IndiaOn

Education >> Browse Articles >> hold

Bombay

The commercial capital of India is buzzing during holiday season with locals, NRIs, foreigners, etc. It’s difficult to find the real hot spots with the influx of new restaurants and bars. Don’t get lost. Print this guide and slip it into your passport case. You’ll be happy you did.

BEST FIVE STAR HOTELS

(Caution: Peak Season Prices)

J.W. Marriott (Juhu) – For those with associations on the north side, the Marriott offers a killer champagne brunch and guaranteed Bollywood sightings at its nightclub, Enigma.

The Taj Mahal (Colaba)- An old favorite, with easy access to South Bombay’s places to be, and a range of popular entertainment options so you don’t even have to leave the hotel on lazy days!

The InterContinental (Marine Drive) – Well located, gorgeous sea views, and a cool nightclub, Tsar.

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS

(Tougher to get, but easier on your pocket)

Marine Plaza (Marine Drive) – With views of the Queen’s Necklace and good late night dining and restaurant options, the Marine Plaza is a good bet.

Gordon House Boutique (Colaba) – Tucked away in a lane between the Regal and the Taj, the Gordon House is a trendy little joint for the South Bombay afficionados.

PLACES TO PARTY

(FYI: Every night is Saturday night during party season in Mumbai)

China House (Kalina) – New restaurant/club that’s attracting the Bombay hipsters. Definitely a multiple visit kinda place (See: places to eat)

Blue Frog (Lower Parel) – With it’s grand opening a few weeks ago Blue Frog is now the place to be for world music afficionados offering live acts six days a week from all over the globe.

Magic (Worli) – Hot off the press! Magic opened this week, and is the bounce-back effort of Fire-n-Ice owners. The lounge upstairs overlooking the dance floor provides the perfect voyeuristic experience.

Aurus (Juhu) – A cool chill-out place right on Juhu beach, recommended for off-nights (Monday?)

WHERE TO EAT

(Old favorites get a facelift and make the cut)

Trishna (Kala Ghoda)- Well – deserving and long – standing seafood place in Fort. Great for lunch and dinner. Lemon butter crab and beer is a combination to die for.

Thai Pavilion (Cuffe Parade) – An goldie at the President gets a new look, but retains its classic Indo-Thai flavors. Chicken in pandanas leaves, and coconut ice-cream are a must.

Wasabi (Colaba) – Sushi in India might not seem like the obvious choice, but it’s worth a try (and the money) to sample the creative menu at Wasabi at the Taj (and the people-watching is fun too).

DAYTIME LOUNGING

(If you’re not a member of a club, these are your best options)

Indigo Deli (Colaba) – Good cappuccino, decent wines by the glass, and a possibly long wait at meal times, but it’s one of the few non-hotel daytime hanging out options.

Sea Lounge (Colaba) – Old world charm and Rs. 150 coffee, the Sea Lounge is a great escape for the more sophisticated lounger.

Trattoria (Cuffe Parade) – Unless you visited the night before, Tratts is still most conducive to an afternoon cupper. Bumping into someone you know is almost guaranteed.

PLACES TO SHOP

(Low-Budget to High-End)

The Hilton (Nariman Point) – Formerly the Oberoi has the line-up of all the designers with recent additions such as Gucci and Jimmy Choo.

Atria Mall (Worli) – Mumbai’s answer to the mall shopping experience – all the Indian equivalents to your favorite American brand names.

The Courtyard (Colaba) – A luxury shopping experience, with a small selection of elite designers on the old Athena road.

Colaba Causeway (Colaba) – You know it, you love it, for all the tie-n-dye, bindis, bangles and knock-off goods you’ll ever want.

Bombay Electric (Colaba) – Offbeat fusion designs and a few better known Indian designers, Bombay Electric is the most promising addition to the Mumbai shopping scene this year.

---