Mumbai Hotels

Taj Wellington Mews
A recent stand-out among Mumbai's 'ever-growing portfolio of skyscraper designs, Taj Wellington Mews is certainly a statement piece, possibly heralding a new age of Singapore-style, overblown architecture in the city. The Taj group's first foray into serviced flats, wellington Mews offers 80 units, such as the 2BHK Apartment (overleaf) in two circular towers. It has its own helipad and is home to the Jiva Grande Spa (see p089). The apartments are suited to a long-term stay, offering all the luxury and gadgetry you could ever want. Service carries the distinct stamp of the Taj group, and is attentive and meticulous. If you do stay here, expect to rub shoulders with IT wallahs and jet-lagged oil executives. 33 Nathalal Parekh Marg, T 66569494, www.tajhotels.com

JW Marriott
Set back from the traffic of Juhu Tara Road, with a driveway of processional proportions, is the JW Marriott, a slice of Dubai glitz relocated to Mumbai. It's the nerve centre of Bollywood socialising, with a stream of starlets and wannabes swishing through its marble lobby, dining at its five restaurants and dancing at its in-house nightclub Enigma. Although perched on Juhu Beach (see p012), access to the strand is cut off for security reasons; to compensate, the hotel offers four swimming pools (see p094), plus large stone chairs for aquatic lounging. So the only way to enjoy the sun and sand is from the rooms, of which the majority have sea views, and are a continuation of the hotel'S embellished aesthetics; angle for the Lotus Suite (right) or Ocean Suite (above), for its floor-ta-ceiling windows. Juhu Tara Road, T 56933000, www.marriott.com

Gordon House
Tucked away in a lane behind the art deco Regal Cinema, Gordon House is just about the only boutique hotel in Mumbai. The 29 rooms are spread over three floors, each of which has a theme: Mediterranean, 5candinavian and Country, such as Room 307 (above). Although the rooms are not that large and the bathrooms have no tubs, they are decently appointed and well managed by over-entbusiastic young staff. There's only one suite, the Versailles, but it is very reasonably priced. On the downside, the hotel is home to the retro nightclub Polly Esther, which is very loud. Avoid the rooms above it, unless you want to go to bed with the Bee Gees.5 Battery Street. T 2287 1122, www.ghhotel.com