When you start planning a trip to India and look at the map, one essential thing might surprise you. Mumbai is a roughly 40-kilometer-long peninsula, which makes choosing accommodation quite a strategic game. Most people think they’ll stay somewhere in the middle and take day trips, but the local traffic will very quickly prove them wrong.
Think of it this way: you’ll either stay in the south near the main monuments, or choose northern neighborhoods for great food and nightlife. You simply can’t manage both from one hotel, because getting across in traffic jams can easily take an hour and a half. That’s why I recommend clarifying right from the start what you actually expect from your visit and how much time you’ll spend in the city.
Besides the enormous distances, you need to watch out for hidden hotel taxes and also new rules regarding airports that have been in effect since October 2026. I’ve prepared a detailed guide to the best neighborhoods and selected specific hotels so you can avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy this city to the fullest.
TL;DR
- Best hotel overall: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai is a legend with a view of the Gateway of India.
- Best boutique experience: Abode Bombay offers beautiful interiors full of antiques right in the heart of the tourist district of Colaba.
- For food and café lovers: Bloom Boutique Bandra sits in the center of a hipster neighborhood full of great vegetarian bistros.
- Ideal for families with children: JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu has huge pools and is right by the beach, where you can take lovely evening walks.
- Best value for money: Residency Hotel Fort is a short walk from monuments and the metro station and doesn’t cost a fortune.
- Luxury near the airport: ITC Maratha is a magnificent grand hotel that will save you during late-night arrivals from Europe.
- Best for backpackers: The Hosteller Mumbai, International Airport is a highly rated hostel with excellent airport access.
💡 On this map you can compare what’s currently available — you’ll immediately see how much the price changes a few blocks away.
The full destination guide: Asia — guide and what to see
Which Area to Choose
Choosing the right neighborhood in this huge city is crucial, because each area has a completely different atmosphere and suits a different type of traveler. It helps to divide the city into the southern historic part, the modern center, and the area around the airport.
If you’re visiting the city for the first time and only have a few days, the Colaba neighborhood is a classic choice. You’ll find the most famous monuments here like the Gateway of India, the whole area is very safe at any time of day, and you can easily explore it on foot. It’s a pleasant tourist bubble, but you need to expect that it’s the most expensive and popular auto-rickshaws aren’t allowed here. From the airport, you’ll also drag yourself here by taxi for an hour and a half.
Right next door lies the Fort and Churchgate area, which is full of beautiful Art Deco architecture and Victorian Gothic. In the evening it’s somewhat quieter than neighboring Colaba and the price-to-quality ratio of accommodation is noticeably better here. A huge advantage is the direct connection to the new Aqua Line metro, which will get you comfortably and quickly further into the city.
For lovers of great food and nightlife, Bandra West is the clear choice. This hipster neighborhood full of cafés, street art, and Bollywood stars offers what many travelers consider the best entertainment in the city. From the airport, you’ll get here by taxi in a pleasant 20 to 30 minutes, but you’ll schlep to the monuments in the south for easily an hour and a half.
Families with children often choose the Juhu neighborhood, which stretches along the coast. The beach is definitely not for swimming, but it’s ideal for evening walks and tasting street food. Hotels here have beautiful pools and it’s a short distance to the airport, just be patient if you want to head south for history on the peninsula, which will take you up to 90 minutes.
The business district Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is full of modern offices and luxury hotels with large pools. During the week it’s buzzing with business, but on weekends the area is quite empty and lacks that authentic Indian character. The advantage, however, is excellent connection to the new metro line, which will take you to the airport in less than half an hour.
Areas like Worli or Lower Parel lie halfway between the monuments and the north, so they’re a compromise of sorts. You’ll find modern gastronomy and shopping centers in former textile mills here, but you can’t walk to the main monuments. In contrast, Andheri East and the airport area mainly serve for transit stays, because most European flights land deep into the night when the metro is no longer running.
When to Go and When to Book
The best time to visit is from mid-November to the end of February, when temperatures are very pleasant and you avoid the dreaded monsoon. From June to September, the city is lashed by heavy rains, streets are often flooded, and mold forms very quickly in older buildings in the south of the city, which can make your stay quite unpleasant. If you’re also planning a trip in autumn, watch the dates of festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Diwali, when there’s huge chaos in the city and hotels are sold out long in advance.
