Mumbai is, quite honestly, like no other city in the entire world. As the financial and film capital of India, it attracts a rather diverse set of individuals, people with dreams in their eyes, wanting to make it big one way or another. At the heart of the city are its residents, which give Mumbai a unique charm. When mixed with its multicultural heritage, visible through the many buildings dotted around the city, Mumbai takes on a completely different personality, one that is proud of its past, yet not afraid to look into the future. Carrying forward the legacy of this city that never sleeps are several hotels here, each an attraction in its own right, and definitely more than just a place for visitors to lay their heads.
Taj Mahal Palace
There are only a select few hotels in the world that can boast of having an iconic status like that of the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. A tourist destination, an institution, and as legendary as the city itself, the palace is quite simply an integral and proud aspect of Mumbai and its undying spirit. Situated right beside The Gateway of India, another one of Mumbai's must-visit tourist spots, this luxury hotel welcomed its first guests in 1903. Since then, it has been the obvious choice of residence for state heads, foreign dignitaries, celebrities, the rich and the famous visiting the city.
Comprising of 285 rooms, the Taj Mahal Palace has seen some renovations over the years, but the true essence of the building and its nostalgic character remains the same till date. Often credited for being "India's first luxury hotel," a more modern annex, called Taj Mahal Tower, stands tall next to the magnificent building, giving the now century-old hotel a contemporary look.
The grandeur of the palace is as exquisite from the outside as it is inside. The sea-facing guest rooms in the Palace wing are to die for. Spacious and featuring every modern convenience possible, they ooze opulence enhanced only by the hotel's remarkable service record. On the other hand, the rooms in the tower are ideal for business travelers and tend to be slightly more pocket-friendly while being equally as comfortable.
The Taj Mahal Palace isn't without its fair share of indulgences outside the bedrooms, either. The hotel has nine top-class eateries and bars with Wasabi by Morimoto considered as the best Japanese restaurant in the entire country. Staying here is nothing short of an honor, an opportunity not to be missed, for it is bound to be an elegant affair to remember for a lifetime.
Address: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India
Phone: +91 22 6665 3366
Le Sutra - the Indian Art Hotel
Le Sutra, situated in the hip and happening Bandra, is a refreshing concept that successfully experiments combining art with hospitality. Featuring a total of 16 individually designed rooms, the hotel follows Indian aesthetics to its very core and takes inspiration from regional mythology. As a result, it manages to create an environment that isn't just a luxury residence, but a spiritual and enlightening space with a vibrant and sophisticated aura.
What really captures the attention of guests is that the guest rooms not only feature stylish comforts but also highlight the magnificence of Indian culture through art and sculptures. In-house facilities and surprises at Le Sutra include books on request, board games, memorabilia for guests at check-out, and room-based conveniences such as bathtubs or theme showers, free WiFi, and air conditioning.
Breakfast at Le Sutra is served at its Out of the Blue restaurant. However, the hotel is adjoining Olive Bar and Kitchen, one of the most loved and highly rated restaurants in all of Mumbai.
Address: 14, Union Park, Next to Olive Restaurant, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052, India
Phone: +91 22 6642 0020
Abode Bombay
Abode takes the charm of bed and breakfast and transforms it into a spectacular hotel experience. Guests staying at Abode discover regional peculiarities spread out throughout this compact yet stimulating space. The Art Deco floor tiles, original photos and paintings on the walls, restored vintage furniture, and an all-round positive vibe makes staying at the Abode more than just a pleasant encounter.
Each of the rooms carries modern-day facilities in addition to individual pieces such as wooden chests and a beautiful vintage-styled bathtub in their superior luxury room. Situated in Colaba, the hotel is conveniently located close to several cultural and tourist attractions of the city. Their lobby doubles up as an all-day cafe offering delicious bites in a hip environment.
Keeping guest's well-being in mind, Abode has partnered with a local gym for the residents to use, whereas they have a small spa room in the hotel for those looking to de-stress after touring the city. Another specialty about Abode is that quite a bit of the art and furniture on display is available for sale, giving the hotel a genuinely holistic appeal when it comes to staying in Mumbai.
Address: Lansdowne House, First Floor, MB Marg, near Regal Cinema, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India
Phone: +91 80802 34066
The St. Regis Mumbai
The brand's first foray in the Indian market, St. Regis, is the embodiment of extravagance and class, assuring its guests a fantastic time and immaculate service. Towering over 40 floors and consisting of 368 rooms, plus 27 suites, The St. Regis is a business hotel, family vacation point, and a luxurious staycation hub all rolled into one. Its location in Lower Parel, adjacent to the Palladium Mall, places it in a prime city neighborhood where guests can enjoy panoramic views from their rooms and indulge in retail therapy at the mall next door. Some of the guestrooms here come with partial sea-views, but the ones with Mumbai's skyline views are the real hot sellers.
The hotel caters to all kinds of visitors and has a top of the line business center, on-call butler service for all rooms, 24-hour room service, as well as limousine rental if you wish you live large and splurge out a little while sightseeing in the city.
Culinary tourists will appreciate the nine in-house restaurants and cafes which serve everything from authentic Japanese to Indian and classic South Asian fare. A night at The St. Regis is all about savoring the high life, full of extravagances that let you slip into a restful and memorable slumber come night-time.
Address: 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013, India
Phone: +91 22 6162 8000
Soho House Mumbai
Soho House is an international member's club with its 11-story hotel in Mumbai being their Indian debut. Keeping in tune with their brand aesthetics of being exclusive, the Soho House does stick out like a sore thumb amongst all the surrounding buildings that face the iconic Juhu Beach. Still, it's a delightful sight, enhanced further the moment guests step inside to what is a barrage of opulent furnishings, colorful art pieces, and an unassumingly spacious scene. Walking into the hotel is like becoming a part of a grand painting with mesmerizing brush strokes around every nook and corner.
The grace of the lobby at the Soho House extends into the bedrooms, some of which have the benefit of facing the sea. The rather cheerily named Playrooms are Soho House's most affluent dwellings comprising of four-poster beds, dining tables, and rain showers in addition to marble baths.
Thankfully, hotel guests can enjoy Soho House's "member's only" facilities that include a stunning rooftop pool overlooking the Arabian Sea, in-house restaurants, and a gym. It's amongst Mumbai's most fashionable hotel options, one that is at times in complete contrast to the city but still manages to capture its essence beautifully.
Address: 16, Juhu Tara Rd, Chandrabai Nagar, Santacruz West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049, India
Phone: +91 22 6213 3333
Conclusion
As a city where money talks, luxury comes easy to Mumbai. There exists a seamless integration of tradition, design, quirkiness, beachy vibes, and modern lifestyle here, all of which are further strengthened as soon as you surrender to the lavish allure of the very best hotels in Bombay.