Starwood Preferred Guest - Bombay: Royal Meridien or Maratha?

Not a ton of info on Bombay, but hopefully someone can make a recommendation on one of these two hotels for a 3-night stay. Both are priced about the same (13,000-13,500 IR). I'd consider going outside SPG if there was a superb hotel at about the same price.

Thanks!
Mike

Not a ton of info on Bombay, but hopefully someone can make a recommendation on one of these two hotels for a 3-night stay. Both are priced about the same (13,000-13,500 IR). I'd consider going outside SPG if there was a superb hotel at about the same price.

Thanks!
Mike

stayed at Le Meridien. Wonderful hotel. everything in excellent condition, nice club floor and lounge (fully cooked to order breakfast), good service. It's right next to the airport - is this what you are after? The ride into town is long (depending where you are going), so I wouldn't recommend it for your city visit. however, if needed as airport hotel for night before/after, it's excellent.
one strange thing was - we check in around 1am due to flight cancellation and were leaving next day. upon checkin (that's after dealing with SPG not being able to make a reservation after midnight for the same night, but that's a different topic), we got a huge bouquet of flowers. huh? i guess that's part of the club amenity, but such a waste. Then, they scurried around to find a vase to put flowers in. it was approaching 2am and I just wanted to sleep. good staff all around though. Maratha is right next door.

Thanks for the reply. I'm not exactly sure where I'm going to need to be, but the hotel sounds great.

Mike

The two hotels are right across the alley/street from each other. A 30 second walk.

I stayed at the Le Meridien for two weeks. It's a good hotel - but I found it too quiet. The Maratha is larger and has more choses for dining and such. I would try the Maratha if I was going back.

As mentioned earlier they are both by the airport and it's 45 minutes or more to downtown. You can eat at either hotel or the Hyatt next door - there's nothing else in the area.

If you want a more central location, there's also the Grand Central. It's a fine hotel, with friendly and helpful staff.

If you want a more central location, there's also the Grand Central. It's a fine hotel, with friendly and helpful staff.

Thanks again. For some reason, I had gotten scared off by reviews in this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499590&highlight=bombay), but after re-reading it, it looks fine.

Mike

As someone familiar with Bombay traffic, figure out where you need to be and pick a hotel close to there. Disregard brand loyalty if necessary. Any hotel is going to be better than an extended commute.

As someone familiar with Bombay traffic, figure out where you need to be and pick a hotel close to there. Disregard brand loyalty if necessary. Any hotel is going to be better than an extended commute.

Ah, interesting. My group recommended a place called "Executive Enclave," but I can't find anything about it here. I may stay there, anyway, just to avoid the traffic jams.

Mike

I have stayed at both. The Maratha is somewhat huge and a little bit unpersonal, whereas the adjective that would come to my mind talking about the Meridien is "cozy". To the point where, as an SPG member, you even find a teddybear on your bed when you enter your room.

Because of the few guests the service at the Meridien is truly outstanding, the staff really goes out of their way to accomodate your requests.

The Meridien only has relatively few rooms, as a SPG member to get to have a very nice breakfast with excellent service in the club lounge which overlooks the lush garden of the Maratha. If you will stay a little longer, this spot of green in the morning might provide a nice contrast to the rest you will see during the day.

Btw, if you happen to get a chance to visit the Gateway of India downtown, I suggest you go and drink a glass of sugarcane juice at the "Varanasi" stall close by. It is a Bombay institution, no need to worry about hygene. Standing in front of the Gateway facing the city, just follow the road for 2-300 m/yds. and you will find it on the right. I try to stop by every time I am in town. :)

I am a Platinum Member with Starwood.
I am planning to book an award night stay for my inlaws staying overnight and my wife and daughter with them for a few hours as they have a flight to take.
Questions:
1. Can someone comment as to which of the hotel above is best in all aspects. Both cost the same number of points.
2. Will the Hotel honor my Status for my Wife and Inlaws as the Points are coming out of my Account.
3. Does the Hotel provide Free Airport Transfers to Platinum guests? The Renaissance (Marriott Chain) in Bombay provides Free Airport transfers to their Platinum Guests.
4. Will my family members be able to get Free Breakfast on account of my status?
5. How do I book the room? Should I just book it in my name and add my inlaws and my wife as Additional guests.

Your help is very much appreciated.

Thanks

Thanks for your reply.
I checked the post you mentioned.
It does answer some of my questions but still not all of them.
I am more concerned on my family members getting the same treatment as the hotel would treat me, as the points are coming out of my account

Thanks for your reply.
I checked the post you mentioned.
It does answer some of my questions but still not all of them.
I am more concerned on my family members getting the same treatment as the hotel would treat me, as the points are coming out of my account

That has been answered in other threads.

Your experience may vary, under the T&C's they only have to honor the MEMBER and the person staying in the MEMBERS room.

Lurker has stated the hotel doesn't have to, but if they do consider it a good will gesture.

Breakfast? Breakfast is not a benefit of being platinum. Or are you asking about lounge access?

Yes, you could do number 5, but are you the member actually staying?