When booking accommodation, you need to be very careful about taxes, because prices on booking portals are very often displayed without them and are only added in the final step. Since September 22, 2025, new rules for GST tax have been in effect in India, which depends on the actual room price. If you stay within 1,000 INR per night, you don’t pay any tax. For rooms priced from 1,001 to 7,500 INR, the tax is 5 percent, but as soon as the room costs over 7,500 INR, you’ll be hit with a full 18 percent tax.
To give you an idea, if you book a luxury room for 33,300 INR, you need to add another almost 6,000 INR just in taxes. No additional city or tourist tax is charged in the city, so this is really the final amount. Some luxury hotels do try to add a service charge of 5 to 10 percent, but that is voluntary by law and you can decline it with a smile when paying.
Price ranges are quite broad and for better orientation, figure that 100 Indian rupees is roughly €0.90. A bed in a hostel will cost you about 500 to 1,000 INR, a decent mid-range hotel in the tourist bubble will run you around 3,000 to 6,000 INR per night. Luxury hotels then start at 15,000 INR and can climb to astronomical amounts.
Since October 2026, also don’t forget to carefully check the airport code on your ticket. About a third of international flights are moving to the new Navi Mumbai airport (code NMI), from where you can only get to the center by taxi in less than an hour.
18 Best Hotels in Mumbai
1. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai is simply a symbol of the entire city, and sleeping here means experiencing a piece of Indian history that industrialist Jamsetji Tata began writing back in 1903. It sits in the heart of the Colaba neighborhood right by the Gateway of India, so you can explore the main monuments on foot first thing in the morning, before the real heat kicks in. Guests rave in reviews about the staff’s care, the rich breakfast, and the pool where you can wonderfully relax after a full day of walking the city. You’ll find no fewer than eleven restaurants here plus a beautiful spa. In the afternoon I recommend stopping by the hotel’s Sea Lounge for traditional tea—the view of boats bobbing in the bay is absolutely magical from here.
The building went through a dark history during the terrorist attacks in November 2008, but today it has been completely restored with enormous care. A night here runs about 18,000 to 50,000 INR and expect that some standard rooms might not be absolutely huge. An amusing curiosity is the 4,950 INR parking fee, which is understandable in this historic neighborhood though. All of Colaba is really very safe, just remember that popular auto-rickshaws aren’t allowed here and you’ll drag yourself to the airport by taxi for easily an hour and a half.
💡 Tip: If you want to experience the atmosphere of this iconic place a bit cheaper, right next door stands the more modern Taj Mahal Tower, Mumbai. It shares the luxury facilities with the palace and on the MakeMyTrip portal a room in September 2026 cost around 33,300 INR plus eighteen percent tax.
2. The Oberoi, Mumbai
The Oberoi, Mumbai sits on the prestigious Nariman Point address, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Marine Drive promenade. Locals affectionately call this bay curve the Queen’s Necklace, because when it lights up in the evening, it looks simply magical. The atmosphere here is wonderfully calm and elegant. According to reviews, guests particularly praise the enormous and perfectly clean rooms with views of the Arabian Sea, the incredibly attentive staff, and the generous breakfasts. You’ll find three excellent restaurants and a beautiful spa center here. The hotel is probably best suited for someone who wants to relax on their travels and enjoy a touch of genuine luxury.
Keep in mind that from the airport, you’ll spend about forty-five to seventy-five minutes in a taxi getting here, depending on traffic. Fortunately, the Churchgate metro station is just a short walk away, and you can reach the most famous landmark, Gateway of India, with a pleasant walk in about half an hour. In the evening, this neighborhood is much quieter than the classic tourist hub in Colaba to the south, which after a demanding day in the noisy streets strikes me as a huge advantage. When you get a craving for something traditional, definitely head to the popular nearby Status restaurant, where they serve fantastic purely vegetarian dishes.
💡 Tip: If it’s fully booked, right next door at the same address stands the sister property Trident, Nariman Point. It tends to be somewhat cheaper, with a night costing around 12,000 to 22,000 INR, but it maintains a similar standard and equally beautiful sea views.
