10 of the best hotels in Mumbai, from Indian opulence to Soho House socials

07.11.2023 - 13:15 / nationalgeographic.com / Soho House

Such is Mumbai's geography, stretching for more than 25 miles down India’s west coast, that it’s crucial to choose your area carefully. Colaba, on the southern tip, is a popular spot, with abundant sightseeing and restaurants. Further north, Bandra is packed with cool bars, while Juhu’s selling point is its three-mile stretch of golden sand. Hotels on the beach often come with rooftop pools, ideal for watching the sun set over the Arabian Sea. Here are 10 of the best.

Best for: boho brilliance 
One of the city’s few boutique hotels, Abode Bombay has oodles of bohemian charm. Every corner of this heritage property in downtown Colaba has been curated with flair, from art deco floor tiles and restored vintage furniture to evocative photography capturing local life. Abode takes its social responsibilities seriously, too. The hotel has close ties with Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, and all therapists at the small spa are visually impaired, while car services are provided solely by vulnerable women — often single mothers — for whom driving offers financial freedom. Such has been Abode Bombay’s success that brother-and-sister owners Abedin Sham and Jumana Lokhandwala recently bought another floor of the building, opening four brand-new suites this spring — all with just as much soul as the rest of the property. Rooms: From INR 8,500 (£82), B&B.

Best for: all-out luxury 
Step into The Oberoi’s marble-clad lobby and prepare to be momentarily stunned. The atrium rises for 21 floors, the ceiling seemingly stretching into infinity, while the soft smell of lilies fills the air and the smooth tones of a jazz pianist seem to guide you straight to one of the two bars. For some of the best views in the city, opt for Eau Bar’s terrace, overlooking the Arabian Sea, and order the signature cocktail, marine drive. Made with turmeric gin and orange bitters, it’s the deep-red hue of an Indian sunset. After drinks, you may want to explore more of Nariman Point — but in a place as beautiful as The Oberoi, you also may not. In the hotel’s 287 rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, vast bathtubs and plump pillows combine to make the ideal night in. Rooms: From INR 13,950 (£135), B&B.

Best for: opulence 
No list of Mumbai’s best hotels would be complete without The Taj Mahal Palace. Opened in 1903, this resplendent building has lost none of its cachet, combining baroque architecture with regal interiors and views over the century-old Gateway of India monument. The lobby welcomes a glittering parade of well-to-do travellers, as do the four restaurants. The high tea, served in the Sea Lounge, is sublime; the pool is sun-drenched and surrounded by tropical foliage; and the rooms are decked out in dark wood, heavy drapes and