The Oberoi Amarvilas

Yes, it's expensive, and we decided to treat ourselves for an anniversary splurge. But the view, which is probably the most amazing view in the world, and the service, which was excellent, make it absolutely worthwhile and totally worth it. We spent 2 nights, in a balcony room, and loved our stay. The view, the grounds, the pool, the food, and especially the attentive and thoughtful staff, who go out of their way for you, are the best we've experienced (and we've stayed in many great hotel on business around the world). We were delighted to be treated to a wonderful breakfast in the Kohinoor suite after our sunrise Taj visit, as an anniversary surprise, arranged by the hotel. (I thought my husband had arranged it at first, but he guiltily said he hadn't!). The view from the 5th floor was lovely, and the thoughtfulness and charm of Shruti, who looked after us and ordered special dishes for us, made it a breakfast to remember. For us, this was the nicest and most thoughtful touch a hotel has ever done. Wonderful, thank you. Dinner in the Indian restaurant both nights was incredible, excellent food (we love curry, being Brits), and the modern curry tasting menu was so delicious, we returned the next evening to eat a la carte, when I was treated to a kitchen tour to see naans being cooked on the tandoor (and had 4 cheese naans - my favourite - made for me!). Thank you to Rishabh for looking after us so delightfully at dinner. We spent several hours toasting ourselves in the sun (be careful, it's strong!) and lazing by the beautiful pool. The sorbet treats brought to us, along with water and sunscreen, were great. The pool guy (I wrote his name down wrongly, and can't remember it!) Even remembered my husband likes to smoke in the pool and brought over his ashtray and pool floats to rest his book on! Finally, Prachi, the manager, went out of her way to welcome us, check on us regularly and make sure we were enjoying ourselves. We loved our conversation with her before dinner on our second day, and were just complimenting her on the hotel staff's attentiveness, when I was bitten by a mosquito. Immediately, she fetched some bug spray, and even sprayed my legs for me, embodying the mantra of nothing is too small to help make our stay amazing. Indeed, we were also flattered to be gifted with lovely mementos from everyone from the maids, to the pool guy, to Prachi herself, who gave us a lovely professional photo from our Taj visit. Yes, it's expensive. But it's totally worth it, and is the nicest hotel experience overall we've ever had. The Taj is one of those places that you have to see in a lifetime. And the Oberoi Amarvilas is the hotel to stay in. ( Arrange a guide for the Taj, we used Sanjay, who was amazing. We arranged our own car and driver for the hotel transfer from the airport and back, because it was more reasonably priced).

I know this hotel has received many positive reviews, and let me add to the chorus. I have stayed at many luxury hotels around the world, but the Oberoi Amarvilas location, facilities and service combined to create the best hotel experience I’ve ever known. And that I may ever know, perhaps. Every room has a straight-on view of the Taj Mahal, and although the hotel was built only in 2001, it offers “old-looking� finishes and decor that impart a sense of history and luxury at every turn. What we really loved about the Oberoi Amarvilas (and the Rajvilas in Jaipur, reviewed separately), was the youthful, friendly and conversant staff. They gave the hotel a sense of energy and fun to accompany its incredible surroundings. The front desk and food and beverage staff spoke English fluently, and we were delighted to engage with them and learn about their country. The concierge set us up with a phenomenal guide to the Taj Mahal, who took us there the afternoon of our arrival, as well as a sunrise visit the following morning. The hotel delivers you from its front door to the gates of the Taj in golf carts, and the guide handled our ticket purchases. Although our family has visited other “wonders of the world,� staying at the Oberoi enhanced our experience of the Taj immeasurably. In all, we had the trip of a lifetime.

It is a beautiful hotel in view of the Taj Mahal from many of the rooms. We were amazed at the view. The staff was excellent including the staff in the restaurants. The only problem we had was our room was not cooling in the night and they provided a fan but didnt help much. We were given a discount on the room for the problem.

We had a wonderful experience at the Oberoi Amarvilas. First, the room (5th floor) was large and beautifully designed, with great view of the Taj Mahal. The hotel's people were very polite and professional. The hotel itself is beautiful, and we had a very good dinner at the restaurant. Also, this is the closest hotel to the Taj, and they took us early (6:00AM) by electric car (2-3 minutes drive), so we did not have to wait in the lines, and were back for breakfast at 8:30.

What can we say? Amazing experience! Great view! Professional staff! Attention to detail! Perfect customer service! Sense of humour! Perfect setting! If you want to visit Taj Mahal this is the place to stay for two nights - not one - so the second day you stay in the hotel close to the pool and the other facilities.