BACKGROUND

The first Indian property of the Toronto-based luxury hotel chain — Four Seasons launched in Mumbai in 2008. The 37-storey building has been designed by John Arzarian of Lohan Associates, a Hong Kong based company. The brand has launched its eponymous residences in Bangalore and Delhi, and Mumbai follows this year.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

A winding driveway with lush greenery on either sides takes you to the hotel’s entrance. High ceilings alongside French windows add volume to the lobby area. Modern art paintings that adorn the walls of the lobby clearly exemplify the hotel’s contemporary design philosophy. The white marbled flooring compliments the light brown veneers perfectly well. Business travellers hosting clients can be found seated around its very comfortable lounge area, that’s spread out evenly on this level.

WHERE IS IT?

From the outside, it’s hard to imagine the sheer size of the hotel, only because of its modest location between corporate buildings on Dr. E. Moses Road in Worli. Easy to access, the hotel is close to Lower Parel and Bandra Kurla Complex, which are two of Mumbai’s prime commercial hubs. The international airport is a 45 minute drive.

ROOM FACILITIES

I checked- in using the Four Seasons’ app, which made my arrival highly efficient and swift. The hotel’s room types iNclude Deluxe room – sea view (49 sqm), Deluxe room (49 sqm), Superior room (36 sqm) and Executive premier room (55 sqm). Suite types are Deluxe suite sea-view (101 sqm), Four Seasons Executive suite (88 sqm), Premier suite (260 sqm) and Presidential suite (310 sqm). Basic amenities across all categories include tea/ coffee maker, in-room safe, clock radio and iPod doc (iHome), a mini-bar, flat screen television (Sony, 46 inches) and a Philips DVD player. My deluxe sea-view room was fitted with a Kingsize bed on the 23rd floor that didn’t require any electronic lighting in the day thanks to the large ceiling-to-floor glass windows overlook-ing the sea. A desk with chairs on opposite sides on the left faced the walk-in-wardrobe with an ironing board and the in-room safe. A cosy olive green lounge chair with a cushioned leg-rest was placed adjacent to the window with a table, a space that was ideal for some day-time musing and writing. Goodwin teas along with coffee-powders were provided with complimentary mineral water bottles alongside the mini-bar and tea/coffee maker. A patterned olive green carpet covered the room, adding warmth and complimenting the light-brown tones of the walls. The iHome doc paired easily with my phone’s bluetooth to play music. The marbled bathroom, built with Toto fittings and a sink-in bathtub next to a large glass window with the same view as the bedroom, had two basins, a shower-area and a separate lavatory. Forrest Essentials toiletries were provided. The entire space was comforting because of the muted tones and fairly minimal decor. Indirect ceiling lights along with a number of lamps around the room brightened the room up after sunset. The bed was exceptionally comfortable with four large down pillows and I ordered for an eye- mask via the phone-app at 2am, which arrived almost instantly.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

The Four Seasons Mumbai is known for its noted pan-Asian and Indian restaurant San-Qi and its roof-top bar Aer (serves pizza, sushi and international snacks). The hotel also houses cafe PRATO, its breakfast eatery and lobby bar. Since it was a Friday night, I spent my evening at Aer, where their bartender served me a comforting Hot Toddy. The breakfast had a sizeable spread of international and hot Indian dishes.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES

The meeting and business halls, branded as The Mansion, sprawl across 2,360 sqm within the building with 14 rooms such as The Great Room (340 sqm), The Conservatory (108 sqm), The Library (65 sqm) etc. Wifi connectivity and video conferencing facilities are offered within the banqueting space.

LEISURE FACILITIES

The hotel has a turquoise floored pool on level three and a two storey spa with eight treatment rooms located on the same floor with a dedicated Ayurveda room, a vitality pool, a steam, shower room and Mumbai’s only Rossano Ferretti salon. Four Seasons also operates a Night Spa (12pm-4am) that offers treatments to time- crunched business travellers.

VERDICT

Contemporary business luxury in the heart of Mumbai’s commercial district.

PRICE: Prices for a mid-week stay in September started from ₹13,050 per night for an Executive Premier Room

CONTACT: Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai; 1/136, Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai India 400 018; tel 91-022-2481 8000; fourseasons.com

Akanksha Maker