3. InterContinental Marine Drive
InterContinental Marine Drive is a charming art deco boutique hotel right on the famous waterfront promenade, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a completely different century. People particularly praise the wonderful staff and spacious clean rooms with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. You’ll probably also fall in love with the rooftop pool here. It’s the perfect spot to watch the most beautiful sunsets and elegantly avoid the crowds on the promenade below. A night here costs around 10,000 to 18,000 INR. You can walk to the landmarks, and from the nearby Churchgate metro station, you can take the new Aqua Line to airport terminal T2 in forty-five minutes.
Keep in mind that it’s an older building, so the furnishings feel slightly retro and the electrical outlets occasionally act up. A few guests also warn about noisier hallway cleaning and cooler water in the unheated pool. But all of that is reliably saved by the generous breakfast full of Indian specialties. The neighborhood is full of beautiful Victorian Gothic architecture, and when you get hungry from your wandering, you’ll find Swati Snacks nearby. They serve honest traditional street food in a clean environment, and the entire menu is purely vegetarian.
💡 Tip: If you’re looking for something quieter away from the typical promenade bustle, near the Cuffe Parade metro station you’ll find President, Mumbai – IHCL SeleQtions. It belongs to the reliable Taj group, and people really praise the good breakfasts there.
4. Abode Bombay
Abode Bombay is a charming boutique hotel near the popular Regal cinema, which with its antique furniture feels more like a cozy collector’s apartment. Guests can’t stop raving about the wonderful peace and quiet, which is truly a rarity in such a crazy city. They also gush about the staff, who willingly arrange excursions for you, and the generous homemade breakfast. It includes both traditional Marathi dishes and proper sourdough bread, and they’ll prepare a vegan version for you too. This place is simply made for lovers of nostalgia and small touches, like goodnight messages. You’ll pay around 6,000 to 12,000 INR per night here.
You’ll find the hotel on MB Marg street right in the heart of the tourist hub called Colaba, where you’ll feel completely safe even in the evening. You can walk to the main Gateway of India gateway and other landmarks in just a few minutes, so you’ll cleverly avoid long hours stuck in traffic jams. When you get hungry after a full day of walking, definitely head to the neighboring Kala Ghoda district. They have a fantastic purely vegetarian restaurant called Burma Burma that you really shouldn’t miss while exploring the historic center.
💡 Tip: If it’s fully booked, nearby on Battery Street stands the themed The Gordon House Hotel, just be prepared for a noisier club on the upper floor. A completely quiet alternative is the small Ascot Hotel tucked away on the green Garden Road lane.
5. Hotel Suba Palace
Hotel Suba Palace sits in the very heart right behind the iconic Gateway of India gateway, so you’re really close to the best landmarks and wonderful cafés, and early in the morning you can admire the architecture completely without crowds. Of everything, guests most praise the incredibly kind staff, who willingly take care of you from absolutely stress-free airport pickup to daily smiles in the hallways. Add to that beautifully clean rooms and generous buffet breakfasts, where you can choose from a huge variety of excellent dishes. You’ll pay around 3,500 to 5,500 INR per night here, which strikes me as a very fair price for such a good location.
Just keep in mind that in the old historic district of Colaba, rooms tend to be somewhat smaller, and you’ll pay quite a bit for parking in this busy neighborhood. As you probably already know, popular auto-rickshaws are strictly prohibited from entering this southern part of the city, so you’ll have to rely more on your feet or regular taxis. When you get hungry from your wandering, I warmly recommend trying the popular vegetarian restaurant Chetana nearby, which will surely delight you with an authentic Indian thali.
💡 Tip: If it’s fully booked, in a similar price range try Hotel Ozone Inn on nearby Wodehouse Road, where guests praise the partial sea view, or Regent Hotel right behind the famous Taj palace with newly renovated rooms.
