The Taj Mahal Palace is the hotel that defines Mumbai, and it is our splurge pick. Opened in 1903, the red-domed Palace wing stands on the Apollo Bunder waterfront directly opposite the Gateway of India, and its arcades, chandeliers and sea-facing windows have hosted travellers for well over a century. The hotel sits in the middle of the Colaba sightseeing district, so the Gateway, the Elephanta ferry jetties, the CSMVS museum and Colaba Causeway market are all within a short walk. Guests can choose between rooms in the heritage Palace wing and the neighbouring Tower, and there is an outdoor pool, a spa, a hair salon and seven restaurants and bars, including the Sea Lounge for afternoon tea, Loya for North Indian dishes and the Golden Dragon. It is grand, polished and unmistakably Mumbai.
Location and getting around
The hotel faces the Gateway of India on Apollo Bunder in Colaba. On the property’s own distance list, the Gateway is about a five-minute walk, the CSMVS museum eight minutes and Colaba Causeway one minute away, while Churchgate station is a three-minute drive. The airport is about an hour by car in typical traffic, and the hotel can arrange a paid transfer. For Elephanta, Marine Drive and the street food tour at Churchgate, a taxi from the door is simple.
Rooms
The hotel lists city-view, ocean-view and Palace-wing luxury rooms of about 355 to 398 square feet, Taj Club rooms with sea views, and suites ranging from about 750 square feet to the Presidential Suite. The Palace wing has more heritage character, with high ceilings and period details, while Tower rooms tend to be more contemporary. Sea-view rooms book out first in the cool season.
Who it suits
Couples on a special trip, first-time visitors who want the best location and anyone who enjoys historic hotels. The pool and spa are a welcome retreat after a day of heat and crowds, and the lobby and Sea Lounge are worth visiting even if you are not staying.
Good to know
A buffet breakfast is available for a surcharge unless your rate includes it. Self-parking is free, an airport shuttle carries a fee, and the hotel has babysitting for a charge. Book dinner at the main restaurants ahead of time, particularly at weekends.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Spa
- ✓Seven restaurants and bars
- ✓Sea Lounge afternoon tea
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Free self-parking
- ✓Sea-view rooms
- ✓Opposite the Gateway of India
Good questions
Where is the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai?+
It is on Apollo Bunder in Colaba, directly opposite the Gateway of India. The Colaba Causeway market and the CSMVS museum are within a short walk.
Does the Taj Mahal Palace have a pool?+
Yes, it has an outdoor pool with sun loungers, along with a spa and a hair salon. The pool is open to guests only.
Is breakfast included at the Taj Mahal Palace?+
A buffet breakfast is available for a surcharge unless your rate includes it. Guests can also use the hotel’s seven restaurants and bars for other meals.
