The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra
One of the best hotels we have ever stayed in with our family
There are hotels you enjoy, and there are hotels that become part of the reason you remember a journey. For us, The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra belongs firmly in the second group. It is one of the best hotels we have ever been to, and a place I would put high on the list for a special family trip to India.
The setting is extraordinary: the hotel stands approximately 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, with views of the monument from every room and suite. Its Mughal-inspired architecture, fountains and terraced gardens give your stay a sense of connection to the city you have come to discover. Explore The Oberoi Amarvilas.
For families, that combination is particularly appealing. You can plan your day around a remarkable experience, then leave space to rest, swim and enjoy being together.
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Luxury rooms with a view of the Taj Mahal
The Premier Room with Balcony is a tempting choice if the view is a priority. The hotel describes these rooms as having 42 square metres of interior space, a private balcony overlooking the Taj Mahal, king or twin beds, and a butler on call. Having somewhere to sit and appreciate the setting adds another reason to spend time at the hotel between outings. Premier Room with Balcony.
When booking for a family, check the sleeping arrangements for your exact party before choosing a room. A beautiful room still needs to work for bedtime, luggage and the rhythm of travelling with children.
The published accommodation policy allows up to two children under 12 to share their parents’ room, with one extra bed at no additional charge where the room category permits it. Request that bed when booking. The policy says children above 12 require a separate room; if your child is exactly 12, confirm the applicable arrangement directly.
A discounted separate room for children under 12 may also be available, subject to room availability and excluded dates. Ask whether connecting rooms can be confirmed if that is important to your family. Read the hotel’s family policies.
The family luxuries worth making time for
A pool break between adventures
The temperature-controlled swimming pool is a lovely reason to keep part of the afternoon free. Its Mughal-inspired setting makes it feel like part of the hotel experience, with loungers and shaded places to relax nearby. For a family itinerary, I would pair an early sightseeing outing with a slower afternoon here. Pool and wellness facilities.
Dining that fits your family
Bellevue serves international and Indian cuisine, while Esphahan focuses on Indian dishes with traditional live music. Check each restaurant’s current booking arrangements and suitability for your children’s ages before planning dinner. Dining at The Oberoi Amarvilas.
The hotel’s child meal policy distinguishes restaurant buffet dining from à la carte and in-room dining. It lists complimentary buffet meals for children up to six and a reduced meal-plan rate for children aged six to twelve; à la carte dishes and room-service orders are charged from the menu. Confirm how the age bands apply to your children and what is included in your booked rate. Children’s meal policy.
Before arriving, I would also discuss any dietary needs, cot requirements or childcare requests with the hotel. Confirm availability and charges for each request so you know what to expect.
How to get to The Oberoi Amarvilas
Arriving from Delhi
For an international trip, Delhi is an arrival option to consider, followed by a road transfer to Agra. The hotel estimates approximately four hours from Delhi Airport, a distance of around 230 kilometres. Allow extra time for traffic and breaks, particularly after a flight.
Arriving by train or flying into Agra
Travelling to Agra by train is another option; check your chosen service’s arrival station before arranging pickup. The hotel lists a journey of around 25 minutes from Agra Railway Station and around 40 minutes from Agra Airport.
Agra Airport has special arrival procedures: hotel vehicles cannot meet guests at the terminal, and a coach connects the terminal with the main gate. Ask for current instructions and carry small denominations of Indian currency for the coach charge.
Continuing from Jaipur
The hotel estimates around four hours and forty minutes by road from Jaipur. These are planning estimates rather than guaranteed journey times. Hotel location and travel notes.
For our next family trip, I would request a transfer quote before arrival, including luggage capacity, pickup details and an appropriate child seat where needed.
Visiting the Taj Mahal with children
One of the hotel’s most useful features is its proximity to the Taj Mahal. The Oberoi lists private golf-buggy access towards the monument, making the short journey easier to plan. Confirm the drop-off point, operating times and any charges with the hotel. The transfer is separate from admission and security procedures. The hotel’s Taj Mahal information.
I would contact the concierge ahead of the stay to discuss an early visit and ask about a private guide who can tailor the storytelling to children. A guide who explains the building through patterns, craftsmanship and the people behind it can give younger visitors something concrete to notice.
Ask the hotel to clarify:
Whether it can arrange your preferred guide and help with tickets.
The departure time and buggy return arrangements.
Whether the main mausoleum is included in the ticket quote.
The total charges for guiding, admission and transfers.
These are arrangements to confirm individually; do not assume a Taj Mahal excursion is included in your room rate or comes with priority entry.
Practical details for your visit
The Taj Mahal is closed to general sightseeing on Fridays. The official tourism website lists free entry for children below 15, including foreign visitors, and a separate ticket supplement for entry to the main mausoleum. Check the current ticket rules before travelling.
Bring identification and water, and check the permitted-item rules before packing your day bag. I would keep the rest of that morning flexible rather than commit to another long outing immediately afterwards. Official Taj Mahal ticket information.
Browse private Taj Mahal tour options →
A separately booked tour is an alternative to asking the hotel to organise your visit. Compare the meeting point, guide, entrance tickets, transport and cancellation terms; third-party tours are not automatically Oberoi-operated experiences.
What else to do with kids in Agra
Bring Mughal history to life
The hotel offers Empires Unveiled, a 60-minute interactive session led by a historian. For older children interested in stories and architecture, it could provide context for the places you visit. Ask whether the session can be adapted to your children’s ages. Empires Unveiled.
Discover the craft behind the marble
Secrets of Pietra Dura introduces Agra’s marble-inlay tradition through its artisans. The published experience lasts 45 minutes. It is an option to enquire about for children who enjoy art and making things; confirm suitability and whether any participation is included. Secrets of Pietra Dura.
Both are separately listed hotel experiences, so request current prices, taxes and availability before booking.
Explore beyond the Taj Mahal
Agra Fort offers another way into the city’s Mughal history. I would choose a short, focused visit with children and let their energy determine how much you cover. Itmad-ud-Daulah, often called the Baby Taj, is another option, with marble decoration and gardens to explore.
For families continuing towards Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri could be considered as an en-route stop. Discuss the extra journey time with your driver before adding it to a travel day. Nearby attractions.
How long to stay
I would allow two nights if your itinerary permits. Arrive and settle in on the first day, visit the Taj Mahal the following morning, then choose between another outing and an afternoon at the hotel. A third night gives you more room for a cultural experience and a slower pace.
Check the Friday closure before selecting your dates. An extra night is most valuable when it gives your family time to enjoy the stay, rather than simply adding more sightseeing.
Why we would recommend it
The Oberoi Amarvilas is one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. For a family visiting Agra, its appeal lies in the opportunity to combine the Taj Mahal with a beautiful place to spend time together.
I would recommend making the hotel part of the itinerary itself. Leave time for the view, a swim and a meal, alongside the monument you have travelled to see. That balance is what I would look for when planning a luxury family stay in Agra.