MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Mumbai

Where to Stay in Mumbai

Mumbai Maharashtra, India Travel Guide

Accommodation Types in Mumbai

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Ideal for budget travelers and backpackers, offering dormitory beds and private rooms. A social atmosphere is found, with communal spaces. Find hostels on Hostelworld.

  • Guesthouses/Budget Hotels

    Affordable, basic amenities with private rooms, typically featuring an attached bathroom and air conditioning. A clean and functional space for value seekers.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    3-star to 4-star properties, balancing comfort, amenities (e.g., restaurants, Wi-Fi, often a gym), and service. Explore options on Booking.com.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Prestigious 5-star hotels with world-class service, opulent rooms, fine dining, extensive facilities (spas, pools), and often historical significance. Check IHG Hotels.

Unique Local Accommodation & Rentals

  • Boutique Hotels

    Properties with unique design, a distinct theme, blending modern comfort with local artistic flair. A personalized and intimate the encounter is found.

  • Heritage Hotels

    Housed in historic buildings, retaining original architectural features for an unique ambiance. A glimpse into Mumbai's past is present.

  • Serviced Apartments

    Available for short and long stays, with more space, privacy, and facilities including a kitchen. Family-friendly or extended trips. Explore Vrbo for rentals.

  • Homestays/House Sitting

    Options for varied budgets, from private rooms in residences in the area to entire apartments. Some provide a homestay-like experience. For longer stays, consider TrustedHousesitters.

Neighborhood Guide for Accommodation

Mumbai is vast, and choosing the right neighborhood significantly shapes your experience. Each area holds distinct character, with considerations for attractions, safety, and ambiance.

South Mumbai

Pros
  • Proximity to major iconic attractions (Gateway of India, CSMT).
  • Excellent dining, art galleries, scenic sea views.
  • Well-connected by local trains and ferries.
  • Generally safe, even for solo travelers.
Cons
  • Accommodation, dining, shopping often expensive.
  • Traffic congestion can be high.
  • Some areas are very bustling.

Bandra / Juhu

Pros
  • Trendy dining, pubs, cafes, shopping.
  • Lively atmosphere, promenades (Bandra Bandstand).
  • Direct access to Juhu Beach, relaxed atmosphere.
  • Generally safe.
Cons
  • Accommodation and dining often expensive.
  • Further north from historical South Mumbai attractions.
  • Not much public transport connectivity for Juhu.
  • Beaches might get crowded on weekends.

Andheri / Lower Parel

Pros
  • Convenient for airport access (Andheri).
  • More budget-friendly accommodation options (Andheri).
  • Modern economic and entertainment hub (Lower Parel).
  • Good local markets and Metro Line 1 access (Andheri).
Cons
  • Distant from South Mumbai's historical attractions.
  • Can be very congested and busy during weekdays.
  • Lacks traditional charm.

Safety and Ambiance

Safety Information

Mumbai generally is a safe environment for tourists. Standard precautions should always be in use. Upscale neighborhoods like South Mumbai and Bandra are very safe. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark. Use reputable ride-sharing services (Ola/Uber) or pre-booked taxis.

Noise Levels

Mumbai is a bustling metropolis, so noise is to be expected. Areas near rail depots, major markets, and main roads are often noisier. Residential pockets in Bandra or Juhu, or luxury hotels with good soundproofing, offer a calmer atmosphere.

Booking Strategies for Mumbai Accommodation

Effective booking strategies help secure preferred accommodation and potentially better rates, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Nov-Feb): Book 3-6 months ahead. High demand characterizes this period.
  • Shoulder Season (Mar, Oct): 1-3 months ahead is generally sufficient.
  • Low Season (Monsoon, Jun-Sep): Good deals are often found closer to travel dates, but 1-2 months ahead is good for preferences.
  • Seasonal price fluctuations occur; prices are highest Nov-Feb and lower during monsoon/summer.

