Mumbai's Hidden Gem: The Majlis Hotel (Near Taj Colaba)!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, glittering, sometimes-slightly-stinky world of Mumbai’s Hidden Gem: The Majlis Hotel (Near Taj Colaba)! This isn't your sterile, perfectly-arranged hotel review. This is real. This is me. And I’m about to spill the beans, the chai, and maybe a little bit of my own personal, slightly-overheated travel anxieties.
The Majlis Hotel: A Love Letter (and a Few Gripes) – Near the Taj, Near the Wonder
First off, the location? Chef’s kiss. Seriously. "Near Taj Colaba" they say. They understate it. You’re practically breathing the same salty air as the Gateway of India. This is prime real estate, folks. And that’s a huge win right out of the gate. But, let's be real, it also means… the buzz of the city. Constant honking. The delightfully chaotic energy that makes Mumbai, well, Mumbai.
Getting In & Around (Accessibility… Let's Talk About It)
Okay, let's get the serious stuff out of the way, shall we? Accessibility is… a mixed bag. The website says there are facilities for disabled guests. That's good! But I didn’t personally test it. I can see the potential challenges; this isn’t a purpose-built accessible hotel, it’s an older building, a charming older building. And the general Mumbaikar vibe, while beautiful and life-affirming, isn't always tuned into accessibility. I'd recommend contacting the hotel directly and getting specific details. Maybe even a virtual tour.
- Accessibility Score (Provisional): 6/10 – potential issues, but the staff might be super helpful.
Getting Around (The Practicalities)
- Accessibility: Not fully explored by me, but look for contact with the hotel.
- Airport transfer: Available! (Thank the heavens). After the Mumbai airport experience? Absolutely worth it.
- Car park [free of charge]: Hooray! Saves you precious rupees.
- Car park [on-site]: Also, yes! Big plus if you’re driving.
- Car power charging station: Ooh, fancy.
- Taxi service: Obvious, but necessary. Mumbai’s a taxi town.
- Valet parking: Because, hey, you're treating yourself!
- Bicycle parking: (I personally don’t associate Mumbai with cycling, but, hey, it's there!)
Rooms: Cozy & Chaotic… Just Like Me!
Okay, the rooms. Ah, the rooms. I'll be honest, they weren't the minimalist, Instagram-perfect spaces. They had character. And by character, I mean maybe a slightly-worn carpet, a bit of the… vibe of a well-loved home. But that's okay!
- Available in all rooms… Well, most of them!
- Air conditioning: Essential. Mumbai humidity will eat you alive.
- Alarm clock: Fine.
- Bathrobes: Yes! Luxurious.
- Bathroom phone: I never use them, to be honest.
- Bathtub: Lovely for a soak after a day of… well, everything Mumbai throws at you.
- Blackout curtains: Godsend. Trust me.
- Carpeting: Maybe a little dated, but hey, keeps your feet warm.
- Closet: Check.
- Coffee/tea maker: YES. Life saver.
- Complimentary tea: Double yay!
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent. Because, let's be real, you'll need it.
- Desk: Good for the (inevitable) emails you’ll be sending.
- Extra long bed: Never a complaint!
- Free bottled water: Hydrate, people!
- Hair dryer: Duh.
- High floor: Maybe request one.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Good for families.
- Internet access – LAN: Ah, the old days!
- Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]): Crucial.
- Ironing facilities: Because, you'll ruin your best shirt in the humidity.
- Laptop workspace: Very useful.
- Linens: Comfortable enough.
- Mini bar: Dangerous, but fun.
- Mirror: Check.
- Non-smoking: Good.
- On-demand movies: Nice touch, if you're not exhausted from exploring.
- Private bathroom: Essential.
- Reading light: Good for late-night bookworms.
- Refrigerator: Useful for keeping snacks cool.
- Safety/security feature: Important.
- Satellite/cable channels: Standard.
- Scale: (gulp)
- Seating area: Relaxing.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury.
- Shower: Essential.
- Slippers: Nice touch.
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Socket near the bed: A necessity in the modern world.
- Sofa: Always nice.
- Soundproofing: Not perfect, but better than some.
- Telephone: Unnecessary, but still there.
- Toiletries: Fine.
- Towels: Essential.
