The Best Budget Hotels in Agra, India

With views of the shimmering Taj Mahal across the treetops, this modern hotel in the Taj Ganj district is almost equidistant from the celebrated structure and the Agra Fort. When you’ve paid homage to these beauties, return to a cooling swim in the rooftop pool flanked by wooden daybeds and parasols, before relaxing in your room amid hints of regal red. Hungry? Dine on Indian classics at the fine-dining courtyard restaurant or up by the pool on a winning combination of buffet and barbecue.

With a red exterior mirroring the red sandstone landmarks in the area, this contemporary hotel is ideal if you love spending time outside. Lush lawns, lofty palm trees and an oval outdoor pool will keep you happy when you’re not soaking up the sights. A selection of the rooms reveal views of the Taj Mahal and all are softly styled with glossy silks and marble tiles in gentle shades. If you’ve not seen enough of it, you can keep your eye on the white-ivory monument from the Mughal Room restaurant, where Mughlai dishes are accompanied by atmospheric live ghazal music.

You won’t run out of places to eat and drink at this inviting hotel, where you can kick off your day with a fruit colada mocktail – fresh fruit with pineapple juice and coconut cream. The refined rooms and suites feature wood panelling with carvings and artwork nodding to local heritage; ask for one with a view of the Taj Mahal, a 20-minute drive away. When you’re not out exploring the sights, take a stroll in the pleasing gardens or ease the Indian heat with a dip in the outdoor pool.

A pool flanked by palm trees and gardens crisscrossed by pretty paths and dotted with cooling fountains will soothe the most flustered of tourists after a day in sweltering Agra. Feast on idlis (savoury rice cakes) and dosas (rice and lentil pancakes) or freshly baked pastries for breakfast, available from 6am for early risers heading out to beat the heat and the crowds. The pared-back rooms keep things simple, saving the ornate decor for the famous sights that begin a kilometre (0.6mi) away.

A swim in this Agra hotel’s rooftop pool is a sure way to get your day off to a good start. So is a warming bowl of lentil dahl or a power-packed cheese and tomato omelette. Clutter-free rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows allow views of the impressive Taj Mahal – under 2km (1.2mi) away – to vie for your attention with the super-long, blue-tiled outdoor pool, surrounded by a wooden deck and shaded sunbeds.

This fun-filled cheap hotel in Agra, located in a quiet, gated community, is lit up like a Christmas tree, with multi-coloured lights illuminating every tree, ceiling and wall – even the patio is a ‘70s disco floor. If you find yourself dancing into the wee hours, take the 300m (1,000ft) stroll to the Taj Mahal ticket office in time for sunrise. Later, sip a chilled craft beer as you kick back on the two-tier terrace overlooking the New Seven Wonders of the World monument.

Located 4km (2.5mi) from Agra Fort railway station, this hotel invites you to cool off in its large outdoor pool with waterslide and wall-of-water feature. If the sun gets too much, head inside, where you can relax in rooms with wooden details and plush, richly coloured fabrics providing more than a hint of grandeur. If you’re still recovering from jet lag, grab a muscle-relaxing massage in the spa or have a stretch in the gym. When hunger strikes, head to the on-site restaurant for southern Indian delicacies such as crispy dosas and sweet chutney.

The cherry on the cake at this glass-fronted budget hotel in Agra, a 10-minute drive from the airport, is the in-room massage service. Once you’re suitably relaxed, sleep soundly in your simple room decked out in cream and chocolate brown tones with cool tiles underfoot. Come morning, have a crack at the egg station, ordering them whichever way you want, or wait it out for pizza or an Indian feast at dinner time.

Half an hour’s drive from Agra airport and six minutes from the red sandstone Jawab Masjid mosque, this laid-back hotel offers the best of both worlds. It’s small, but there’s a restaurant for dawn breakfasts, with strong coffee to keep you awake, an airy dining room and a kitchen you can use to whip up your own concoctions.

Forgotten that holiday gift for your friend? This pared-back, city-view hotel is only a five-minute walk from shops stocked with endless souvenirs, from marble handicrafts to pashminas and sarees, as well as inviting neighbourhood restaurants and cafes. Savour local rice, meat and vegetable dishes in the on-site restaurant among pretty screens and shining marble floors. When it’s time to head back to the airport, there’s a budget-saving free shuttle service, meaning more money for your shopping spree.