Hotel recommendations for BOM [Archive]

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garfield5

May 10, 03, 2:14 pm

intend to stay at the oberoi towers... info from anyone (also bout other hotels)... appreciated.

akhullar

May 11, 03, 2:30 pm

GUWonder

May 13, 03, 8:22 am

Originally posted by garfield5:
intend to stay at the oberoi towers... info from anyone (also bout other hotels)... appreciated.

The Leela Kempinski seems to be the only hotel other than the new Hyatt (by the airport) that seems to have A/C in the elevators that always works. ;-)

All the major international hotel brand recommendations here are fine, plus you can add India's Oberoi and Taj brands and you will be comfortable enough for a good night's sleep and then some.

VanMan

May 14, 03, 10:20 pm

The Oberoi Towers is fine, but you might prefer the Oberoi (which is part of the same complex). The latter offers butler service on every floor. All of the restaurants are available to both hotels, but the Banyan-tree spa is only available to Oberoi guests.

Good restaurants near the hotels are Trishna, excellent seafood, and the Khyber -offering Afghan-style cuisine.

travelmad478

May 20, 03, 5:48 pm

The Oberoi Towers is fine, but you might prefer the Oberoi (which is part of the same complex).

I absolutely agree--the rooms at the Oberoi (as opposed to the Towers) are nicer, too. Avoid the Taj, which looks nicer on the outside but can be extremely shabby on the inside.

I haven't stayed at any of the uptown hotels (near the airport) but have eaten many meals there. The new Hyatt is extremely popular. Unfortunately, my one experience there was in the Lebanese restaurant there--this advertised belly dancing, but the spectacle was more of a floor show than anything else, and with deafeningly loud music. Deeply disappointing, since I was really just looking for some good food.

Another restaurant to try is the Thai place in the President Hotel. Trishna is also excellent. In general, be ready to eat very late--India can be more extreme than Spain in this regard. I've had dinners that started near midnight.

akhullar

May 22, 03, 2:36 am

Originally posted by travelmad478:
Trishna is also excellent. In general, be ready to eat very late--India can be more extreme than Spain in this regard. I've had dinners that started near midnight.


Very similar to Trishna, but Uptown is mahesh Lunch Home, a few doors away from JW Marriott in Juhu.

B747-437B

May 23, 03, 2:51 am

My advice for BOM is to stay close to where you have to be and avoid spending hours each day commuting. Do you have business in downtown? If so, then either Oberoi (or even the brand new Intercontinental on Marine Drive which is getting absolutely rave reviews) is excellent for you. If your business is in the suburbs, then you can pick from a plethora of quality properties either in Juhu by the beach or in Bandra or by the airport.

Please drop me an email when you are in BOM and I will be very glad to meet up and show you around town from a native's perspective. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

akhullar

May 28, 03, 9:15 pm

Originally posted by B747-437B:
....I will be very glad to meet up and show you around town from a native's perspective. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Yeah right http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif From: Exile :P

Sweet Willie

Dec 10, 03, 8:13 am

Originally posted by B747-437B:
My advice for BOM is to stay close to where you have to be and avoid spending hours each day commuting.

Is there a better end of BOM to be located if one is a tourist?

------------------
Visit FlyerTalk Dining http://flyertalk.com/diningfr.shtml

B747-437B

Dec 10, 03, 11:47 pm

Originally posted by Sweet Willie:
Is there a better end of BOM to be located if one is a tourist?


Tourists are better off using a hotel in South Mumbai, since most attractions are in that part of town.

akhullar

Dec 12, 03, 2:59 am

Originally posted by Sweet Willie:
Is there a better end of BOM to be located if one is a tourist?



Mumbai is a very linear city. Historical sites are near the tip of the city - Golf & Country Club are North of the Airport. Beaches are overcrowded and dirty (sigh)

Nado

Dec 23, 03, 7:49 pm

South Mumbai is the place to stay. I'm surprised no one's mentioned the Taj Mahal as a hotel choice. Snagged a USD$99/night rate for 2 nights earlier this month.

