Everything was perfect about this hotel. I say this as a tour leader for a group of 12. Although it is more grand than I would opt for on my own when travelling, it was a dream come true for work purposes. Rooms are huge and lush with views of the Taj Mahal and walk-in closets. The food is excellent and varied in their restaurants. The pool was deserted and heated. The staff were amazingly friendly and efficient, and not overbearing. I was amazed to discover that their business center rates were very reasonable, as were their non-alcoholic drinks. They have a good DVD lending library, golf carts to the Taj if people aren't up to walking the rather short distance, and the bathroom ammenities were lovely and abudant.

When my husband arrived, we were upgraded for no apparent reason to a top floor suite, I think it was the Nehru suite. Regardless of the name, it was beyond fabulous. Larger than our place in the US, terrace surrounding the whole unit, amazing views of the Taj, the property and agra daily life. I'm not sure of the price, but loved, loved, loved our room. My guess is that they knew we've stayed at other Oberois and decided to reward returning customers. My advice to them is to let us know that.

That said, I can understand how it might be a bit generic for some tastes. Although it is opulent, it is a larger hotel and therefore doesn't have the funny little eccentrices that make other places feel more homey, comfortable, etc. In my mind it is more hotel than resort.

Food was fine - I don't really remember it so it couldn't have been too bad.

Pool was gorgeous and romantic.

Everything was perfect, nothing was too much trouble for the friendly, helpful staff. Our room had a fantastic, uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal.

All my life I have wanted to visit the Taj Mahal so it had to be nothing less than the Amarvilas. I take onboard about nobody to help you to reception on arrival but we had a courier from the travel company so we were lucky. Nobody also to hold doors open for you at hotel entrance - they do at The Imperial Delhi! I asked our courier to get a room as high up as possible so we got floor three. I think floors 4 & 5 are suites with the inevitable price rise. If you are going to Armarvilas go as high as you can as the trees have grown a lot since the brochure/web pictures were taken. Like the one taken from their lounge - you can only see the top dome now.

Bedroom was grand & comfortable with the excellent view of course. Noticed the drainage in the bathroom was poor. The shower cubicle would fill up leading to a tidal wave spilling into the bathroom, plus the sink was slow too. The bed turn down service in the evening was an art form to watch too.

We eat in both restaurants during our stay. The main Bellvue restaurant I had a risotto but was not impressed by it as it was laced with chilie powder. The breakfast was a close second in my opinion to The Imperial. In the Esphahan I did ask for no chilie powder to be added which they are more than happy to do for you.

The pool was the best in India with steam rising it was just like a bath.

We used the laundry service as running out of clothes and it was amazing the presentation on it's return.

Business centre was the best so far, individual offices for privacy.

I am pleased to say the shops were the only ones in India where you are allowed to look without being hassled to come in & buy!!! No doubt they would be booted out if one complaint was received.

I loved Agra & I loved the Oberoi but I can understand others who say they are cashing in on the location. That said if you are bowled over by the Taj Mahal then you have to stay at Armavilas so you can view it till sundown.