Taj Mahal Palace

The Taj Mahal was opened in 1903 by Jamshetji Tata, who was an up and coming industrialist whose ‘sole wish was to attract people to India, and to improve Bombay’. The myth goes that he was refused entrance to the swanky British hotel, Watsons, and decided to build something twice as grand as revenge; but as you will discover there are many embellished Indian tales that aren’t strictly embedded in truth! Needless to say the hotel was a masterpiece, with its iconic main dome towering over the city. In 1973, the Taj Mahal Tower was added next to it. Throughout the years, the Taj has welcomed countless world leaders, celebrities and happy Millis Potter guests.

We generally suggest staying in the Palace Wing rather than the Tower Wing (although the windows are larger in the Tower and have amazing views). The Luxury Grande Rooms are extremely comfortable with views out over the sea or the city at the back. They feature Italian marble bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers, 40 inch flatscreen TVs along with everything you would expect in a world-class 5* hotel room. The Taj Club Rooms are a little larger, with accss to the Club Lounge. The Executive Suites have their own living room, and free-standing roll-top bathtub with his and hers washbasins. The top suites get gradually bigger and more opulent and are located on the higher floors taking advantage of the domes and high-ceilings to dramatic effect. Generally, we see what style of room you like and match the suite to your tastes accordingly. Our personal favourite is the Rajput Suite, it quite literally makes you feel like a Maharaja and Maharani.

It goes without saying that the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel has been the place to head for dinner in India’s largest city, and as such its restaurants are world-class with some of India’s best chefs. Let’s begin with the standard ones; Aquarious is located by the pool and serves light snacks and drinks, Shamiana serves up international cuisine, Souk in the Tower is a rooftop restaurant offering Middle Eastern Cuisine, Masala Kraft serves contemporary Indian food with live cooking stations, Golden Dragon is the speciality Chinese restaurant and Wasabi by Morimoto is one of the world’s best Japanese restaurants.  The Harbour Bar is perfect for a nightcap.

At the back of the Taj Mahal Palace you will find the large outdoor pool, totally secluded from the bustling streets outside the front of the hotel. The Jiva Grande Spa is ideal for a treatment or two. The location is perfect for just walking out into the old colonial quarters of old Bombay before returning to the salubrious surroundings of the Taj Mahal Palace.