KLM871_India

Dec 24, 03, 8:35 pm

What about the Orchid? That's a really good hotel to stay at!

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Leo/ORD

akhullar

Dec 27, 03, 3:33 am

Originally posted by KLM871_India:
What about the Orchid? That's a really good hotel to stay at!



It advertises itself as an ecofriendly hotel. If you are into environmental conciousness, stay there - It is near the airports

http://www.orchidhotel.com/

quentin

Sep 9, 05, 7:02 am

The Leela Kempinski seems to be the only hotel other than the new Hyatt (by the airport) that seems to have A/C in the elevators that always works. ;-)

All the major international hotel brand recommendations here are fine, plus you can add India's Oberoi and Taj brands and you will be comfortable enough for a good night's sleep and then some.

You could also try the Lotus Suites it is a very well appointed budget hotel
Check out http://www.lotussuites.com

parnel

Sep 10, 05, 3:17 pm

The ITC Sheraton is a great place to stay

krug

Sep 10, 05, 3:27 pm

South Mumbai is the place to stay. I'm surprised no one's mentioned the Taj Mahal as a hotel choice. Snagged a USD$99/night rate for 2 nights earlier this month.

South Mumbai (Bandra) is the place to stay as a Tourist - right neat the Taj, the Gateway to India and the ferries to the rather average caves.

There are a few nice economical international chains near the airport, but I would second the Taj if you can get a good deal there, though INHO it was nothing special.

BOM is way overriced for what is offered; pay just enough to get out of squalour and don't expect a top ten hotel experience, once the cost is taken into account.

I stayed at http://www.ghhotel.com/ the boutique Gordon House Hotel - three styles of rooms to choose from - its is like a fridage when you walk in, the room are nice or nicer than the ones depicted on the website, service was impeccable and it is modern and stylish - restaurant superb and a stones throw from the Taj for afternoon Tea. Highly recommended to me by a local I was visiting and it did not disappoint in any way.

fliesfrequently

Oct 1, 05, 9:48 am

South Mumbai (Bandra) is the place to stay as a Tourist - right neat the Taj, the Gateway to India and the ferries to the rather average caves.

I stayed at http://www.ghhotel.com/ the boutique Gordon House Hotel - three styles of rooms to choose from - its is like a fridage when you walk in, the room are nice or nicer than the ones depicted on the website, service was impeccable and it is modern and stylish - restaurant superb and a stones throw from the Taj for afternoon Tea. Highly recommended to me by a local I was visiting and it did not disappoint in any way.

Thanks for the recommendation Apudme, can you give an idea of room rates please. We'll be visiting Mumbai in early Nov and ideally would like a botique hotel - something a bit different from the international chains. US$150/night would be the limit.

GRR_Flier

Oct 1, 05, 10:23 am

I definately recommend the one and only Taj Mahal Hotel in south Bombay .. if you can afford that the place you would be staying ^ ^ ^ ^

fliesfrequently

Oct 1, 05, 10:45 am

Thanks GRR_Flier, would like to have stayed at the Taj but couldn't get any decent deals for the dates I'm there - >US$200 at either the palace or the president. Went for the Gordon House Hotel instead, US$125/nt, and am hoping it's not as noisy as the Reviews on Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g304554-d307115-Reviews-The_Gordon_House_Hotel-Mumbai_Bombay_Maharashtra.html) make out. Was able to book through travelocity.

worldtravel

Oct 1, 05, 10:50 am

fliesfrequently

Oct 1, 05, 12:35 pm

There is a pre-paid taxi service operating from the airport;

