Frommer's Review
What do Bill Gates, Richard Gere, Michael Jackson, Rupert Murdoch, and the leaders or the heads of state of the United States, Russia, Greece, China, Indonesia, and Iceland have in common? Yes, they've all stayed at the best hotel on Marine Drive, and arguably the best in Mumbai. 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 (you can walk to many of the city's best shops from here, or utilize the cheap taxis that await, like hungry fish at feeding time, the doorman's whistle). All accommodations are spacious, with tasteful decor, but the best rooms are the premium sea-view rooms, facing the bay and Marine Drive, with stunning sea views and gorgeous sunsets turning the whole room a pale pink before the Queen's Necklace starts to sparkle -- a dazzling predinner spectacle. The in-house restaurants are all superb, so you won't have to go far to enjoy one of Mumbai's top-rated restaurants. The top-rated Banyan Tree spa is equally in a league of its own. The only slight letdown is the pool area, which makes one feel stranded in a depressing wasteland, the hideous monolithic exterior a stark contrast to the classy interiors. Note: If the rates at The Oberoi are a tad stiff for your budget, overnight instead in the adjoining Trident Towers. It may not have the same staff-to-client ratio as the more luxurious Oberoi, and the atmosphere is rather soulless, but this is still an excellent hotel, with high standards and offering relatively good value -- plus you'll have access to all the facilities next door. Rates vary daily; at press time a superior room runs $330 a night, including breakfast (tel. 022/5632-4343; www.tridenthotels.com).
Facilities: 3 restaurants; bar; an additional 3 restaurants and bar in adjoining Trident Towers; pool; spa, salon, and health club; concierge; sightseeing, travel, and limousine service; business center; shopping arcade; bookshop; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning; doctor-on-call; floor butler; currency exchange.
In room: A/C, TV, fax, dataport, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, hair dryer, electronic safe, scale. Sea-facing rooms and suites have DVD players; suites and deluxe rooms include CD players.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
