Mumbai (Bombay) Hotel Reviews

Mumbai was stinky, dirty and on the whole we found it not to be the most interesting place in India. There are much nicer places in India to spend your time and money in. Ellora caves and Ajanta caves which are about 6 hours from Mumbai are beautiful.

Rest Indigo just behind the Taj is a very hip bar downstairs and a great Italian inspired rest on the second floor. Ask for a table on the terrace.

A good place to use as a base for a short stay in Mumbai since everywhere is easily accessible: emporiums, ''Fashion Street'' (just up the road), Chowpatty Beach, the maidans, etc. We''re not cricket-lovers, but the ground is opposite.

I went to attend a conference, though it was my third visit to Mumbai. It''s a very nice place with good and friendly people. Best thing of this place is that you will never get lost, cause you ask any person, anywhere in Mumbai, about anything you will get the instant positive reply to that with a smile. Many places to visit, Essel world, Water kingdom, Elephanta caves, beaches, big malls with the theatres, planetarium etc and but for me the one day city tour was the best.

Right next to the Suba is a great jewelry store. The food at Indigo is amazing. One of the best bars I visited in Mumbai was Olives on Thursday nights.

Andheri and Bandara West would be 2 areas recommended for shopping. You would need to bargain as the offered price is always very high. There is a government sanction Emporium on the right of the hotel entrance (as you exit the main entrace). For business travellers, Suba Palace would be far if your clients are situated in Andheri or Woorley.

I did a prilgrimage tour, first shopping in Mumbai, train journey to Varanasi, then by road to Chanderwar, Gorakpur, Lucknow, Kaunpur, Agra, Jaipur, Brindavin, Rishikesh & Delhi. Some hotels were good with catering with hotwater and heating in the room, most were not. Nearly all hotels only providing minimum bedding even the temperature was below 4 degrees at night.

Alibaba Klaypot restaurant across from the hotel was very good, reasonable price, although the beer was expensive.

We did a lot of shopping in a one stop shop called Panneri in Andheri. If you are the fan of Indian dresses and you have a wife who likes plastic money then you will find the designs & prices of Indian dresses at exceptional value in Mumbai. Mumbai is a place to eat a lot of different kinds of food, we found that eating outside of Le Meridian was value for money. If you have limited time avoid going south to the heart of Mumbai as the traffic is a pain anytime of day. If you have a connection flight to catch and need a place to spend the night or evening in a relaxed atmosphere then Le Meridian is the place to be.

Visit Prince of Wales museum. I ate in 3 very good restaurants : Khyber, Mahesh Lunch Home, and Status. Found Bombay to be very interesting, but shop alone. If a tour guide takes you to a shop, you may be paying up to 30% more. Take time to shop before you buy big ticket items like carpets and jewelry.

I was a bit disappointed of Elefanta Island. Wonder if it has deserved its status as World Heritage Place. The place is really dirty and seems to be more a picnic place for Indians. However the monkeys were cute and the boat ride is interesting and gives good photo shooting opportunities of the India Gate and Taj Hotel. The water pollution on the way and at the shore of Elefanta Island is incredible.

The Museum of Western India (former Prince of Wales Museum) is always a wonderful experience. Especially its collection of miniature paintings is worth seeing.

I took a tour from Mumbai to Kathmandu with a company called the Imaginative Traveller which was absolutely brilliant. The guides were excellent and it was brilliant value for money. I would advise anyone travelling to India for the first time not to start their trip in Mumbai. The trip from the airport was shocking- nothing but slums coupled with terrible smells, loads of stray dogs etc. Delhi would be much less intimidating.

I have been to Mumbai 2 times now and have eaten at a great restaurant called "Something''s Fishy" in the M.I.D.C. area of Chakala. Selection varies from Seafood, Chinese, Indian and more.

Best thing to do is to hire Toyota Qualis (A/C)with driver, these range from approx 1,500 IRS-2000.00 IRS for a day, it is a lot better and comfortable than the local taxis especially if there are up to 9 people in your group! Eating at Macdonalds was the safest for me although you can dine at local joints. There are also many international chain restaurants like Pizza Hut, Subway etc. Shopping is good at a place called fashion street, but barter with the market stall owners, if they ask for 250.00IRS, start your bidding at only 70.00 IRS-120.00 IRS, then start to walk away and they''ll soon chop prices to what you are prepared to pay!!There are plenty of places to see, but your driver should be aware of these and show you the sights appropriately!!

The elephant boat ride is worth it to get away from Mumbai for the day and the infamous chowpatty beach is worth a look at night when all the local families come out.

Try the Indigo restaurant and bar, just around the corner from the Taj. Need to book. Stylish and happening with great cocktails, food and service.

Basically asked taxi drivers and hotel staff are important source of info.

Although not noted as a tourist destination a 2-3 day stay in Mumbai is an interesting experience. This hotel is well placed for a walk to local shops and museums, or there are plenty of cheap taxis outside that will take you on a tour. They are cheaper than the hotel tours and they cover some more interesting areas.

Could not travel much.. but Mumbai is Mumbai. Unique in its own special way.