Multimillion-dollar, woven of contrasts, Mumbai is the most unusual, controversial and European city in India. A city with a western flair and an Indian spirit, flaunting the splendor of skyscrapers and shamefully hiding the poverty of the slums, cherishes the heritage of the past and confidently moves towards the future. In Mumbai, the richest colonial heritage is closely intertwined with age-old traditions and culture, which attracts foreigners. And it is quite understandable that in the colossal size of the metropolis there is an uncountable number of places where you will be offered to stay in Mumbai in any setting and conditions.
Accommodation options
It is well known that Mumbai has the most expensive real estate, which could not but affect hotel rates. Prices in hotels have long caught up with European ones, and sometimes even surpassed, which does not negate the law of the market, which says: demand is born supply, and for every product there is a merchant. Therefore, even in expensive areas, next to a luxurious palace, there is always a modest house where tourists will be sheltered for quite real money.
Finding a hotel in Mumbai rarely causes problems; rather, on the contrary, you don't know how to fight off persistent offers - compassionate taxi drivers and tuk-tukers are always ready to give you a ride to a cheap and good hotel. As a result, guests are most often brought to questionable establishments with unjustifiably high prices. It is worth agreeing to such baits only if you are undemanding to the conditions and do not mind overpaying for an obviously unworthy service.
It makes no sense to quote prices for hotels - the range is too wide, but expensive international-class hotels start at $ 200-250, and this is a very humane price tag.
The cheapest options for where to stay in Mumbai are hostels and guest houses, where tourists huddle for 10-20 people in a cramped room with a shared toilet and shower, old furniture and extremely ascetic furnishings.
Surprisingly, such options are always snapped up and sometimes you almost have to spend the night near the institution, waiting for space to become free. In order not to be out in the open or not to go to expensive hotels, experienced tourists are advised to come to hostels by the time of check-out - by 8-9 am, when the chances of occupying the vacant seat are highest. By the evening in popular guest houses, everything is usually busy. What is doubly offensive, such establishments are not represented on booking sites, so you can only stake out a number in person upon arrival.
Recently, options for extreme lovers have appeared - overnight in the Mumbai slums. Guests are provided with a place in tin boxes where the local poor live. It is offered to pay about $ 30-40 for such an exotic, in return, guests get the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a real "folk" Bombay, see how the aborigines from the lower caste survive and earn money, taste local food, in general, merge with the masses.
If you have no money at all or want adventure, you can spend the night under the open sky, as many urban homeless do. The most popular place is the embankment, where whole families lay bedspreads right on the ground and sleep. Such an overnight stay is not for pampered "white people", and even less for ladies, there is always a danger of acquiring unwanted acquaintances.
Hotel Features
If you are looking for where to stay in Mumbai inexpensively, prepare yourself for some hardships. For example, to the lack of a separate toilet and bathroom - in cheap establishments, all amenities are on the floor and they have to share with dozens of neighbors. The periodic lack of hot water is something that you have to put up with, this is a common misfortune throughout India. The problem is solved in expensive hotels, here guests have everything for a comfortable stay.
What is really striking in some establishments is the lack of windows. Many rooms lack this seemingly natural attribute. Low price tags help to put up with this inconvenience.
In city hotels it is not always possible to pay by bank transfer - local hoteliers prefer the good old cash to cards and checks.
Fine dining, swimming pool, spa can all be found in 4 and 5 star hotels, as well as excellent rooms with luxurious furnishings. But you will have to pay in full for these pleasures, which is not always affordable for the average traveler.
Quality assurance - hotels of international chains. Brands such as Marriot, Hyatt, Hilton, Four Season, Courtyard and others are represented in Mumbai.
Areas to stay in Mumbai
The southern regions of Mumbai, the so-called City, are traditionally considered the best for tourists. The largest number of attractions is concentrated here, primarily of colonial architecture. These same areas are considered the most prestigious, well-equipped and safe. Do not ignore the suburbs, where a comfortable and carefree life in picturesque surroundings is established.
Areas for residence:
- Colaba.
- Malabar.
- Marine Drive.
- Nariman Point.
- Fort.
- Bandra.
Colaba
The most touristic and textbook area of Mumbai, from where acquaintance with the city and its outstanding heritage begins. A prestigious area on the coast of the Arabian Sea, formerly the British colonialists settled here, now they are movie stars, politicians, businessmen and the mighty of this world.