Trusted Platforms and Policies

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia.com.
  • Indian Platforms: MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Oyo Rooms.
  • Direct Booking: Hotel websites sometimes hold better rates or exclusive packages.
  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies: Always review these carefully. Free cancellation options are often available.

Negotiation Customs

Budget Accommodation
  • For budget hotels or b&bs, specifically outside peak season, slight negotiation on walk-in rates may be possible.
Mid-Range to Luxury
  • For most established mid-range to luxury hotels, published rates are generally firm.
  • Significant negotiation is not common.

Important Note

Pricing

Non-refundable rates are often cheaper but offer no flexibility.

Research

Check various platforms for the best available rates before booking.

Timing

Booking far in advance is usually the best strategy for popular properties.

Accommodation Recommendations for Mumbai

Mumbai holds excellent choices across all budget categories and for various traveler types.

Top Picks for Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Hostels/Guesthouses

Societal and affordable options.

  • Zostel Mumbai (Backpackers, dorms, private rooms)
  • Backpacker Panda Colaba (Prime tourist area)
  • Hotel Causeway (Colaba, location and basic comforts)
Mid-Range 3-4 Star

Comfort and facilities.

  • Fariyas Hotel (Colaba, good service)
  • The Gordon House Hotel (Boutique in Colaba)
  • Lemon Tree Premier Mumbai International Airport (Airport convenience)
  • Taj Lands End (Bandra, good value during shoulder seasons)

Top Picks for Luxury

Luxury 5-Star

Opulence and world-class service.

  • The Taj Mahal Palace (Iconic heritage)
  • The Oberoi Mumbai (Marine Drive, elegant design)
  • Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai (Worli, city views)
  • St. Regis (Lower Parel, sophisticated)
Properties with Cultural/Historical Significance

Experiences steeped in history.

  • The Taj Mahal Palace (Landmark of Mumbai, grand experience)
  • Taj Lands End (Modern landmark, Arabian Sea and Sea Link views)

Family-Friendly Options

  • Amenities for Families

    Look for hotels with amenities for families, like swimming pools, kids' clubs, or spacious rooms/suites. Many mid-range to luxury hotels accommodate families well.

  • Serviced Apartments

    These rooms have more space, separate living areas, and kitchen facilities. An excellent choice for families with children. Find family-friendly rentals on Vrbo.

  • Kids' Activities

    Some hotels have dedicated children's activity areas. Inquiry about these at booking.

  • Concierge Services

    A hotel concierge assists with family-friendly tours and activities.

Solo & Long-Stay Options

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels are a great option for solo travelers seeking social interaction and budget-friendly accommodation. Well-located guesthouses in safe, central areas like Colaba or Bandra hold a good balance of privacy and convenience. Browse solo hostels on Hostelworld.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Serviced apartment rentals are ideal for long-term stays, with home comforts and often weekly or monthly discounts. Many Airbnb hosts hold discounts for extended bookings. Some budget hotels hold special long-term rates. Areas like Bandra, Andheri, or Powai offer a local, residential feel. Find extended stay options on Agoda.

  • Packing Considerations

    For long stays, pack versatile clothing and consider laundry services available at your accommodation.

  • Work-from-Travel

    Long-stay apartments often hold desks and reliable internet, suiting remote workers.

Other Accommodation Considerations

Homestay & Community-Based Tourism

Within Mumbai, dedicated community-based tourism initiatives offering traditional homestays are limited. Some Airbnb listings or smaller guesthouses might provide a homestay-like experience. For more authentic, rural homestay experiences, look to areas outside Mumbai in Maharashtra. Search for guesthouses on Booking.com.

Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

Staying outdoors options are not available within Mumbai city limits. For staying in a tent, look for organized campsites or resorts in areas a few hours drive from Mumbai, like Lonavala, Alibaug, or the Western Ghats.

Booking with Confidence

Early Booking

Especially for high season and popular properties, booking early helps secure your preferred choice.

Read Reviews

Consult traveler reviews on platforms like Agoda to verify suitability and quality.

Check Locations

Confirm the very location of where you're staying relative to your planned activities.