6. Residency Hotel Fort
Residency Hotel Fort can be found right on DN Road in the Fort district, and believe me, you’ll be charmed by its incredibly warm atmosphere. People rave about the fantastic staff, who have largely been working here for decades and will do absolutely everything for you. They also praise the very good breakfast and clean, cozy, and surprisingly quiet rooms. The location near the historic CSMT station and the brand-new Aqua Line metro station is a huge advantage, because from here you can get to the airport or the northern parts of the city in air-conditioned comfort without long hours stuck in endless traffic jams.
You’ll like it here if you’re looking for a bit of peace after running around all day. The area around the hotel is full of beautiful architecture, and after eight o’clock in the evening the streets pleasantly empty out, making it much nicer to walk around than in the busier neighboring Colaba. Honestly though, expect that there’s no pool or fitness center here. A night costs around 3,000 to 4,500 INR, which strikes me as a pretty good price. When you head out to explore the landmarks, definitely stop by the nearby Aram Vada Pav stall for a quick lunch. They make the famous Mumbai burger there, a fantastic vegetarian treat in the form of a fried potato dumpling in a bun.
💡 Tip: If it’s fully booked, near the station you’ll find Capital Hotel, where guests praise the cleanliness but complain quite a bit about traffic noise. Somewhat more expensive is The Ambassador with period interiors in the Churchgate district near the Marine Drive promenade.
7. Hotel Marine Plaza
Hotel Marine Plaza is a really pleasant property from the Sarovar chain, located right on the famous coastal promenade Marine Drive. People praise its incredible location above all else, because you can just step outside and immediately soak up the local atmosphere among local families and couples in love. Besides the very spacious and clean rooms, guests often mention the wonderfully kind staff, the excellent restaurant on the first floor, and the generous breakfasts where chefs prepare food right in front of you.
The main draw is probably the rooftop pool with a bar, which offers fantastic views of the bay nicknamed the Queen’s Necklace. Honestly though, expect the pool itself to be quite small and the rooftop bar to be closed during the monsoon season. I definitely recommend paying a bit extra for a sea-facing room, because brewing your morning coffee and watching the city wake up is an incredible experience. From here you’ll reach the airport by taxi in about forty-five to seventy-five minutes, and just a short walk from the hotel you can also hop on the metro at Churchgate station.
💡 Tip: Near the sacred Banganga Tank on Malabar Hill sits Hotel Kemps Corner. The rooms here are tiny, but guests praise the excellent breakfasts, beautiful rooftop terrace, and proximity to the outstanding vegetarian restaurant Soam.
8. Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai
Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is located in the Worli neighborhood, right halfway between the historic south and the bustling north. In their reviews, people praise the spacious clean rooms with comfortable beds and the very accommodating staff above all else. A major draw is the rooftop pool and the renowned AER bar, where you’ll have the whole city spread out before you with a cocktail in hand. Guests also highlight the generous buffet breakfasts with vegan options. This hotel is probably best suited for those who want to experience both faces of the city, but honestly expect some rooms to feel a bit dated due to partial renovations, and you might hear music from the bar at night. Some guests also point out the unappealing mess in the immediate surroundings.
You’ll pay around 14,000 to 40,000 INR per night here. You can’t walk to the monuments in the south and need to take a taxi for about half an hour, but the nearby Worli metro station will save you. It significantly speeds up your journey to the airport and downtown, so you won’t spend half your day stuck in a car. As a reward for a bit of commuting, you’ll also enjoy top-notch gastronomy. The renowned Copper Chimney restaurant is located nearby – definitely head there for luxurious vegetarian specialties.
💡 Tip: A bit further north lies The St. Regis Mumbai, which ranks among the city’s highest-rated hotels. It’s located right next to Phoenix Palladium shopping center, which will delight fashion lovers in particular, and guests rave about the fantastic views and attentive butler service.
9. The St. Regis Mumbai
The St. Regis Mumbai in the modern Lower Parel neighborhood is probably the best place to go if you want to be truly pampered. Guests can’t stop raving about the spacious rooms with beautiful city views and especially the incredibly attentive staff, which naturally includes butler service. Believe me, they’ll anticipate your needs with little touches here, and what’s more, you can walk directly from the hotel into the luxurious Phoenix Palladium shopping center. This former textile mill area has gradually transformed into a paradise full of the best boutiques, galleries, and bistros.
