BACKGROUND

This luxury five-star hotel is one of Mumbai’s best-known, having been in existence since 1971 and spent time as both a Sheraton and Hilton property.

Located in a prime position at Nariman Point, and connected to the co-owned and managed Oberoi hotel via a shopping arcade, it has been the Trident since 2008.

Trident is an expanding brand of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts – click here for a review of its Hyderabad property.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The 35-storey building has stunning views from its upper floors of the surrounding area and Back Bay.

Security is tight, and cars are checked before being allowed to pull up to the side entrance, which acts as the main way in to the hotel. You then pass through a full security scan and enter the spacious reception.

WHERE IS IT?

At the southern end of Marine Drive at Nariman Point, about an hour by car from the international airport.

ROOM FACILITIES

The 550 rooms have all been refurbished in recent years and are now modern with a pale colour scheme, wood floors and abstract Indian art.

Entry-level Premier rooms start at 30 sqm and have city or sea views. All rooms have wired and wireless internet access, which costs Rs 990 (£10) per 24 hours (inclusive if you book your room through tridenthotels.com or are a Trident Privilege gold or platinum member).

The rooms also have minibars, tea and coffee facilities, safes, LCD TVs, large desks with international power sockets, and black-out blinds operated by a bedside switch. They also feature glass-walled bathrooms, although blinds can be operated for privacy if travelling with someone.

Located on higher floors, Superior rooms are the same size but offer better views.

Premier Ocean View rooms are also on upper floors and Club rooms on levels 28 to 31 come with access to the 28th-floor lounge, which offers a free breakfast, free soft drinks and snacks, and alcoholic beverages in the evening.

My Trident Executive suite had stunning views of the sea and the sweep of Marine Drive, although, at the time of my stay in November, there was extensive construction work on the road outside the hotel, which went on throughout the night and was extremely noisy.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

There are four options on the lobby and lower-lobby levels.

Fine-dining restaurant India Jones is open for lunch and dinner and serves more than 100 pan-Asian dishes. All-day eatery Frangipani offers à la carte and buffet dining, as well as a wood-fired pizza oven. Opium Den is a stylish cocktail bar and Verandah is open 24 hours for light snacks.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES

The refurbishments have added meeting space on the top floor, with nine rooms holding between six and 14 people and offering astonishing views of the bay, city and harbour. Other venues on this level include the Roof Top, for 175 people theatre-style or 200 for a reception.

On the lower-lobby level is the Regal room, which takes up to 600 people theatre-style. There are three other function spaces on this floor and several on the pool level.

LEISURE FACILITIES

The outside pool, which overlooks the sea, is located one floor up from the lobby and is due to be renovated later this year.

A set of stairs takes guests down to the spa and fitness centre, which has a relaxation area, a large gym and five treatment rooms.

VERDICT

Still one of the best hotels in Mumbai. Service was excellent, and the construction noise (outside the hotel’s control) hopefully short-lived.

FACT FILE

  • HOW MANY ROOMS? 550 – 59 Premier, 148 Superior, 94 Deluxe Ocean View, 116 Premier Ocean View, 93 Trident Club rooms and 40 suites.
  • HIGHLIGHTS The glass-walled bathrooms and the fabulous views from the upper levels.
  • PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April started from Rs 9,500 (£100) for a Premier room.
  • CONTACT Trident Nariman Point; tel +91 22 6632 4343; tridenthotels.com

Tom Otley