After spending almost the entire year in the morose morbid atmosphere it was tough when we decided to take a short or let’s say tiny break. Two cities were shortlisted Varanasi and Agra. Finally Agra was the chosen city. Next came in the task of choosing accommodation option.
We were sure we wanted to stay in decent properties or let’s say renowned properties, mainly because we were sure that at least they would be careful in terms of safety protocols in wake of pandemic. As in the past, we preferred contacting hotels directly for rates.
After receiving the reverts from many in Agra, Holiday Inn Agra became the chosen one.
The feel good ambiance right from my first interaction was one of the main factor which made Holiday Inn the chosen one. Right from Japreet, whom I interacted with first at Reservations, who didn’t hesitate in offering competitive rates to the Sales Head Varun who not only reconfirmed the value proposition but also went an extra mile to make us feel at ease in uncertain time.
Locating Holiday Inn Agra was not difficult. Its right there on MG Road (bang opposite the Hari Parwat crossing, opposite the Youth Hostel MG road (Sanjay Palace Complex), close to Hari Parwat Police Station).
Check in by Devyani was smooth and in sync with safety protocols. Right from the entry all security protocols were being followed (temperature checks on every entry, sanitisation of your baggage (in fact every baggage irrespective of how many times you bring in was being sanitised), provision of hand sanitiser at prominent locations and so on.
We were given the garden facing room. The room was spacious and the bed was really a King Size bed and not like the bed which many properties use in place of the king size. The ambiance inside the room was nice, cosy and inviting . There was ample storage space. The washroom with customised Biotique toiletries was spacious.
The housekeeping team especially Puran and Ravi were always willing to help.
In view of the pandemic protocols the breakfast was decent. Yes it was not the King size fare but definitely a princely fare in comparison to the fares being offered by many others. One had ample choices to choose from – from Indian to continental, from puris and paranthas to cakes, breads, juices etc. The F&B team was conscious about the COVID protocols including the social distancing protocol. The F&B team under F&B manager Amrit was helpful especially Tara and Priyanka. The food was delicious.
Our stay was comfortable and without any issues.
Pros : This property is in the heart of the commercial center of Agra. Close to all tourist locations marketplace etc. Don’t expect Taj view, we didn’t, for that choose properties on Fatehabad Road. Expect service with smile. All major tourist destinations (except Fatehpur Sikri) are close by; Guru Ka Taal Gurudwara, Sikandara, Tomb of Mariam uz Zamini are near by, so is Itmad al Daula, Chini ka Rauza etc. Big spacious rooms.
Cons : This property being in the commercial center of Agra does not boast of large landscaped garden areas though it has decent amount of green cover. As mentioned earlier, those looking for Taj view should not opt for this property, they should choose properties on Fatehabad Road.
Expect service with smile and a willingness to take that extra step to make you feel comfortable and wanted.
Location : https://www.google.com/maps/search/holiday+inn+agra/@27.1985926,78.0019626,17z
Pravāsavarṇana 