Extracted from Frommers (http://www.frommers.com/destinations/mumbai/3476020009.html) Should you need to hire a taxi, make use of the overpriced but reliable prepaid taxi service; a trip to a city-center hotel should cost Rs 400 to Rs 500 ($8.75-$11) but may depend on the amount of luggage you're carrying. (Expect to pay well over double these rates for a hotel airport transfer.)

worldtravel

Oct 1, 05, 2:41 pm

There is a pre-paid taxi service operating from the airport;

Thanks for the info from Frommers. But I think those taxis are non A/C.

agtoau

Oct 2, 05, 4:20 pm

I am planning a trip to Mumbai in the middle of October. I plan to stay at Hilton Towers in Nariman point. My question is, how do I get an A/C Taxi at the airport and how much do they cost. The hotel says they can send a limo for $40, which seems to be high for India. If any of you have first hand knowledge, a quick reply would be appreciated. I am leaving for Singapore on 10/5 and will be in Delhi from 10/9 to 10/16.

Yes, $40 is on the high side (by about $12-$15). You should have worked it into the hotel rate when you booked your room.

My advice is: bite the bullet and take the hotel car. It cuts through all the hassle and the price to pay is (relatively) small. Remember, your flight will most likely be getting into Mumbai at an ungoldly hour in the night.

agtoau

Oct 2, 05, 4:22 pm

akhullar

Oct 3, 05, 2:07 pm

South Mumbai (Bandra) is the place to stay as a Tourist - right neat the Taj, the Gateway to India and the ferries to the rather average caves.

There are a few nice economical international chains near the airport, but I would second the Taj if you can get a good deal there, though INHO it was nothing special.

BOM is way overriced for what is offered; pay just enough to get out of squalour and don't expect a top ten hotel experience, once the cost is taken into account.

I stayed at http://www.ghhotel.com/ the boutique Gordon House Hotel - three styles of rooms to choose from - its is like a fridage when you walk in, the room are nice or nicer than the ones depicted on the website, service was impeccable and it is modern and stylish - restaurant superb and a stones throw from the Taj for afternoon Tea. Highly recommended to me by a local I was visiting and it did not disappoint in any way.

Bandra is not really considered South Bombay - The Taj you are refering to is Land's End in BandStand which is now managed by Taj Group. The Taj near Gateway of India is the Original TajMahal Hotel in Colaba.

There is not much around Land's End in Bandra.

AA-NYC

Oct 4, 05, 7:57 am

Over the past 2 years I've stayed at the Taj (Taj Mahal), the Oberoi (Oberoi and Towers), and ITC Sheraton Maratha. At the Taj, I had a renovated room in the historic wing. Really liked it. Alot.

Oberoi was nice, but was very business - a bit cold.

The ITC, near the airport, was also very very nice. You can't really go wrong with any of these...depends where you're staying.

Russella

Oct 8, 05, 1:23 pm

Hi,
I notice some of you have stayed here recently. I am staying for a few days late December and am booked into the tower sea facing room. Have the tower rooms been recently renovated?? I am getting mixed reports.
Thanks
Russella

libove

Oct 9, 05, 5:15 am

I'm surprised that only one person pointed out that the traffic in Mumbai is always so bad that, unless you have a very large amount of schedule flexibility (or "free" time), you really need to stay near where you need to be in Mumbai (and Delhi; Bangalore is a little more tractable, as is Pune).

My business takes me twice every year to three north central Indian cities, and in Mumbai and Delhi (Gurgaon) I always stay near my work sites to save time stuck in traffic.

In Mumbai, my work is in the suburb of Powai, so I stay at the Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Centre (http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/BOMBR). The hotel is reliable, clean, and has good service. For example, they once sent out a car to pick up a refill card for my India based mobile phone for me so that it would be waiting for me on my arrival. The food is good but not spectacular, including the breakfast buffet which is usually included in the room price. The location on the lake is nice, and importantly it's quiet. The hotel has a full featured gym (a dozen or so treadmills, bicycles &etc, a full set of weight machines, an aerobics / stretching floor, and more) which is open 24 hours a day and is included in the room price. The hotel has always given me at least a one way pick up from the airport in whatever room rate I picked, and sometimes has thrown in the return to the airport as well. My room rate at the Renaissance last month was US$169/night including airport transfers both ways, and breakfast each morning.

