Experience The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai is not just a hotel; it’s a landmark synonymous with luxury and grandeur since 1903. Your stay at this iconic property will be spectacular, especially if you utilise the benefits of a Travel Card and complimentary Taj Vouchers. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of your experience and how the right credit cards can enhance your stay at this magnificent hotel.

Booking at the Taj Mahal Palace

• Usual Rate: ~₹30,000/night
• Offer Rate: ~₹13,000 + GST
• You Pay: ₹10,000 Taj Voucher + remaining on card

Book during a promotional period where a room in the Taj Mahal Tower is offered at ₹13,000 + GST, including a confirmed upgrade to a city-view room in the Taj Mahal Palace with lounge access.

First Impressions of the Taj Mahal Palace

First, you take in the outside: The Taj Mahal Palace is a grey-and-white stone, red-domed wedding cake building that stands over Mumbai’s harbour. Your taxi pulls up through the throngs of tourists and you’re ceremoniously welcomed by doormen in traditional silk kurtas, you have that pinch-me feeling of, “Wow, Am I staying here?”

You’re in good company, as everyone from George Bernard Shaw to Barack Obama has spent the night here too. (Security is extra tight, as the Taj was the site of a terrorist bombing in 2008.) You enter the sumptuous lobby, with its clusters of seating warmed by the glow from blood-orange silk lampshades. This is carried forward on the delicious scent of florals and spices—the signature Taj fragrance that’s piped into all the public spaces (You might want to ask if you could buy a bottle; it’s that bewitching).

What’s the Crowd Like at the Taj Mahal Palace?

Expect well-heeled internationals and well-to-do Indian families. Because the Taj is such a landmark, some tourists and locals come and go from the hotel’s restaurants, shops, and bars, as well as the daily Heritage Walks around the property. But some parts of the hotel are off-limits to non-guests, so you quickly leave the bustle of the lobby behind.

Lobby & Check-in

The entrance to the grand lobby is shared by both the Taj Mahal Palace and the Tower. For Palace guests, there is a dedicated check-in area, which is more intimate but efficient. Request a sea-view room via email, and count on your luck.

The Room

Your room will be elegantly decorated, each with unique interiors. For special occasions like a birthday, the room can be adorned with balloons, and you might be greeted with a cake, flowers, and a mini pillow.

The View

Your room might offer an incredible view of the Gateway of India. The timing of your stay could allow you to witness a variety of weather conditions, enhancing the overall experience. Opening the window provides a great opportunity for time-lapse videos.

The Palace

Exploring the vast property of the Taj Mahal Palace can take hours. A complimentary 1-hour heritage tour provides a deep dive into the history of this magnificent palace. Despite the bustling pathways, the rooms offer complete tranquillity.

Breakfast & Dinner

Dining options are plentiful, with several restaurants within both the Palace and Tower wings. Enjoy breakfast at the Sea Lounge, known for its view of the Gateway of India. Though you might miss out on a table with a view, the breakfast spread, albeit not extensive, offers freshly prepared dishes.

The Resident’s Lounge

The Resident’s Lounge, located on the ground floor, might be a bit of a letdown in terms of snack options. However, the coffee and biscuits served are exceptional. Despite the limited spread, the lounge is worth a visit for its ambience.

What Else About the Hotel is Memorable?

The Taj has the best pool in Mumbai. Especially after a sweaty day of touring the city, returning to this gleaming blue oval—surrounded by pink and orange colour-blocked chaises and a gin cart that makes the rounds—is just plain heavenly. Don’t miss afternoon tea with both English and Indian treats in the gorgeous Sea Lounge, with black-and-white tile floor, velvet and damask armchairs, and tinkling piano music. (In the evenings it becomes a cocktail bar.)

Spend all afternoon browsing the hotel’s shopping arcades, which include luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton, the largest English-language bookshop in the city, and Raj-era institution Burlington’s. There’s a sizable spa, too, specialising in Ayurvedic treatments.

How About the Food?

The hotel has a dozen restaurants, bars, and cafés, including Wasabi by Morimoto, Souk for Tagines, and Kraft Masala for Indians. If you only have time to eat at one, let it be Kraft Masala. When the waiter learns you have a long flight very late that night, he might have Chef Sangwan make a couple of light dishes, like idli dosa, sautéed spinach, and a non-spicy array of lentil dals. (There’s also a palatial Starbucks if you miss your American-style coffee, but you should try La Patisserie, a gorgeous classic confectionery.)

What Else Stands Out?

The service here is impeccable and consistent, without being overbearing. Arrive in the early morning, and you’ll be installed for tea in a jewel box of a lounge until your room is ready. If you’ve planned almost nothing before your arrival, the concierge will be very hands-on organising a car and driver for the day and suggesting a tour route and lunch stop. A short time before dinner, a butler might show up at your door to give you foot baths in copper bowls full of flower petals. At night, he might appear again to draw a bath in the suite’s large marble tub.

Bottom Line: Worth It, and Why?

Oh, 100 per cent. One of the most memorable and beautiful hotels you’ll ever stay in.

Credit Cards That Enhance Your Stay at The Taj Mahal Palace

To make your stay even more enjoyable and cost-effective, several credit cards offer exceptional benefits. This includes complimentary vouchers, exclusive discounts, and reward points that can be redeemed for luxurious stays. Here’s a comprehensive list of credit cards that can enhance your stay at this iconic hotel.

For a luxurious stay at The Taj Mahal Palace, choosing the right credit card can make a significant difference. Whether it’s complimentary lounge access, exclusive offers, or valuable reward points, these credit cards ensure that your stay at The Taj Mahal Palace is memorable and enjoyable.