Taj Mahal, Bombay, Hotel, Luxury, India, Bollywood

The very best hotel in Bombay, right next to India Gate, the Taj Mahal combines colonial elegance with modern luxury, reflecting life in the country’s commercial capital and home of ‘Bollywood’.

Bombay is the vibrant commercial capital of India, chic and cosmopolitan, Bombay is home to the country’s film industry ‘Bollywood’ and the stars and razzmatazz are often in evidence around town. Great bars, restaurants and hotels are everywhere, interspersed with historical monuments - and the greatest hotel of them all, The Taj Mahal opened in 1903, sits right next to The Gateway of India, built in commemoration of King George V’s visit.

The Taj Mahal is a stately building, its architecture bringing together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine influences - vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, crystal chandeliers and silk carpets -  the Taj has been home to Kings and Presidents in its time and from the moment the doorman appears on the steps one feels a part of history.

The Heritage Wing is grand and expansive, beautifully furnished and dominated by the central atrium which reaches all the way up to the roof. There is a separate wing for Club guests with an extremely civilised reception on an upper floor and all of the suites here have great views over the city and bay. Butler service is on hand should one think of anything but one finds that most things have already been considered and provided for.

Within the hotel are several fine restaurants including the award winning Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant and Masala Kraft which serves traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist and guests should not miss the opportunity to enjoy the perfect martini served in the Harbour Bar, overlooking The Gateway of India at sunset. The large swimming pol and spa are in the hotel grounds and there is an extensive shopping arcade on the ground floor.

The Gateway of India is just over the road and the Prince of Wales Museum and Elephanta Caves should not be missed but most of all just relax and absorb the healthy hustle and bustle of modern-day India - a country with a real sense of future.