What I haven't been offered at any major Indian hotel yet is free Internet access. They get me for $10 to $20 per day for that, but it's critical for me to have it so I (my employer) pay(s). Ouch.

By the way, I second the recommendation of using the hotel car service for airport pickup if you haven't been to India before. Flights to India almost all land between 11:00pm and 1:00am so that they can leave and return to points elsewhere in the world at more convenient times for those other places. (The exception is a very small number of evening departures from London which land at nice comfortable morning hours in India, but if you aren't originating in London, those mean a long wait or a hotel stay between flight legs). As the other poster said, work the hotel car airport pickup in to the room rate.

Once you get comfortable with the late hour and somewhat chaotic situation of an airport arrival in Mumbai or Delhi, I believe that the airport prepaid taxis are available in air conditioned versions. Just ask to be sure.

The other hotel I've stayed at in the past in Mumbai was the ITC Sheraton which was quite excellent, if that's the part of the city you need to be in. I've never stayed downtown where, as others have said, most of the tourist stuff is located.

Finally, though the hotel cars are good for getting to the hotel from the airport, I recommend against renting your car (& driver) from the hotel for your daily needs - instead, call for a "cool cab" (air conditioned taxi). The hotels add 30% to 70% on top of the actual rates for cars, and while the hotel cars will be newer and nicer, almost any cool cab will be adequate to the task of getting you around the city, and the hotel car drivers do not necessarily speak better English than the cool cab services' drivers. Bring your intended destination address(es) written on paper in any case.

Enjoy India! Yes, it can be crowded and chaotic, and at times its weather is horrific. It is also full of really nice people, a stunning mix of cultures and colors, really good food, and is largely very affordable if your home economy is in US/Canada/Europe/Japan/&etc.

Cheers!
-Jay in Atlanta

krug

Oct 9, 05, 5:39 am

Tourists are better off using a hotel in South Mumbai, since most attractions are in that part of town.

bandra is south mumbai, near the Gateway to Indie and the boats to the caves, and where the best hotel of old, the Taj, is siutated.

I would recommend the well priced www.ghhotel.com Gordon House is a boutique, contemporary styled and affordably priced alternative to the Taj.

DanKelly

Oct 9, 05, 12:09 pm

I would recommend not only that you bring your addresses on paper, but the phone number of the place you're visiting. Many addresses have no street name or number, and it'll just be "The so-and-so building near landmark X in suburb Y", so the driver may have no chance of finding it without a phone number to call and ask directions.

Also, the best thing I've found to do about transportation is to rent an actual car with driver for the period of time you'll be there. Many of the cabbies that hang outside the major hotels waiting for fares really know how to work the tourists. One of the greatest values of having a driver is their loyalty though. Our driver gave us tips on what to pay for things at different locations, let us know what places were safe and what weren't, and when we were shopping one day the beggars were so bad, we went back to the car and got the driver, and he walked with us, telling all the beggars to get lost. The driver will fight for you if you were to get attacked, and just having them there with you, I've found will deter a great amount of the riffraff. They can point out all the landmarks, without getting repeats, and know where you've been so they can suggest alternative spots. They can be your translator, can find you a place to eat that won't make you sick...

The drivers loyalty are almost legendary amongst locals, as several people told stories of drivers fighting to protect their passengers, treating them like family as well, which is exactly how i felt.

The driver's cars are going to be much nicer than even the coolcabs, and you'll have a trunk to store those 50 bags of purchases while you're out on a day of shopping.

