Abode Bombay

Rooms

Elegantly understated and impeccably kept, rooms are an unusual mix of old-world colonial charm and up-to-the-minute design.

The owners believe passionately in supporting local designers and craftsmen, and have trawled all over India to find beautiful things. Artworks have been created by local truck painters, soft furnishings crafted from block-printed fabrics, and floors laid with handmade tiles. Much, too, has been reclaimed: Burma teak salvaged from demolished houses, cushions made from vintage saris, and many fascinating objets from Chor Bazaar, from clocks to suitcases.

All rooms represent great value for money, particularly the Basic rooms: smaller than the rest, closer to the kitchens, sharing a toilet between 3 and some are windowless (but they have ensuite showers). The Simple and Luxury rooms both serve as happy mediums. But if you’re travelling in style, go for a Superior Luxury with state-of-the-art bathroom and perhaps an in-room 1920s-style rolltop tub - gorgeous. Rooms on the 4th-floor feature warm wooden floors and ceilings, exposed brick walls and vintage touches. The Suites are found here, the largest rooms in the hotel boasting city views and freestanding tubs.

Mattresses are supremely comfortable, bed linen is turned down at night, and thoughtful extras include flowers, candles and 2 types of towel - traditional Indian or fluffy European. In keeping with the eco spirit of the place, you also get reverse osmosis water that’s refreshed daily.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• In-room treatments available
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

The lofty yet cosy lobby-lounge has a big central breakfast table, and doubles up as an all-day café. The bronze mirrored wall, booths and vintage lights are inspired by the Art Deco heritage buildings of Bombay, and it’s a brilliant place to hang out, browse books (many on travel), meet fellow travellers and check an email or two.

Breakfast is a simple but well-made affair: fresh fruit and breads, eggs any way (try the masala omelette), plus a daily changing local specialty. The rice pudding of noodles with nuts and sultanas was amazing! South Indian coffee and the house masala chai are served in enamel teapots.

As for the service, it’s hard to find fault. The multinational team are warm, polite and professional; no one disturbs you unless you ask for attention, and they go out of their way to make you feel at home.

Eating out is every Mumbaikar’s entertainment of choice; south Mumbai offers a mixture of authentic local cuisine, polished (pricey) restaurants and super-fresh Gujarati cooking. The team are happy to make recommendations and can provide maps with nearby suggested eateries.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Communal dining
• Restaurants nearby
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Rise early and get down to the Sassoon Docks - the morning catch comes in at 7am, a cacophony of colour and sound!
  
• Colaba Market is lined with jewellery shops and pyramids of fresh roses. Export rejects offer great value on Fashion Street (haggle!), and Mutton Street is one of the most popular markets in Mumbai. Or escape to the old-fashioned authenticity of Chor Bazaar, crammed full of Hindu statues, old-school cameras, compasses and photographs
  
• Check out the indie and electronica acts at the legendary Blue Frog club, or more traditional music at the Asiatic Society Library Steps. If you’re after Western classical music then the NCPA is the place for you
  
• Arthur Bunder Road is home to several art galleries, including the innovative Volte. And don’t miss the National Gallery of Modern Art or the Jehangir Art Gallery with its Samovar Café, perfect for a quick cup of chai and a samosa
  
• At dusk, the Strand Promenade is the place to be. Pop into the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and dress up for tea: don’t forget, you’re in the old British quarter
  
• Take a ferry ride to Elephanta Island, then climb up past innumerable stalls to the famous caves - the first is rich with carvings
  
• Back at Abode, there’s a spa room offering innovative treatments or classic massages. The hotel works with a local school for the blind which trains wonderful therapists
  
• If action-packed relaxation is more your thing, there’s a hi-tech gym nearby with which Abode has partnered

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Traditional cultures
• Well being

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome. Families will enjoy the friendly, informal atmosphere, but should bear in mind there's no outside space for little ones to let off steam.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Superior Luxury and Luxury rooms each have space for an extra bed or baby cot.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Abode is in the heart of Colaba - Mumbai’s most popular tourist and business district, a 5-minute walk from the Gateway of India.

By Air:
Fly into Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport via the international or domestic terminal. Abode is about 28km from either, and the drive will take 30-90 minutes depending on traffic.

From the Airport
You can hire a car and driver or use the hotel’s excellent car service, which is provided by Mumbai women (in many cases, they're the sole earners in their family). Taxis and tuk-tuks are in abundance, however always ask for the meter card to check the price quoted by the taxi or auto driver.

By Train:
If you'd prefer to travel by rail, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is a 5-minute taxi ride (or 15-minute walk) away.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Mumbai and getting around