India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [107]
Marine Drive is a great option if you want a prime view of the Arabian Sea, but it’s pricey. With a variety of options to suit every budget (top choice obviously being the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, reviewed below), Colaba-Fort is where most tourists end up, but these days there’s as much fun (although not as many historic attractions) to be had in areas like Worli, Bandra and Juhu, all of which offer great shopping, dining and nightlife options. If you are literally overnighting and have no desire to spend time in Mumbai, a number of options are located close to the international airport, but there are very few bargains here. A good compromise is Juhu, which has cheaper choices and a great nighttime atmosphere, and is only a 30-minute drive from the airport.
MARINE DRIVE
Within walking distance of the city’s commercial center, Marine Drive is a great place to base yourself, not least for the sea views and sense of space these provide—offering a relief from the hustling, bustling streets that lie east. Expect to pay for the privilege, however, since prices for real estate along this famed strip are as breathtaking as the views.
Very Expensive
InterContinental Marine Drive The great location goes without saying, but the sense of intimacy, and the sumptuousness of its enormously proportioned accommodations really make this a stand-out among the other expensive business hotels along Marine Drive. Amid all the great design (with a modernized tribal arts theme throughout) and (we’ll say it again) very impressive size of the rooms (there’s lots of focus on ensuring you get a good night’s sleep). You’re offered a free 20-minute in-room massage, and the ultra-plush beds are complemented by an extensive “Pillow and Quilt Menu.” A Bose music system delivers perfect sound throughout the room, and bathrooms are lusciously laid-out, too. Most rooms offer some view of the sea, but the pricier “deluxe seafront” units are best. It’s all very lovely, but service can feel a bit curt, and when we were last here we overheard guests complaining of bogus telephone charges, so definitely worth checking your bill before handing over your credit card
135 Marine Dr., Mumbai 400 020. 022/3987-9999. Fax 022/3987-9600. www.mumbai.intercontinental.com. 58 units. Rs 19,500 deluxe double; Rs 21,500 deluxe bay view double; Rs 23,500 deluxe sea front double; Rs 28,500 deluxe bay view suite; Rs 33,000 deluxe corner suite; Rs 50,000 luxury suite; Rs 75,000 presidential suite. Rates exclude 10% tax. Children under 12 stay free if sharing without extra bed. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants, lounge, 2 bars, including Dome (see “Mumbai After Dark”); airport transfers (Rs 2,900 plus tax); concierge; free DVD & CD library; health club; room service. In room: A/C, TV/DVD, fax (in most), hair dryer, minibar, music system, Wi-Fi (Rs 350/hr.; Rs 1,200/day).
The Oberoi The best hotel on Marine Drive will emerge by 2010 after year-long renovation. It’s particularly from a service point of view that The Oberoi wins hands-down; touches like being met at the terminal gate, your luggage dealt with for you, right through to the personal butler on each floor summoned by the touch of an “Ask Jeeves” button, and genuflecting staff members who go out of their way to make you feel revered, are typical Oberoi, and worth every dollar. If Mumbai is your first port of call, you’ll find the genteel atmosphere a relief—tranquil and sophisticated, yet very relaxed, this is where you want to retreat after spending a few hours out on the crowded streets. All accommodations are spacious, with tasteful decor,