- Umbrella: Bring your own!
- Visual alarm: Good for some.
- Wake-up service: Still a thing!
- Window that opens: Yes! Fresh air is important.
I loved the blackout curtains. Seriously, after a day battling Mumbai crowds and the humidity, they were a lifesaver. I'm a light sleeper, and it was a godsend.
Dining, Drinking, and Snack-ertainment
Okay, food. Mumbai is a foodie paradise.
- A la carte in restaurant: Good options.
- Alternative meal arrangement: If you have dietary needs, ask.
- Asian breakfast: Yum! Try the parathas.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Excellent.
- Bar: Crucial.
- Bottle of water: Always.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This is what I’m talking about.
- Breakfast service: Essential.
- Buffet in restaurant: The best way to start your day in Mumbai!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant & coffee shop: Perfect. Get a masala chai.
- Desserts in restaurant: Of course!
- Happy hour: Yes, please!
- International cuisine in restaurant: Nice if you're craving something familiar.
- Poolside bar: (Not a huge pool, but it’s there!)
- Restaurants: Plural! Good!
- Room service [24-hour]: Lifesaver. Especially after a long day.
- Salad in restaurant: Healthy option.
- Snack bar: Great.
- Soup in restaurant: Comfort food.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Mumbai heaven.
- Western breakfast: Might be what you’re craving.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Options!
The breakfast buffet was amazing. I swear I spent half my time there. The dosas were perfect. And the coffee? Perfect. Okay, maybe not perfect, but it hit the spot.
I got a real buzz off the bar. Some of the staff were friendly. And the cocktails were good.
The Relax-and-Recharge Zone (Or, How to Escape the Chaos, Briefly)
Okay, let's be honest. Mumbai is intense. You need a place to unwind.
- Body scrub: Yes please.
- Body wrap: Double yes.
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: If you’re one of those people!
- Foot bath: Sounds divine.
- Massage: Essential.
- Pool with view: (Small, but a view!)
- Sauna: Ahhh.
- Spa: All in!
- Spa/sauna: Perfect!
- Steamroom: Relax and unwind.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Small, but welcome.
The spa. Oh, the spa. I swear, I spent hours there. The massage was divine. All the tensions melted away. It was pure bliss. Seriously, book it.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, Let’s Be Real)
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Cashless payment service: Modern.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Always good to know.
- First aid kit: Important.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a chaotic, over-caffeinated, probably-shouldn't-have-had-that-third-masala-chai-but-who-cares-because-Mumbai-is-amazing itinerary, focused on my whirlwind adventure based out of The Majlis Hotel, near the Taj. You've been warned.
Mumbai Mayhem: A Slightly-Unhinged Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Overwhelm (with a side of Delicious)
- 10:00 AM: Arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Jet lag is already trying to win. Taxi ride to The Majlis Hotel… which, by the way, is a dream. The staff is so incredibly friendly, and the room… well, the room is a blessed oasis after 20 hours in the air. Let's be honest, I immediately threw myself on the bed, which was a very profound experience.
- 11:30 AM: Failed attempt at unpacking. Distracted by the view from the window. Can't stop staring at the Gateway of India, all golden and grand in the distance. I'm starting to think this city is going to break me. In a good way, maybe.
- 12:30 PM: Food hunt! Needed sustenance, STAT. Wandered out, completely disoriented, into the Colaba Causeway chaos. Took a deep breath and then dove in. The first place I stumbled upon? Badshah Cold Drink House. "This can't be real!" I mumbled, practically drooling into my Faluda. It was a religious experience. The sugar rush hit me like a rogue tuk tuk.
- 2:00 PM: Attempt to visit the Gateway of India. Massive crowd. Didn't get close. Got jostled, almost lost my bag, and got yelled at by a street vendor when I accidentally knocked over a pile of bangles. Mumbai, you've already won, you magnificent beast.
- 3:00 PM: Retreat back to the hotel like a defeated, but satisfied, soldier. Needed a nap, immediately.
- 6:00 PM: Feeling slightly more human. Wandered the streets near Taj Hotel, and the streets around the Gateway of India. Just the vibe of the city – the sounds, smells, the absolute glorious noise of it all -- soothed me. That first encounter with the sea, and the endless energy of it all.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at Leopold Cafe. Iconic. I ordered too much, and ate it all because I'm a glutton for punishment. The history just seeps from the walls. I was trying to be cool and not stare at everyone, but I failed miserably.