You’ll need to take a taxi back to the historic monuments in the southern part of the city – about half an hour – but the evening entertainment in the area more than makes up for it. You don’t even have to go far, because there are five excellent restaurants right in the building. From guest reviews, however, I have to honestly warn you that if you have very specific dietary requirements, such as a strict Jain vegetarian diet, the chefs aren’t always entirely willing to adjust the Asian dishes. Otherwise, though, it’s wonderfully comfortable accommodation for anyone who loves modern gastronomy and perfect care.
💡 Tip: If it’s fully booked, check out ITC Grand Central in the neighboring Parel district. Lovers of traditional Indian aesthetics will appreciate the beautiful indoor pool and fantastic Indian cuisine here. Just expect the rooms to feel a bit dated and weddings are often held here.
10. Taj Lands End
Taj Lands End is a beautiful luxury hotel at the very tip of the hipster Bandra West neighborhood by the Bandstand promenade, where you’ll have the best cafés and street art right on your doorstep. Guests can’t stop praising the fantastic views of the sea and the modern cable-stayed Sea Link bridge that connects the north and south of the city across the bay. There’s also lots of praise for the incredibly friendly staff, spacious rooms, and excellent food in several hotel restaurants, and after a long day you’ll definitely appreciate the outdoor pool or hot tub as well. A night here will cost you around 14,000 to 30,000 INR.
Keep in mind though that while you’ll reach the airport by taxi in a pleasant twenty to thirty minutes, you’ll have quite a journey to the main monuments in the southern part of the city and should allow at least an hour for the trip. Your reward, however, will be pleasant peace away from congested roads, and a short walk from the hotel you’ll find the historic Bandra Fort. Every evening I recommend heading to the promenade right in front of the hotel, where locals come to watch the beautiful sunsets and enjoy the evening atmosphere.
💡 Tip: Definitely go get lost in the surrounding streets, which are full of amazing bistros and independent cafés. If you want to taste the best vegetarian street food, head to the renowned Gokul Veg, which locals absolutely swear by.
11. Bloom Boutique Bandra
Bloom Boutique Bandra ranks among the best-rated hotels in the city and right after arrival you’ll probably be won over by its brilliantly colorful rooms. It’s located right on the popular Pali Hill in the heart of the hipster Bandra West neighborhood, so you’ll be just a short walk from amazing cafés, design shops, and independent art galleries. Guests praise the incredibly friendly staff and excellent breakfasts in the local café above all else, where chefs will prepare fresh dosa or an omelet right before your eyes. Just expect the bathrooms to be a bit smaller here, but everything is impeccably clean. A night will cost you around 3,000 to 6,000 INR, which is very reasonable money for such nice accommodation.
From the hotel you can also easily get to the historic center, because you’ll find a local railway station nearby. I recommend hopping on a fast suburban train that will take you south to Churchgate station. It takes about thirty to forty minutes and believe me, you’ll elegantly slip past the worst Mumbai traffic jams this way. In short, this accommodation makes sense for anyone looking for cozy accommodation in the middle of the modern city who wants plenty of options for where to go sit in the evening right around the corner.
💡 Tip: This reliable chain has several locations in the city. Check out Bloom Hotel Juhu near the beach, the brand new Bloom Hotel BKC Kalina close to the business center, or the yellow-themed Bloom Hotel Worli, where people especially praise the meticulous cleanliness.
12. Le Sutra
Le Sutra is a unique art hotel in the Khar West neighborhood that feels more like a gallery combined with a small bookshop. The rooms double as exhibition space for Indian artists, so your accommodation itself becomes an aesthetic experience. In reviews, guests rave about the fantastic and warm staff as well as the excellent fresh breakfasts. It’s perfect for those of you who love creative environments and the modern face of the city full of young people. Although the hotel has a relaxed overall atmosphere, I honestly need to mention one drawback. Street noise occasionally reaches through the windows and the air conditioning is reportedly not the quietest either, so you’d better toss some earplugs into your suitcase.
The quieter hotel surroundings flow seamlessly into the popular Bandra neighborhood, so you’ll be just a short walk from the room to a huge number of great restaurants, such as the well-known Olive Bar, and cozy cafés. But you’ll also find plenty of stalls serving excellent street food here. I definitely recommend heading to the nearby Elco restaurant for their famous crispy pani puri balls. They prepare them with filtered water here, so you can enjoy them without unnecessary worries.
