The Taj comprises the lovely Palace building, built in 1903, and the blocky, 1972-vintage Tower.
Many guests feel that the Palace rooms are the only ones to consider. The Palace’s palm-lined pool and inner courtyard, criss-crossed by stairways, are oft-photographed for their classic beauty. Rooms are large and airy, and many boast a harbor view that takes in the sun-dappled Arabian Sea, Mumbai’s busy port, and the monumental Gateway to India arch.
A variety of accommodations range from trim, pretty standard rooms to 43 suites that tempt with extra space, amenities, artwork, antiques, and butler service. Every suite is different, and honeymoon couples without budgetary concerns will relish choosing the perfect backdrop for “Kama Sutra” newlywed nights.
The Rajput Suite is enchantingly done up in Indian antiques, the Bell Tower Suite is a duplex, and the Sun Rise Suite proffers a dressing room for Madame. Guests in suites are granted “club floor” privileges such as airport transfers and all-day snacks and beverages.
But even run-of-house rooms at the Taj are comfortable and decently sized. Storage is notably generous, with his-and-hers closets and plenty of drawers.
Marble-laden bathrooms are large, with oversized tubs, separate showers, thick towels and robes, and fragrant Molton Brown toiletries.
Housekeeping is invisible and exacting, and nightly turndown brings a devastatingly fragrant garland of flowers.
All guests have free access to the hotel’s picture-perfect pool and a gleaming 24-hour gym. The services of a modern in-house spa are offered for additional charges. Wi-fi is offered throughout the hotel, but a password costs about $20 per day.
