Hotel Clarks Shiraz is one of the older names in Agra's upscale hotel scene, set on Taj Road in the central part of the city. It is on the Taj side of town without being in the crowded lanes of Taj Ganj, and the Taj Mahal is roughly a short drive away. The hotel is built in a broadly Mughal-inspired style and is aimed at a mix of leisure guests, tour groups and business travellers. For visitors it offers the familiar comforts of a big hotel: spacious public areas, several places to eat and drink, a swimming pool and a travel desk that can arrange cars, guides and tickets. It is a practical base if you want a traditional hotel experience in a convenient position rather than a boutique or a palace.
Location and getting around
Taj Road runs through the Cantonment area, which is calmer and greener than the old city and has its own restaurants, cafés and shops. The Taj Mahal is a short drive away, and Agra Fort and the other major sights are easily reached by car or tuk-tuk.
Fatehabad Road is nearby, which gives you plenty of other places to eat. Allow extra time at the start of a sunrise visit, and ask the hotel to arrange transport the night before, since gate times change through the year. Remember the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
The rooms and the rest
Expect a range of room categories from standard rooms to suites, with air conditioning, modern bathrooms and the usual hotel services. Public areas generally include several restaurants serving Indian and international dishes, a bar or lounge, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre, and there are meeting and banquet spaces that are often used for weddings and events.
Exact room types and facilities can change, so check the details when you book. Ask for a room away from the banquet areas if you are a light sleeper, and ask about breakfast and airport or station transfers.
Who it suits and what to know: it suits first-time visitors, families and groups who want a reliable, well-located hotel with full services at a more moderate price than the palace hotels, and it is a convenient base for the standard two-day Agra itinerary. It does not offer the Taj Mahal view of the top-end properties, so if the view is your priority, compare with the Oberoi Amarvilas or the Taj Agra. The October to March season is the busiest, so reserve early, and always confirm check-in and check-out times, parking and any extra charges for airport transfers directly with the hotel.
Why stay here
- ✓Central Taj Road location
- ✓Short drive to the Taj Mahal
- ✓Outdoor swimming pool
- ✓Multiple restaurants
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓Fitness centre
- ✓Travel desk and car hire
- ✓Event and banquet spaces
Good questions
How far is Hotel Clarks Shiraz from the Taj Mahal?+
It is a short drive away, roughly a couple of kilometres, depending on the gate and the traffic. Ask the hotel to arrange a car for early starts.
Does it have a Taj Mahal view?+
It is not known for Taj views, so choose a property such as the Oberoi Amarvilas or Taj Agra if the view matters most.
Is it a good choice for families?+
It is a conventional, full-service hotel with a pool and several restaurants, which suits many families. Ask about family rooms when you book.
