India hotel distinction..holi festival
 

I have a quote for a 5 day tour of Jaipur and Agra from Compass in a bed and breakfast. Another operator RTS has given us 4 and 5 star hotels. There is not a terribly important price difference. Does it make a big difference? Which is better. also is the festival of holi something I want to avoid? What is it like? I was told to stay inside. amy

what are the hotels we can judge better from the specific names

4 star hotels are royal orchid and mansingh palace, and 5 star trident oberoi or other choice is golden tulip and howard park plaza. thanks!

Festival of Holi,the spring celebration in India is a colorful event. Families, friends,strangers throw water color on each other. They also use dry colored powder to put on your face, then embrace you--kind of renewing friendship, showing love--all in the mood of celebration.
Although it is a fun festival, the down side is that too many people get too excited and then begin bothering those who do not like to indulge in this messy celebration.
Often foreigners, too, will be hit by a colored water balloon. But, you know, it is all in good mood and merry making, so if you like to enjoy the fun, go out, if you are afraid stay totally indoors and maybe you can get a glimpse from your hotel window.
The day before the main Holi celebration many of the neighborhoods have a bon fire and they sing and dance around it.
Holi day is a holiday, so most probably you cannot really go sight seeing or shopping etc. I guess for a tourist it would be a lost day until and unless you want to be brave, wear old clothes, which you can discard after the colorful festival and take photographs. This happens only once a year, thus a great photo opportunity, if you are careful and just go out for a few minutes.
Maybe some others who have traveled to India during Holi can share their experience.

Holi can be very messy and you may get more than just colored water thrown at you. You have no way of knowing what powders, paints, and colors are being thrown at you by strangers. I agree with Ileen, it's a wasted day.

Holi festival & Elephant fest could indeed be a highlight of your tour. Judy & John Stoll posted a trip report on the forum on 04/13/2008. They have a first hand experience of these festivals. You could get in touch with them.
Some hotels organise Holi for their resident guests & it is done in a very elegant way...you could participate in it or watch the fun, from a distance!

Coincidentally, my wife and I used the services of V.P. Singh during our trip to India in 2006. We were fortunate to have been in Jaipur during Holi and it was a wonderful and entertaining experience. We had no problems being ouside and enjoyed the bonfire in the neighborhood near our hotel, and all of the other activities, including the Elephant Festival. I would recommend that you go during Holi and join in the festivities. You will remember them for a long time. To us, travel is not just looking at the various sites, etc., but interacting with the locals whenever you can. Holi is a wonderful opportunity to do so.
By the way (and this is not an ad), V.P. Singh is the most wonderful guide - he is a true gentleman and full of knowledge. He made our trip to India come alive. His website is legendsandpalaces.com.

Have a great trip.

Jerry