I'd agree that the hotel drivers are going to be a premium price though, as is anything associated with the hotels. There are many non-hotel driver services though. The one I used last time in Mumbai was:

Shree Krishna Tours & Travels
skttravels@hotmail.com / sktt@softhome.com

The actual driver I had was named Sandeep Dhivare, who I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. I'd also recommend bargaining with them as I know my company did.

I don't know about the rates as my company paid for the car but I understand it's charged by the day or week + miles for the gas. My driver said he was making $200/month as a driver, so they probably aren't even charging $100/week to you over the cost of gas/car.

It's also worth noting that my company forbid me to take a regular taxi out of security concerns. They may be just paranoid, however the one time I walked past the taxi stand outside the hotel, one really scumbag taxi driver was pressuring me into going and seeing his friend's whorehouse, and I felt like if I had got into his cab I would have been in trouble.

agtoau

Oct 10, 05, 11:10 am

One thing to look out for about drivers when you go out shopping: some work on commission and may, unbeknownst to you, steer you to the shops they get commissions from. My recommendation is: do NOT rely on car drivers to do your shopping. Do your homework in advance. An Indian colleague, or the hotel concierge is much better suited to this task.

merrygp

Oct 10, 05, 11:43 am

bandra is south mumbai, near the Gateway to Indie and the boats to the caves, and where the best hotel of old, the Taj, is siutated.

Sorry to correct you. It will take at least 1 1/2 hour to go from Bandra to the Gateway of India (and that is by taking the road via Haji Ali, Breach Candy, Marine Drive etc.) Just look at the map of Bombay.
Bandra is about 30 mins. from the airport, which is north of the City of Bombay.
Please go on Goodle Earth and see the satellite picture.

fliesfrequently

Oct 22, 05, 6:47 am

Take a good look at the Intercontinental Marine Drive (http://www.ichotels.com). You should be able to find something under $200. And it is a far better hotel than Gordon House.

Thanks Agtoau, had looked at the IC Marine Drive but it seemed a bit pricey at the time. Taking the plunge and got a decent prepay rate, thanks to Ambassador it's already showing a Jr. Executive Suite. Looking forward to it !

agtoau

Oct 22, 05, 10:55 am

Thanks Agtoau, had looked at the IC Marine Drive but it seemed a bit pricey at the time. Taking the plunge and got a decent prepay rate, thanks to Ambassador it's already showing a Jr. Executive Suite. Looking forward to it !

What is "Ambassador"? Let us know your impressions of the hotel when you get back.

Savage25

Oct 23, 05, 4:20 am

What is "Ambassador"?...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=366846

WatFallet

Jan 9, 06, 3:46 pm

I'll be in Mumbai from the 20th through the 26th for business. I'll be staying at the ITC Hotel Grand Central Sheraton for last four nights because it's close to my work (Mahalaxmi district).

However, I need a good hotel for the first two nights with quick/easy access to the Andheri area of Mumbai, so I can be close to some family. I think, but I'm not sure, that this area is close to the airport. Can someone recommend a hotel?

agtoau

Jan 15, 06, 9:47 am

However, I need a good hotel for the first two nights with quick/easy access to the Andheri area of Mumbai, so I can be close to some family. I think, but I'm not sure, that this area is close to the airport. Can someone recommend a hotel?

Any of the deluxe airport hotels - Grand Maratha Sheraton, Intercontinental Grand, Hyatt Regency, Le Meridien, The Leela - should do fine. My recommendation, however, is The Leela. I was there both in December 2005 and January 2006, and the renovated rooms are superb.

Pilgrim in New Mexico

Jan 16, 06, 11:24 pm

I'm going to make my first trip to India in March and I'll be attending a conference at the (way too pricey) Grand Hyatt Mumbai. I know it's not too far from the international airport, and I'm thinking that for the first few days I might stay at a hotel in the Julu Beach area and catch a cab to the conference at the Hyatt. I prefer the salt air to the city air anyway. So my first request is for recommendations for a budget hotel in the general Julu Beach area. Clean and cheap, and somewhere I'll can get a wi-fi connection; in the hotel would of course be ideal, but I could live with it if I had to walk to a coffee shop to find a hot spot.

