mumbai
 

My husband and I are flying to europe on September the 9th and our ticket requires us to make a stop in Mumbai for three days.
Is the Taj Mahal Hotel the best place to stay. Any particular room (or better hotel). What type of weather/rain can we expect then? We will probably get a private driver - any suggestions what we should do during that time.Ayone know the Malaria risk (this is a trip to Paris in effect and I don't feel like being on medication for a three day stop. Do you think we should try to redirect if humanly possible or will this be a fun sojourn?
Thanks in advance

Mumbai is a fabulous city. A car/driver hired from the Taj will know where to take you and what to show you. They have had an enormous amount of rain in Mumbai, which has devastated parts of the city, during the past week. Damage should be cleaned up by when you arrive unless they get more rain and floods. We've not stayed at the Taj but it is in a marvellous location. Ask for a Gateway of India view. Take DEET insect spray. Ask your doctor about malaria. Do some research about the city on the web. We loved Mumbai in February 2005. Would not miss a chance to see it, if I was you! Check www.weatherbase.com for weather reports. Have a great trip!

Hi Mookie

I agree with Lyndie about Mumbai and that it is a fabulous city. I greatly enjoyed my short stay there earlier this year and I look forward to getting back there.

I have not stayed at the Taj Mahal, I have however stayed at the Taj Lands End in Mumbai. It was a great hotel to stay at (Even with eccentric wiring). The Taj Mahal is a very upmarket hotel. Great location opposite the Gateway to India.

I would be reasonably cautious about the malaria threat. It is monsoon in Mumbai at the moment and is high malaria season. I took Doxycycline even for my three day stay in May.

I attach a link I found. This is Not intended to put you off in anyway especially as it refers to people living in the slums of Mumbai. But it is here to show you that there is Malaria in the city. BTW, if treated malaria is very rarely fatal.

http://pdmin.coe-dmha.org/apdosr/apd...m?newsid=17420

Cheers

Steve

The best hotel in Mumbai in terms of services and luxury is The Oberoi. It is located close to the Taj Mahal Hotel. If you are looking for the best then Oberoi it is. See -

http://www.oberoihotels.com

The Taj Mahal is a historic hotel and has more charm but its rooms are uneven - it doesn't measure up to the high standards of the Oberoi group. Adjacent to The Oberoi is the Hilton Towers hotel (formerly the Oberoi Towers) which houses an impressive shopping arcade.

Another new and outstanding hotel in the same area is the Intercontinental Marine Drive. It is a boutique hotel, smaller than the other two, but it has received rave reviews. See -

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/6c/1/en/hd/bomhb

All the above 3 are in the area that was the original Bombay city with all its charm and impressive architecture. You will be in relatively pleasant surroundings here.

There is a slew of 5-star deluxe hotels near the airport, but the area around is not very appettising - it is the real Bombay, a drive through which can be an eye-opener.

Another option is the luxurious J.W. Marriott hotel in Juhu (look up http://www.marriotthotels.com), which is around 25 mins car drive from the international airport.

My recommendation: if your budget allows, go for the Oberoi. Book a hotel car and drive around, take in a meal at the Taj Mahal hotel.

Addendum - you can get some reviews of the various Mumbai hotels here:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/hotels...ai-TG-C-1.html

Hi! I’m from Mumbai, and yes, the city almost drowned last week. But we are back in action, and things will be absolutely normal in September. You should not miss Mumbai for the scare of Malaria.. I have lived here for 27 years and never got infected with that disease.. But yes, since you guys would not be used to this kind environment, you can take one of the prescribed medicines and things should be fine.. Do come and visit this marvelous city…

thank you all for your helpful replies-After reading what you all wrote I think we will definitely be taking the opportunity even for three days.
Your feedback was great and hopefully we'll cross Fodor paths again soon

Hi, I would highly recommend The Oberoi. Very good hotel, with great restaurants and shopping. Stay at The Oberoi and not the Towers.