The Oberoi, Mumbai Review

The Oberoi Mumbai is more than just a luxury hotel, it’s an experience in itself. From its unparalleled location along Marine Drive to its impeccable service and world-class amenities, it effortlessly sets the benchmark for hospitality in the city. Whether you’re indulging in the panoramic sea views from your suite, savouring Michelin-starred cuisine at Ziya, or unwinding with a signature Indian spa treatment, every moment feels curated to perfection. The attention to detail, warmth of service, and sheer elegance make The Oberoi Mumbai a standout choice for guests.

Location 

Standing tall in all its glory at the southern tip of the city, The Oberoi Mumbai enjoys a prime seafront location with sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. Perched along the iconic Marine Drive (also known as the Queen’s Necklace) it sits at the heart of Nariman Point, the city’s bustling business district. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the historic Gateway of India, making it an ideal base for both business and leisure travellers. Beyond its convenience, the hotel offers a rare luxury in Mumbai; waking up to the soothing rhythm of waves against the shore.

Rooms and Suites 

Each of the 219 elegantly appointed rooms and spacious suites at The Oberoi Mumbai have been thoughtfully designed to offer a seamless blend of comfort and sophistication. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views of the bay, filling the spaces with natural light, and the contrast of rich, dark oak flooring against crisp, silky white bed linens creates an ambiance that is both inviting and timeless. 

However, the highlight is the expansive marble-clad bathroom, complete with a freestanding bathtub, separate walk-in rain shower, 17-inch waterproof television, and ayurvedic toiletries by Forest Essentials, which elevates the experience, offering a sanctuary of relaxation after a day in Mumbai’s sun. 

The Suite Experience 

I was fortunate to be invited to experience The Oberoi’s “Suite Experience”, and it truly lived up to its name. Nestled on the 18th floor, my expansive 73 sqm Ocean View Suite was a sanctuary of light and space, with endless, uninterrupted views of the glistening Arabian Sea from every corner. From sunrise to sunset, I witnessed the ever-changing sky as it provided a mesmerising backdrop. 

The large living room was inviting, designed for moments of quiet indulgence. Whether sinking into the plush sofa with a book, catching up on emails at the sleek work desk, or simply gazing out at the horizon, every moment here felt effortless. One of my favourite touches? The personal butler service at the press of a button. Within minutes, a fresh cup of fragrant chai would arrive, served with the warmth and precision that The Oberoi is renowned for – an indulgence that quickly became a ritual after a day of exploring Mumbai’s vibrant streets.

The suite itself seamlessly blended luxury with intuitive comfort, where every detail, from the handwoven rugs to the personalised touches including our names embroidered on the pillows and napkins, felt carefully curated. The bedroom, with its king-sized bed, was an oasis of calm, while the deep-soaking tub centred in the bathroom, with views of the ocean, offered a spa-like retreat to unwind before I drifted off to sleep.

However, the “Suite Experience” extended far beyond the beautiful Suite itself. In addition to the indulgence of a complimentary daily breakfast, I had exclusive access to the Residents’ Lounge, which was another retreat offering further inclusions, along with personalised butler service throughout the day. The experience also included return airport transfers in a luxurious sedan and complimentary transfers within a 5 km radius of the hotel – an especially thoughtful perk for business travellers, where many corporate offices are conveniently located within this distance. However, what truly made the experience stand out for me were the added comforts of early check-in (starting at 11:00 AM) and late check-out (until 4:00 PM), subject to availability. These flexible timings allowed me to make the most of my stay, ensuring a relaxed and effortless experience from start to finish.

Food and drink 

The culinary scene at The Oberoi Mumbai is no ordinary affair. With three distinct restaurants, a patisserie, and a delicatessen, the hotel ensures that every craving is met, no matter the time of day. The highlight? Ziya, where Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia brings a modern yet soulful touch to Indian cuisine, where each dish is an artful balance of tradition and innovation.

Starting with breakfast, you’ll be presented with an extensive choice of a la carte options featuring every possible breakfast item you can imagine. Whether it’s South India dosas to truffled scrambled eggs, you are sure to find something to tickle your tastebuds. The service is also naturally attentive, whether it’s a bespoke coffee order or an off-menu request (like my green smoothie), nothing is ever too much trouble.

As the day progresses, dining choices remain just as tempting. You can enjoy international dining at Felix, the tastes of Italy at Vetro and Enoteca, or a modern twist on classic Indian dishes at Ziya. When the evening calls for a nightcap, head on over to The Eau Bar, a popular spot amongst the Mumbai crowd for a late night tipple. 

Spa and Wellness 

India is world-renowned for its holistic wellness traditions; think Ayurvedic therapies, Himalayan salt rituals, and the deeply relaxing Indian head massage. At The Oberoi Mumbai, you can experience them all. The spa offers an indulgent selection of Indian-inspired treatments, alongside a curated menu of classic therapies, ensuring you leave feeling rejuvenated, whether you’re looking to soothe travel fatigue or simply indulge in a moment of self-care.

If relaxation isn’t your only goal, the hotel’s state-of-the-art gym provides everything from high-tech cardio machines to free weights and personal training options, catering to every fitness level. After an intense workout, I found there was no better way to unwind than with a dip in the stunning outdoor pool, where I could take in the breathtaking views of the bay before the sunset for the day. 

Final thoughts 

My stay at The Oberoi Mumbai was more than just a luxurious hotel stay, it was a reminder of what true hospitality feels like. Every member of the team I encountered exuded warmth, and their kindness and willingness to help felt completely effortless. The beautifully designed spaces were not just elegant but inviting, and the dining scene was truly exceptional.

Mumbai is a city that never stops, but stepping into The Oberoi Mumbai each evening was like entering a sanctuary of calm. Whether you’re here for work, leisure, or a bit of both, this is a place that knows exactly how to make you feel at home, just with a little more sparkle.

TLE Top Tips 

• For the ultimate indulgence, book the “Suite Experience” and make the most of the complimentary car service and butler service. There’s nothing quite like having a fresh cup of chai delivered as you watch the sun dip below the Arabian Sea.
• Join in on the complimentary yoga session that runs from 7am-8am every morning. With the city just beginning to stir, it’s the perfect way to ease into the day.
• Enjoy a champagne high tea at the Champagne Lounge in the lobby. This isn’t your typical afternoon tea, where you can expect a unique Indian-inspired twist on the classics. 

This property is featured in our guide to the best hotels in Mumbai.