After about 3 or 4 nights in the northern suburbs, I'll then want to stay for 3 more days in downtown Mumbai. I'd like to stay around $60 a night if it's possible to find clean, cockroach-free, nonsmoking, secure lodging at that rate. I realize I will probably need to go higher, but I would like to economize if I can find a place I can live with.

Finding the actual website of a hotel in India is maddening. Everybody and his brother has a portal website that implies that this is the hotel's site, but the tipoff is that they never provide the phone or fax number, and they always have a web-based inquiry system. So if you have a fax number, website, or email address for the hotels you recommend please enclose them.

Thanks,
Pilgrim

fuzz

Feb 2, 06, 4:05 pm

I stayed at the Hotel Marine Plaza on Marine drive a few weeks ago. www.hotelmarineplaza.com
The hotel and staff were very friendly. They offered afternoon snacks in the room and the room/bathroom were very clean. It is located right on Marine Drive.

One negative: The air conditioning control was poor. I could not achieve a comfortable temperature. When on, it was too cold; if you turned it off, it became too warm.

Also, there is a nightclub in the building which can be loud. Ask for a room away from there if you don't want to hear the music.

As do many hotels in India, they have separate rates for foreigners and Indian residents.

yosithezet

Feb 3, 06, 2:27 pm

What kind of price do you consider pricey for the Grand Hyatt? We stay there for anywhere from USD 80-120/night depending on the season and which corporate partner is booking the room. Just curious what you are getting quoted.

Pilgrim in New Mexico

Feb 21, 06, 12:23 am

dll

Feb 21, 06, 12:45 am

The Intercon is marvelous - the service is impeccable and the location too - some of the rooms also have great views.

I stayed 2 nights on a higher "business" rate that included car transfers and a few amenities. It was worth it - the lowest rate was 199, and the business rate was 239. One-way car transfer for the IC is $55 (ouch!) so booking the more expensive room paid dividends. It also included a free bottle of (bad quality) red wine which they were eager to open and pour for me on arrival. The hotel also has a fantastic Italian restaurant, Corleone which serves as the breakfast buffet. If you are not staying mid-week, you should be able to get a low rate.

I found the service good - almost too good. I do not like to be waited on hand and foot as it makes me very uncomfortable. I find that in most of Asia though, the service in the upscale hotels is off the charts especially considering the prices.

Anyway, going to India for the hotels is like going to Bali for the Hard Rock Cafe. The people, the atmosphere, the culture make India SO interesting to me. I absolutely fell in love with Mumbai and will definitely be back.

yosithezet

Feb 21, 06, 3:21 am

I'm getting quoted over $250 USD per night

Thanks,

Pilgrim

Sounds like you need some LOCAL corporate partners that can get you better rates.

Pilgrim in New Mexico

Feb 21, 06, 6:48 am

Sounds like you need some LOCAL corporate partners that can get you better rates.

And how does one come by corporate partners? Are you saying, to establish a contractual relationship with a company there? And that it could negotiate favorable rates for its joint venture partners?

Thanks

yosithezet

Feb 22, 06, 6:47 am

Nah. For instance my company is partnered with a multinational consultancy. So when we go to BOM it is for meetings that the local office of the consultancy has set up. We ask the secretary of that local office to book rooms for us. They get a much better rate than we are able to get ourselves.

GUWonder

Feb 22, 06, 11:31 am

McKinsey has great rates for the Taj Hotels -- or at least they used to when they needed to most actively lobby the Indian government and had an office based in one.

Some other large MNCs and several large professional service firms have very good rates at various Indian hotels too. Getting them to book you still yields substantial savings and/or better amenities/services.

pranu

Feb 22, 06, 4:55 pm