Agra is touristy and so, it is, by efinition, exploitative. We were depending on Rough Guide to navigate through -- till we are compelled to register ourselves and write this post.
Avoid at least one place recommended by this excellent guide.
One is Hotel Sheela, so very near to the Taj, yet, so very anti-Indian. No, this is no racist place. It likes to keep itself away from dirty ol' injuns ( i.e. Indians of India of Taj Mahal), so that they can quietly charge $10 for a rip-off lunch for one!
Avoid Hotel Sheela. If they don't like locals, they certainly don't like others for they too are Indians.
The Rough Guide should seriously consider keeping their eyes open: No locals is bad news for travellers