The Best Boutique Hotels in Mumbai

Just north of streetfood-tastic Juhu Beach, this fresh-styled Andheri West four-star Mumbai boutique hotel offers contemporary flair, an intimate spa and a view-flooded rooftop pool and terrace, all at sensible prices. Hotshot mixologist Shatbhi Basu curated the cocktail and wine menus, while respected chef Ajay Chopra (of Masterchef India fame) is behind the Indian-Spanish fusion food (spiced croquettes, Mumbai-style patatas bravas) that’s popular with a local crowd. Tap into neighbouring Bandra, with its boundary-pushing food and drink scene, and venture south to the big-hitter architecture in Colaba and Fort 30km (19mi) away.

It’s the breezy seaside location that wows at this Juhu Beach landmark, founded back in the 1960s and once a favourite Bollywood hangout, welcoming everyone from Dev Anand to Clint Eastwood to Indira Gandhi. Now stylishly revamped, the neutral-toned rooms have fresh flowers and luxurious beds; the best gaze out on the Arabian Sea and the beach-view pool, set among frangipani trees and palms. There are Sunday brunches, sunset cocktails at the poolside bar and refined Nawabi cooking at Kabab House (hello, paneer tikka, lamb kebabs and spiced prawns).

It was only a matter of time before the capsule-hotel craze hit India. Enter, this forward-thinking Andheri East address – inspired by its founders’ travels in Singapore – which focuses on doing the basics brilliantly. At this boutique hotel in Mumbai you’ll sleep in minimal, futuristic dorms of smart, self-contained, air-conditioned pods; each with its own locker, USB ports, power socket, mirror and TV. There’s even a women-only collection, along with a cheery cafe where complimentary breakfasts are served. Claustrophobes might prefer the light-flooded, window-equipped, queen-sized Suite Pods.

A cheerily painted, smartly contemporary Bandra base surrounded by fabulous shopping, international consulates and Mumbai’s hottest bars and restaurants (within easy reach of Mumbai airport, too). Businessy rooms are minimally styled in lime green, rich reds and soft woods, though you’re here for the location. Pioneering craft breweries, third-wave coffee roasters, independent boutiques and respected yoga centres await just down the road, as does lively Juhu Beach, with its street-food deliciousness. Monument-packed Colaba – home of the Gateway of India and other Mumbai icons – is around 20km (12mi) south.

Sharing the world-famous Taj Mahal Palace’s dazzling Gateway of India views, this creatively refreshed former guesthouse in Colaba plays on the city’s Unesco-listed art-deco architecture. Tropical-stamped wallpaper, crushed-velvet chairs and mirrored cupboards fuse with elegantly pared-back design in the 15 rooms (the Superior Deluxes have sea-facing balconies), and there’s a rooftop cafe for paneer curries, tandoori fish tikka and home-cooked breakfasts. Mumbai’s unmissable draws are on the doorstep, including the Taj’s Harbour Bar and the creative scene of Kala Ghoda – with its galleries, boutiques and colonial-era buildings. excursions to Elephanta Island’s rock-cut temples can also be arranged.

Tucked away in a quiet and leafy by-lane of bustling Colaba, The Gordon House Hotel has both luxury and prime location to its advantage. With rooms individually furnished in Mediterranean, Scandinavian or country style, this stylish Mumbai boutique hotel goes to great lengths to customise guests’ stays here. Besides its fantastic location – a mere five-minute walk from the Gateway of India and Colaba Causeway – the hotel also houses great dining options. All Stir Fry, the on-site pan-Asian restaurant, is one of the finest in the area, while Cuban-themed Havana Cafe and Bar is a great place to end your day.

As Mumbai’s oldest luxury boutique hotel, Abode Bombay is well-equipped to make your stay in the city memorable. With carefully restored vintage furniture, original artwork and hand-made cement tile floors made according to a century-old technique, the hotel pays tribute to the heritage and old-world charm of the city. Located in a heritage property from 1910, Abode offers an exceptional stay in the heart of Colaba. The hotel has 20 rooms styled as basic, simple, luxury or superior luxury.

Le Sutra aims to be much more than just a luxury boutique hotel in Mumbai: it is a one-of-a-kind art museum that also lets people stay. With fewer than 20 individually designed rooms on three floors, themed according to Indian mythology and heritage, this delicately crafted hotel is a work of art itself. The in-house spa is exceptionally luxurious and one of Mumbai’s best options if you’re looking for pampering.

Inspired by chic Scandinavian minimalist design, this stylish boutique hotel in Mumbai offers 29 rooms that are well-stocked with luxurious facilities. In-room complimentary spa treatments and gaming consoles are some notable highlights. Svenska also offers various dining options, including the popular Soul Sky Lounge – a rooftop restaurant and bar that pairs excellent food with pleasing views.

Just a five-minute drive from Mumbai’s International Airport, this trendy boutique hotel offers warm and tastefully designed rooms that will make you feel right at home. Offering a series of nature-inspired boutique rooms that overlook the spectacular outdoor gardens, and well-styled executive rooms and suites, Waterstones is the best place to spend a night in luxury before you fly out of the city the next morning.

Located right by Juhu Beach, the most popular among the city’s many beaches, Juhu Residency offers relaxing stays and exceptionally warm service with individual attention. Rooms are unfussy yet elegant, and the decor reflects historic Juhu’s breezy and comforting nature. With excellent dining options too, Juhu Residency is guaranteed to please.

Well-located in South Mumbai, the inspiration for the tastefully designed Lifestyle Suites are cities and regions of the world – from the comforting Malabar Room to the royalty-inspired Rajputana. The many dining options on offer at The Shalimar Hotel include The Bakerie, which is among the area’s best options for baked goodies, and Gulmurg, offering spectacular Indian, Chinese and continental food.