Day 2: Colours and Chaos (Plus, a Deep Dive into Food)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel: The aloo paratha were fluffy clouds of deliciousness. Then, a very quick exploration of the hotel. The hotel is not just a hotel, it's a real haven. I loved relaxing on the patio by the pool, which felt like a world away from the bustling streets.
- 10:00 AM: I had it set in my mind to check out the colourful Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST). The building took my breath away. The intricate carvings, the vibrant colours – just mind-boggling. I just stood there for like, 30 minutes, trying to take it all in. The best part? The chaos of the commuters rushing in and out. Pure magic.
- 11:30 AM: Strolled to the Kala Ghoda Art District. Tried to act cultured. Spent way too much time in a bookstore. Came out clutching a book I'll probably never read. No regrets.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Britannia & Co. -- the Parsi food here is legendary. I ordered the Berry Pulav -- a mountain of rice, tender mutton, & berries. The irani cafe is a beautiful time travel experience. I could've stayed there for hours.
- 3:00 PM: A wander around Colaba Causeway, which is exactly how I imagined it. Bargained ruthlessly for a scarf I probably don't need. Got hustled for a silver bracelet, but thought the man was really sweet. Decided to just embrace the chaos.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a chai and a solid hour of people-watching from my balcony. The sounds of the city – the car horns, the street vendors, the chatter – is a constant soundtrack but it has a magic to it.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I had to. I had one meal in mind, Bademiya at the late hours. I ordered a bunch of rolls, and a plate of chicken tikka. I'm pretty sure I gained 5 pounds that night.
- Late Night: Tried to find a jazz bar, failed. Ended up getting lost in the streets of Colaba and loving every second of it. Mumbai at night is a different beast, all glittering lights and late-night energy.
Day 3: Elephanta Caves and Epiphanies (and, a slightly off-kilter Boat Trip)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel (yes, the aloo paratha again!). This time I even attempted to make small talk with the breakfast staff.
- 10:00 AM: Ferry to Elephanta Island. This should be a profound, spiritual kind of experience. The ferry was packed, which wasn't ideal. The sea was choppy, which made me question my life choices. A small child threw up, and the whole scene was the definition of "immersive"
- 11:30 AM: Arrived at Elephanta Island. The caves are incredible. The artistry is mind-blowing. Lost for hours, taking it all in.
- 2:00 PM: Ferry back. Felt a little bit seasick. Needed a lie-down.
- 4:00 PM: Recovered. Tried to do some sightseeing. Got sidetracked and went back to the Kala Ghoda Art District.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Gaylord. Very fancy. Felt woefully underdressed. Didn't care. The Indian food was so worth it!
- Late Night: Packing (attempting). Realizing I'm going to need a whole new suitcase. Seriously considering staying.
Day 4: Departure (with a Heavy Heart and a Stomach Full of Memories)
- 7:00 AM: One last aloo paratha!
- 8:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Trying to buy the right souvenirs.
- 10:00 AM: Farewell to The Majlis Hotel. Hugs all around. I felt like I was leaving a family. A highly efficient and incredibly kind family, I'll add.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Stuck in ridiculous Mumbai traffic.
- 1:00 PM: Finally, at the airport. Jet lag is back with a vengeance.
- 2:00 PM: Boarding. Looking back at the city.
This is just the beginning. Mumbai has grabbed me and will stay with me long after I am gone. I'll be back, Mumbai. You magnificent, messy, maddening, and magical place. You've stolen my heart.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Smile Awaits in Vung Tau!
The Majlis Hotel (Near Taj Colaba): Your Guide to Secret Mumbai Bliss (and a Few Quirks!)
Is this place *really* a hidden gem? Or just, like, a slightly less obvious place to crash near Colaba?
Okay, let's be real. Hidden gems *in Colaba* are rarer than finding a decent plate of pasta at Leopold Cafe (don't even get me started). But the Majlis? Yeah, it's kinda a gem. Not in the "diamond-encrusted" sense, more like a polished pebble you stumble upon on the beach. Located *near* the Taj, it's worlds away from all the chaos and the, frankly, terrifying price tags. It’s a refuge. Think of it as a slightly more chill cousin to the Taj, one who actually *wants* to hang out with you.