💡 Tip: If you’re staying in the northern part of the city longer, accommodation with a kitchenette makes sense. A short distance away in neighboring Bandra you’ll find Theory9 Serviced Apartments, where guests praise the cleanliness, a very pleasant rooftop terrace, and welcome snack packages they hand out on arrival.
13. JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu
JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is a luxury resort with a beautiful infinity pool right by the beach and belongs to those places where you’ll reliably unwind in the middle of a pulsating metropolis. People in reviews gush about the sea views from enormous rooms and the incredibly kind staff who will happily go above and beyond for you. Families with children simply love it here. They also praise the hugely generous breakfasts with a selection of Indian and international dishes, so you definitely won’t leave hungry. A night here costs around 12,000 to 25,000 INR.
But I think it’s fair to honestly mention a few minor drawbacks as well—some guests noticed that the furniture in the rooms is showing some age, and unfortunately children under twelve aren’t allowed in the hotel lounge. Swimming in the sea right by the hotel isn’t possible, but the views from the pool more than make up for it. You’ll get to the airport by taxi in fifteen to twenty-five minutes, just keep in mind that getting to the monuments in the south of the peninsula will take a good hour and a half by car. In the evening I recommend heading to the beach for the food stalls and fresh fruit juices, or try the nearby purely vegetarian Shiv Sagar restaurant.
💡 Tip: When it’s full, right next door is the pleasant Hyatt Centric Juhu with a smaller rooftop pool, though expect occasionally slower service there. Another option is the huge Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach complex with an excellent Indian restaurant by the pool.
14. Sofitel Mumbai BKC
Sofitel Mumbai BKC is one of the highest-rated hotels in the city and charms you at first sight with its elegant atmosphere featuring a huge rooftop pool and bar. Guests often rave about the spacious and incredibly comfortable rooms, but especially about the amazing breakfast and excellent staff who will take care of you with a smile from morning to evening. People also praise the room service food, particularly the traditional Indian dishes, though honestly, dessert lovers will be a bit disappointed with the local sweets because according to reviews they’re rather average. For relaxation after a long day in the city you’ll also find Ayurvedic spa facilities here.
A night in this business hub will cost you around 8,000 to 16,000 INR. During the week the modern BKC office district really comes alive, but trust me, on weekends the streets completely empty out and you’ll unexpectedly get a wonderful rest from the metropolis hustle. Plus you can easily walk from here to the NMACC cultural center. Great news is the connection to the new Aqua Line metro station right in the complex. You’ll get to the international airport by air-conditioned carriage in just under half an hour, so you elegantly avoid all of Mumbai’s famous traffic jams.
💡 Tip: When it’s full, right down the street lies the luxurious Trident, Bandra Kurla with a beautiful infinity pool and a price tag from 10,000 to 20,000 INR. For a smaller budget I recommend the somewhat cheaper ibis Mumbai BKC.
15. ITC Maratha
ITC Maratha is a magnificent grand hotel in the Sahar district that sits literally steps from international terminal T2, so it will save you quite a bit of nerves and energy after a night flight from Europe. You know that feeling when you’re dragging yourself from the airport and just want to fall into bed? Here you’ll be in your room about ten to twenty minutes after you pick up your luggage from the carousel. Guests enjoy the highest Indian standard of care here and trust me, you’ll forget about travel fatigue very quickly. A night in this comfort will cost you roughly 8,000 to 18,000 INR, which seems pretty good to me for being a stone’s throw from the plane.
If you’re moving to the airport from the city center a bit earlier, definitely use the new Aqua Line metro, which has a station right at the terminal. Before departure I warmly recommend visiting one of the hotel restaurants where you’ll have one last really good meal. The Indian cuisine here always has a quite rich vegetarian section, so you can easily enjoy it even without meat. This place is simply a cozy haven from which you’ll smoothly and stress-free transition straight to your plane.
