Hi Everyone! I'm traveling to Amritsar this summer to do some research at the Partition Museum, and I have a grant which will cover the cost of my hotel (up to $150 USD per night), so I am not paying out of pocket. It's my third or fourth time in Amritsar, and in the past I've stayed at Ranjit's Svaasa. I tend to prefer homestays or boutique hotels when I travel, but given that I'll be there in July, I'd love a pool to relax in at the end of the day. I was going to book the Taj Svarna, but then I saw The Earth by Windham, which looks more my style and is closer to the action (the temple and museum); however, it has mixed reviews and some note that it's under construction.
Any thoughts about Taj Svarna vs. The Earth? Anyone stayed at either?
Thanks so much!

I've stayed at the Taj a few times & would definitely recommend it. However, on my last couple of trips I've stayed at the Fairfield since it is right next to the District Courts in Amritsar where I needed to be. Its not at the same level as the Taj but I was very happy with both stays. Much cheaper too.

Keyser, thanks for the response. If I'd like to visit the Golden Temple early in the morning or late at night, do you think transport to/from the Taj will be accessible and safe (for a woman) traveling alone?

I have found the city to be safe. Taj will easily be able to arrange safe transport for you to visit the temple.

I did both in 2023. The Earth, for me, is more interesting: more traditional and culturally immersive, but it's very personal. Taj Swarna, like most properties under the Taj banner, has exceptional service but it's not very atmospheric (rooms are great though, much more luxurious than at The Earth).

Thank you so much for the reply! How was the service at Earth? Is the desk staffed 24 hours?

Overall they have a very attentive staff, but it's not the Taj. Didn't check but pretty sure the front desk is staffed 24 hours a day.

I can understand your attraction to the Earth. But unless things have changed very substantially over the last couple of months, those attractions are a triumph of marketing over reality. Good intentions, maybe, but make sure these have reached fruition before you book. I have absolutely no doubt the Taj will offer a more polished and much more comfortable stay

My most recent visits I opted for the Holiday Inn, well out of the centre with nothing particularly going for it outside solid recognition of my IHG status ..... and proximity to where i needed to be.