Could anyone recommend either the Taj Palace or the Radisson hotel? If you have stayed at both, which would you recommend of the two?

Radisson is definitely best, although further from the river area than taj.

But you must go thru traffic to get to Ganges from both hotels. Pick your time of day carefully. I've stayed at the Radisson several times...it is terrific for that area of the world. But it is not the same experieince as staying on the Ganges. I could do my work really well at the Radisson. The food is very good. Staff nice and transport readily available. I'll be staying there again next time I'm in Varanasi.