Originally Posted by KI-NRT

If seeing Tigers is your priority (and why would it not be?), then it's less about the hotel and much more about the timing and location.

March through June 10 (which is when safari season ends throughout India) is the best time to see them, since it's much hotter and drier, so Tigers can more easily be spotted near watering holes, and the vegetation is much lower. This is not unlike Africa. Keep in mind that from the 2nd half of March it is not unusual for the temperatures to exceed 40C, so beware.

Ranthambore is the most popular (and crowded) of the Tiger destinations because it's within relatively close proximity to Delhi. For the best spottings, it's a balance between Tiger density, accessibility within the park as well as the # of permits that they issue each day. And, the farther it is from major cities, the less tourists typically congregate there. Which is why Bandavgarh, Kanha, Tadoba and Kabini/Nagarhole are considered among the best places to see them. Note, however, that you're never going to have the place to yourself - it's not Africa, and you'll have to live with it.

If you do elect to go to Ranthambore, make sure to go for the full-day safari, and do it early, as they only offer a handful of such permits per day. This also lets you get into the park 15 minutes before everyone else, and allows you to stay up to 15 minutes after everyone has to leave. The latter is absolutely priceless, because - if it's late in the afternoon - even if you're at a sighting and your view is blocked by 50 other vehicles, if you're patient everyone will have to leave, and then you have the sighting (almost) to yourself. If you don't go for the full-day safari, and you want to skip an outing, skip the afternoon drive.. Tigers are far more active in the morning. Regarding Oberoi vs. Aman, it's widely believed that the former has better guides. We've stayed at both, and we can attest to that. Check with Oberoi to see if you can get Arjun Bharadwaj to be your guide if possible; he's there part time, mainly to train other guides. And he's an avid photographer who will do everything he can to put you in the best spots for the "money shot" photos. If you can get Arjun, then it's a no-brainer.