💡 Tip: When it’s full, a short distance away is JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a great pool, or the classic Hilton Mumbai International Airport, though expect somewhat slower room service there. Also worth mentioning is the brand new Fairmont Mumbai with a fantastic view of the runway.
16. The Leela Mumbai
The Leela Mumbai is a little paradise with a tropical garden where after a long flight you’ll completely forget that you’re in the middle of a noisy metropolis. Guests gush about the beautiful outdoor pool, lotus ponds, and spacious, perfectly soundproofed rooms that don’t let in any noise from the nearby airport. The highest praise regularly goes to the generous breakfast, where people often recall the excellent cheese croissants. Most visitors also praise the warm staff, though occasionally you’ll read that check-in itself can take a bit longer. A night here costs roughly 10,000 to 22,000 INR.
You’ll find the hotel in the Sahar district, so it’s suitable mainly for those of you who want to rest right after arrival and clear your head in greenery. If you stay here longer and plan to head out to monuments, you’ll definitely appreciate the nearby Aqua Line metro station. Just expect that the trip to southern Mumbai will take you an hour to an hour and a half.
💡 Tip: If it’s full, a short distance away near the airport sits Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport with great breakfasts. People also praise Radisson Mumbai Andheri MIDC highly for excellent food, or the popular Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport, which has a nice rooftop pool.
17. The Hosteller Mumbai, International Airport
The Hosteller Mumbai, International Airport is located in the Andheri East neighborhood and is apparently one of the highest-rated accommodations of its kind in the city. In reviews, guests rave most about the perfect cleanliness and praise the curtains around beds in shared dorms, which give you the much-needed privacy. If you’re traveling solo or have a tighter budget, you’ll love it here. For really little money you’ll meet great people from all over the world, plus you’ll find quite a few digital nomads here, so don’t expect any wild party scene. The staff are also known for their helpfulness and will assist you without any problems even during the confusion of a night arrival.
Just bear in mind that according to some travelers, the private rooms are quite small. The biggest advantage here is the location near the international airport, which you’ll especially appreciate with early morning flights or after a very late night arrival when you don’t feel like going anywhere. You’ll need to take the metro to reach the monuments in the southern part of the city, but the money saved is probably really worth it.
💡 Tip: Not far from here, near the new metro line station Marol Naka, you’ll find the popular Zostel Mumbai, where people praise the rooftop terrace and café. Just be very careful about fake websites promising Zostel Colaba or Zostel Bandra branches – these don’t exist in the city at all.
18. Backpacker Cowies
Backpacker Cowies is probably the only decent hostel right in the heart of touristy Colaba, tucked away in a century-old historic building on Walton Road. It formerly operated as the well-known Backpacker Panda, and a night in a shared room runs around 11 US dollars. Guests really praise the comfortable beds, helpful staff, and the great group of people you’ll meet on the rooftop terrace or in the common room. But the biggest draw is the location near Gateway of India. Head to the gate early in the morning before the scorching heat begins and crowds fill the streets. In short, the hostel suits everyone who wants to save on transport and have the city at their fingertips.
Just bear in mind that this is more modest accommodation and various renovations sometimes take place here. According to reviews, you might encounter dust or a non-working elevator, which makes a difference with a heavy backpack. People also point out that the air conditioning is turned off during the day and doesn’t keep up with cooling larger rooms at night. But if you don’t mind compromising a bit on comfort in exchange for an absolutely unbeatable location and friendly atmosphere, trust me, you’ll love it here.
💡 Tip: If it’s full, try Comfort A/c Dormitory with laundry in the Fort neighborhood. Also very pleasant is the YWCA International Centre guesthouse, where you get breakfast and dinner, or the traditional community-run YMCA International House near Mumbai Central.
How to Choose the Right Hotel
When choosing accommodation, you really need to be clear about your main purpose for the trip, because in such a huge city you can’t have everything at once. If you’re traveling as a family with kids and looking more for relaxation, definitely head to the beautiful resort hotels with large pools in the Juhu neighborhood, where children will have a great time and in the evening you can take a nice walk along the waterfront. Couples in love and luxury seekers, on the other hand, should go for hotels directly on the Marine Drive promenade, because that evening view of the illuminated bay of the Queen’s Necklace simply can’t be beaten. For travelers with a smaller budget and no car, strategic accommodation near the new Aqua Line metro in the Fort neighborhood makes by far the most sense.
