05 Mar 2023
The lunch buffet at Gapanti resort was really good and had many continental options available for those requiring a break from India cuisine, but also fantastic garlic naan and fish curry. Our driver said this was the better lunch option so we went here twice. Drinks were not included (as stated on the website), but our coffee was.
We got a great tour guide at Fateh Sikri (This is included in the cost- but as stated on the website the admission is not included. You also need to pay 30 rupees per person to take a bus up there).
We were greeted by someone from the company at the hotel for check in which was nice as our driver was not well informed about the itinerary and he tried to change it slightly. I would recommend that the company provides a more detailed itinerary to guests.
The hotel was really nice and had a view of the Taj Mahal from the rooftop bar. We paid for the 4* but ended up in a 5* hotel, Crystal Savorah Premiere, there was a gym which we were super grateful for, there was also a rooftop pool. We complained about our first room as you walked in and it smelled like smoke they happily upgraded us to another room. But it was clear the next morning that they just perfumed it because the next morning the second room smelt of mould. This seems to be a common problem in India likely due to the heat.
Dinner was not included in the cost. This confused us a bit as in the included section it said entry/admission to the golden street restaurant.
We ate dinner at the rooftop bar I was happy with our food, a couple of our friend got the pad Thai and were very disappointed. The Margherita cocktail was fantastic, but not the Long Island ice tea and mojito. The prices were quite inflated and didn’t find it was good value for money.
Our driver was friendly, kind and a very experienced driver who regularly checked in to ensure we were happy with his driving. It would have been nice if he spoke a bit more English so we could ask more questions on the long drive. But he tried so hard which was really nice and when we did get stuck, he called his brother to help him.
Our tour guide for the Taj Mahal and Agra fort was fantastic and seemed really pleased with our questions and interests in the history. Many jokes and laughs were had. His photo taking skills were not great, but that’s not his job.
The Marble demonstration was really cool. We opted out of the textile and rug making demonstrations.