive such an upgrade, but you never know! Dining at the hotel restaurants was excellent as well. We had a nice lunch at Bellevue and a delicious dinner at Esphahan (including a Lucknavi biryani). Ambiance at both was excellent. Our room service breakfast was tasty and beautifully presented, too.