But be extremely careful of some very unpleasant traps that booking portals have in store for you. In the popular tourist neighborhood of Colaba, hotels with ratings well below 4.0 very often appear at the top of search results, which in Indian conditions is already a huge warning signal that you should pay attention to. Definitely give a wide berth to old buildings like Hotel Diplomat, Sea Palace, Suncity Apollo, Hotel Broadway, or Strand. These buildings tend to have huge problems with noise and especially during the monsoons from June to September mold spreads dangerously. I also warn you against the legendary backpacker accommodation Salvation Army Red Shield, which has a great location just behind the Taj palace, but a 3.6 rating speaks for itself.
On the internet you may also come across accommodation in the Kurla neighborhoods or in the western part of BKC, which often boast a “near US Consulate” label, but these areas are in reality very industrial, noisy and staying there is not pleasant at all. Similarly misleading can be offers of beautiful hotels on the lakeshore in the Powai neighborhood. Although it looks incredibly idyllic in photos, you’d better forget this idea, because this green area is completely cut off from suburban trains and the metro, and an ordinary trip to the center to see monuments will take you one to two hours by car.
Where Next
If you’ve already chosen the best accommodation and are thinking about how to smartly put together your itinerary in this enormous city, we’ve written a detailed guide for you. Read the article Mumbai, India: 22 Tips on What to See and Do, where you’ll find the best historical monuments, detailed advice about complicated transport, and plenty of other practical information that will significantly make your trip easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to stay in Mumbai for your first visit?
For your very first visit, I’d definitely recommend the southern part of the city, specifically the Colaba, Fort or Churchgate areas. You can comfortably walk to all the major historical sights from here, and the streets are safe even after dark. Thanks to the new Aqua Line metro, it’s also easy and quick to reach the more distant parts of the city from here.
Colaba or Bandra?
It depends on your personal priorities. For admiring sights, soaking up history and a calmer, more touristy atmosphere, Colaba is clearly the better choice. But if you’re after amazing food, stylish bars, a chance to spot Bollywood celebrities, and want to be closer to the airport, head straight to Bandra. Just keep in mind that getting between the two by taxi takes anywhere from forty-five to ninety minutes.
How much does a hotel in Mumbai cost?
Prices vary a lot depending on the area you choose. A bed in a clean hostel will cost you roughly 500 to 1,000 INR (around €5-10). A decent mid-range hotel in touristy Colaba costs about 3,000 to 6,000 INR (around €30-65), while in hipster Bandra it’s around 2,500 to 5,000 INR (around €25-55). Luxury five-star hotels start at 15,000 INR (around €160) per night, with tax always added on top.
What taxes do you pay on a hotel room?
In India, you pay GST, which is based directly on the room price. If a room costs 1,001 to 7,500 INR per night, you’ll pay an extra 5 percent. For pricier luxury rooms over 7,500 INR, the tax jumps to a full 18 percent. Rooms under 1,000 INR are tax-free. There’s no additional city tax, and any service charge is always optional.
Where to stay near the airport?
Look for the best accommodation in the Andheri East and Sahar neighborhoods, where you’ll find luxury grand hotels like the ITC Maratha or the Leela, as well as highly rated hostels, from which the terminal is just a ten to twenty minute ride away. From October 2026 though, make sure to double-check your ticket to see whether you might actually be flying out of the new Navi Mumbai airport.
Is Juhu good for the beach?
Juhu beach is fantastic for long evening walks and sampling authentic street food from dozens of stalls, but it’s really not meant for classic swimming in the sea. It’s a great, safe area for families with kids, just keep in mind that a taxi ride to the historic center and its sights will take you an hour to an hour and a half.
Do hotels accept cards, and do they want a deposit?
Most three-star and higher hotels nowadays commonly accept international Visa or Mastercard payment cards, but they very often place a deposit hold on them. Small guesthouses and hostels in Colaba, however, usually require cash payment. Also keep in mind that every hotel is legally required to make a copy of your passport and visa, which is completely standard practice.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