The streets of Colaba are decorated with examples of colonial architecture, between which are crowded with restaurants, shops, shops and everything that helps to lighten the pockets of white guests.
The main promenade is the embankment, from where you can watch fishermen or colorful sunsets. Not far away is the triumphal arch of the Gateway of India, and a little farther away is the lush Victoria Station building. Colaba is home to one of the most iconic places in Mumbai - the Prince of Wales Museum with the richest collections of sculpture, painting and historical finds.
Prices in Colaba are the highest by default, but you can always find an inexpensive hotel. Here is the legendary Salvation Army hostel, where everyone who is broke. In contrast to it is the equally famous hotel-palace Taj Mahal - the most expensive in all of India.
Hotels: The Taj Mahal Palace, Suba Palace, Fariyas, Suncity Apollo, Abode Bombay, The Gordon House, Causeway, Godwin, Taj Wellington Mews, Ascot, Bentleys, Harbor View.
Malabar
A respectable area where the houses of wealthy citizens are located. The place is popular with tourists and suitable for staying in Mumbai due to the abundance of hotels and potential entertainment. Malabar has a lot of greenery - flowering parks, gardens, alleys and it is located just 300 meters from the main city beach Chowpatty. Swimming here is risky, but having a picnic on the shore or listening to the sound of the waves is quite a worthy occupation.
A great place for a relaxing holiday, although there are plenty of attractions. The central point of the region is Kamala Nehru Park with flowering flower beds and exotic vegetation. The Hanging Gardens, stunning in beauty, are also located here. And on one of the streets is the Valkeshwar Hindu temple.
A gloomy landmark and a sacred place for all townspeople - the Towers of Silence. This is the place where, according to special traditions, adherents of the cult of Parsism are buried. In order not to shock those around them with a terrible spectacle, high towers were built for the "funeral" procedure, where the body of the deceased was given to the vultures.
Hotels: Regency Hotel, The Shalimar, Shangri-La, Royal Castle, Hotel Kemps Corner, Empire.
Marine Drive
Another prestigious area, Marine Drive, rests directly on Malabar. This is not even a district, but just an embankment lined with expensive mansions and high-rises, a local Dubai Marina with an Indian flavor. The promenade offers an indescribable view of the sea, and in the evenings she dresses in millions of lights.
Shops, restaurants, eateries are lined along the street, it is never boring and quiet here, which only plays into the hands of young people and adventure seekers. In addition, festivals and folk celebrations are often held here.
Hotels where to stay in Mumbai: InterContinental Marine Drive, Bentley Hotel, Hotel Fortune, Haredia, New Metro Guest House, Sapna Marine, Liberty, Chateau Windsor.
Nariman Point
The embankment of Marine Drive is partially covered by Nariman Point - the elite among the elite neighborhoods. This is an area of skyscrapers, shopping centers, restaurants, expensive shops and other pleasures. From here you can easily reach attractions, beaches and promenades, and the rest of the time you will be accompanied by an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility. A great place to stay in Mumbai with kids or a couple - lots of places for walking and romantic dates.
Hotels: Trident Nariman Point, The Oberoi, Hotel Marine Plaza, Sea Green Hotel, Sea Green South Hotel.
Fort
One of the oldest districts, full of both historical wonders and modern buildings that inexorably tread on ancient sites. Once there was the Portuguese fort of St. George, of which only ruins have survived to this day. But there are many examples of architecture from the 18-19 centuries, for example, St. Thomas Cathedral or Town Hall.
Actually, the Fort today is more of a business district, but there are many places where you can walk and what to see, the same Martyrs Square with a sculptural fountain.
Hotels: Hotel Modern, Traveller's Inn Hotel, Hotel A. K. International, Hotel Windsor, Hotel Oasis, Hotel Gold Coast.
Bandra
The western suburb of Mumbai, Bandra is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on one side and buildings from the beginning of the last century on the other. People come here not only for excursions, but also on the main shopping street of Hill Road for shopping. The area is fully adapted for tourists - restaurants, shops, cafes, shops, cinemas, parks follow a dense line.
Of the sights, one can note the Catholic Church of St. Mary and the remains of a Portuguese fort from the 18th century.
Hotels where you can stay in Mumbai: Hotel Siddhartha, P G Hostels & Backpackers, Metro Palace, Horn Ok Please Hostel, Stay Land, Lucky Hotel Bandra, The Oriental Residency.
