Mumbai – a guide of where to sleep in the city

As the largest city in India, accommodation in Mumbai mostly consists of hotels and only a few hostels. The bustling cosmopolitan city does offer cheap hotels from the reasonable and comfortable 2-3 star properties to luxurious and glamorous 5 star hotels. Stay on Marine Drive to be among the action in up-market hotels, or head to the suburbs in west Mumbai for a quieter and cheaper stay. 

South Mumbai

 

If you want to be right in the heart of the main part of Mumbai, stay in South Mumbai. As the main tourist area, it is full of attractions such as art galleries, museums, cafes and good restaurants as well as Chowpatty Beach. There are also some of the oldest buildings in this area of the city, including colonial buildings such as the Gateway of India. Some of the city’s best hotels can be found in South Mumbai. Marine Drive, Mumbai’s version of Hollywood Boulevard, has a huge choice of hotels ranging from good 3 to 5 star properties. The hotels offer great sea view of the Arabian Sea. Even the 3 star hotels have plenty of marble in them, and are still very affordable.

 

South Central Mumbai

 

South Central Mumbai was previously an industrial area. It was home to many textiles mills, but since the 1970s the area has grown economically. The area is now at the forefront of modern and new buildings. There are new offices, shopping malls, night clubs, hotels and restaurants. As the area is so new, expect lots of 5 star modern hotels from big name chains to match the expensive and highly acclaimed restaurants.

 

North Central Mumbai

 

The area of North Central Mumbai is predominantly a wealthy area with lots of suburban pockets. To the west are the best and cleanest beaches Mumbai has to offer. There is also man made Powai Lake and Vihar Lake for some relaxation, great views and eating in the south of Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

 

Some of the hotels have convention centres inside as well as long term residences. This is a great area for business travellers to stay as it’s conveniently located near to Powai Lake and Hiranandani Business Park. Most hotels are also very close to the economic zone of Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ).

 

West Mumbai

 

If you’re looking for something more wallet friendly and preferably quieter, rest your head in West Mumbai. This area has a large Christian community too and thus the most famous church in the city. There are also some beaches that are cleaner than the famous Chowpatty Beach. Hotels are close to the well-known Sunset Point – the perfect place to watch the sun go down...

 

3 and 2 star hotels are mostly found in the west area of Mumbai. Being slightly further out of the city, prices are cheaper but the quality isn’t lacking. You are more likely to get more for your money here. Most hotels have great facilities, air con and some even have spas or pools. Located as it is, slightly out of the city, locals insist this area has the tastiest food.

 

North Mumbai

 

With plenty of culture and history in this part of Mumbai, it is a perfect area to stay for the keen sightseers. You can also find the cleanest beaches and1st century monuments in the huge green area known as Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

 

Accommodation in North Mumbai ranges from 2 to 5 star hotels. Surprisingly here even the 5 star hotels are cheap. Lots of hotels more to the north-west have views of the quiet and non-touristy Aksa Beach. If you prefer the quieter beaches of the north, stay here for a relaxing time.