The location...is it safe? And can you actually *walk* to the Taj?
Safe? Mumbai is generally pretty safe, but use your common sense. Late-night solo wanderings aren't necessarily advisable anywhere, especially around busy tourist areas. The Majlis is tucked away, which has its pros and cons (more on that later). And yes, you *can* walk to the Taj! It's a pleasant-ish stroll through the Colaba Causeway madness. Just prepare for a sensory overload of hawkers, honking rickshaws, and the irresistible aroma of street food. It's an experience… or a trial, depending on your mood.
What are the rooms like? Pictures online always seem... doctored.
Okay, so the rooms. The pictures *can* be a bit… optimistic. Let's just say they're not exactly the glitz and glam of a five-star hotel. They're *functional*. Clean-ish. Expect basic amenities. My first room? It had a view of… well, a wall. A *very* close wall. And the air conditioning, bless its cotton socks, sounded like a sputtering spaceship preparing for lift-off. But honestly? After a day of navigating Mumbai's frenetic energy, I didn’t care *that* much. I just wanted aircon (functional-ish), a bed (again, functional-ish), and a shower that didn’t threaten to flood the entire room (mostly functional-ish). Did I mention I don't do fancy?
The breakfast situation… is it any good? I *need* my morning dosa.
Okay, breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. It's included, which is a *huge* plus. Don't expect a buffet extravaganza. Think more along the lines of "home-cooked" breakfast. The menu might not be huge, and it changes daily. But the staff, bless their hearts, try their best. I remember one morning, I was craving *idlis*. And they, bless them, didn't *have* any that day. The cook came out to my table, genuinely apologetic - he was so sweet!. He promised to prepare amazing idlis for me the next morning. And the next morning? He *did*. I got the best *idlis* in my life. (And I've eaten a lot of idlis, let me tell you). It's the little gestures that win you over, you know?
What about the staff? Are they helpful?
The staff are the *soul* of this place. Seriously. They're the kind of people who remember your name, will go out of their way to help you find a decent auto-rickshaw (which can be a Herculean task), and genuinely seem to care if you're enjoying your stay. I had a minor medical issue one day (nothing serious, just Mumbai tummy acting up). The hotel manager, bless him, insisted on getting me some Ayurvedic medicine (which, surprisingly, actually worked). The warmth and genuine concern? That's what you remember, way more than a fancy marble lobby. It's worth its weight in gold. They're not perfect – language barriers sometimes happen, and things move at a slightly slower pace than you might be used to – but they're *human*. And that's a rare and beautiful thing.
Is there anything *bad* about the Majlis? Be honest!
Oh, absolutely. Let's not sugarcoat it. The wifi can be… temperamental. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds. The noise from the street can be a bit much, especially at night (earplugs are your friend). The location, while convenient to some things, is also a bit far from others. And, let's be honest, the decor is… well, let's just say "homely." It's not exactly a design magazine spread. But none of those things are deal-breakers. You're not paying for a five-star experience. You're paying for proximity, friendliness, and a real taste of Mumbai.
Okay, spill. What's *the* best thing about the Majlis?
For me? It's the *vibe*. It's not pretentious. It's not trying to be anything it's not. It's a place that feels lived-in, comfortable. I had a moment after a particularly hectic day exploring the Gateway of India. I slumped onto the lobby couch, exhausted, and just… breathed. The staff, as always, were bustling around, but they weren't in my face. They just… *let* me be. And that, more than anything, is what I loved. It's a place you can be yourself, even if "yourself" is a sweaty, slightly overwhelmed tourist. It's a small comfort in this mad city.
Would you go back?
In a heartbeat. I'm not looking for perfection and I'm not a luxury snob. I want a *real* experience, and that's what I had. It’s not the flashiest, the newest, or the most luxurious. But it’s got heart. And in a city like Mumbai, that's worth more than all the gold-plated everything. I'm already planning my next trip. And yes, I'm absolutely having idlis every morning. *Especially* if they're the ones from the Majlis Hotel. They are out of this world. Seriously. You should go.
