Having stayed at several Oberoi properties in India over the years, one thing we love about these hotels is the distinct feel each has. The Oberoi hotels manage to combine an aesthetic and atmosphere that reflects the individual cities they are in. For example, we were fortunate enough to stay at Udaivilas last year, Oberoi’s beautiful luxury property in Udaipur, which feels like quintessential Rajasthan. In contrast to that, the Oberoi hotel located at Marine Drive, Mumbai where we spent 3 nights recently, perfectly encapsulates Mumbai as we know it – it’s big, modern and fabulous – just like this thriving, giant, and glitzy metropolis. Plus it’s in an amazing location with great ocean views.
Here are some of the things we loved about the Oberoi in Mumbai, in no particular order.
#1 The cool, quiet, interior. It’s a real sanctuary when you’ve been out and about in Mumbai all day. Stepping back into this quiet, calm, and beautiful hotel is something of a relief.
#2 Flowers and music – the little details
We were struck by the immensely beautiful flowers that were everywhere – from the massive arrangements in the lobby to the colourful petals in the gym. There’s a striking red piano in the lobby, plus we loved sitting in the hotel bar late one night listening to a jazz ensemble play. It’s clear the hotel takes pride and care in all the details – big and small.
Colours of Mumbai – stunning flowers at Oberoi Mumbai
#3 The Champagne Lounge
Located in the hotel’s lobby, the Champagne Lounge is the perfect spot to relax in the afternoon and watch the comings and goings of the hotel lobby. The lounge offers more than 10 choices of foreign champagnes, plus sparkling and domestic wines. You can also order light meals from the hotel’s other restaurant or enjoy afternoon tea.
Champagne anyone? Yes please!
#4 Poolside Afternoons
Mumbai can be overwhelming and the heat intense. The hotel’s gorgeous deep blue pool is big and cool. With great ocean views, poolside service and comfy lounges – the Mumbai hustle and bustle will seem millions of miles away!
Big, blue and beautiful – Oberoi pool, Mumbai
# 5 Restaurants and more restaurants
The hotel boasts so many great places to eat we hardly got to try enough of them. Not to be missed is the hotel’s outstanding contemporary Indian restaurant, Ziya. There’s also Fenix where the hotel serves its wonderful breakfasts as well as all day meals, the Champagne Lounge and the Eau Bar to name just a few.
A nightcap at the bar, Oberoi Mumbai.
A stay at the Oberoi on Marine Drive in Mumbai can be included in a custom made itinerary and features in our North India In Depth itinerary.