BACKGROUND

The Oberoi and its sister hotel the Trident (to read a review, click here) are among the best-known hotels in Mumbai, with the Oberoi ranked one of the best in India.

Its last refurbishment was completed in 2010.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

It’s five years since I stayed here, following its revamp, and while there have been no major changes, it’s impressive how fresh the fixtures and fittings are, and how immediate and spontaneous the service feels.

There is a liveried doorman and at least half a dozen employees and security staff to greet you when you arrive – as you approach the hotel, a full search is undertaken beneath the vehicle and in the boot before the gate is opened, then your luggage is passed through an X-ray machine, and you are scanned with a metal detector.

Inside is a small welcome area – with a discreet door at the top of some stairs leading to the exclusive Belvedere Club – and lifts up to the main lobby.

This area is a stunning space of white Greek Thassos marble, modern artworks, a red grand piano and double-height windows looking out to the Arabian Sea.

Check-in takes place in your room. If you take a hotel car from the airport, it is wifi equipped and you will be asked if you would like any food or drink on arrival.

WHERE IS IT?

In South Mumbai, on Nariman Point. The hotel is 27km from Mumbai International airport, which takes 45 minutes to two hours to reach by car, depending on traffic.

ROOM FACILITIES

The hotel is built around an atrium with surrounding corridors giving access to the bedrooms.

There are 287 rooms, including 73 suites, and they are located on floors ten-21 (below these are three service floors – the levels start on ten, more for image than as an accurate reflection of how high you are).

Some 40 per cent have ocean views, and 15 per cent bay views. Deluxe queen rooms (31 sqm) and Luxury twin/king-size rooms (37 sqm) have city views. Smoking floors are 17 and 21.

All rooms have butler service, dark oak flooring (the Presidential suites have marble), walnut furniture and oil paintings.

Tech includes an iPod dock, DVD player, high-speed wired and wifi internet (Rs 1,000/£10 per 24 hours; free in rooms), international plug sockets and a media hub in the workdesk with a USB socket and an HDMI port for connecting devices to the 40-inch LCD TV.

The maid left a note saying she had noticed I had a lot of chargers so had left a small bag for them, and as I travel with the small tubes of toothpaste you get in airline amenity kits, she thought I might run out and had left more.

Bathrooms are finished in Botticino marble and have separate tubs and showers, Kama Ayurveda toiletries and 17-inch LCD TVs.

There is no executive floor but suite guests have use of a residents’ day lounge where drinks are served, and a cigar lounge.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

Fenix is the main all-day dining option, with Italian restaurant Vetro used as an overflow when it is full for breakfast (as it was each morning I came down).

Ziya is an Indian speciality eatery under two-Michelin starred chef Vineet Bhatia – I had a great meal here. Eau bar serves cocktails and single malts and has a varied wine list.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES

The hotel has small meeting rooms, with most large gatherings held at the Trident.

LEISURE FACILITIES

There is a 24-hour spa, a gym and an outdoor pool.

VERDICT

The Oberoi is better than ever. With the excellent co-owned Trident next door (in many ways its fiercest competitor), the Oberoi has to be very good to stay ahead, and it succeeds, with its pristine rooms, outstanding dining options – both international and contemporary Indian – and unbeatable 24-hour service.

FACT FILE

  • HOW MANY ROOMS? 287 – 214 rooms including 70 Deluxe, 110 Luxury and 34 Premier Ocean View, and 73 suites, including 20 Executive, 31 Executive Ocean View, 11 Deluxe, nine Premier and two Presidential.
  • HIGHLIGHTS The superb views from sea-facing rooms and the faultless service.
  • PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in July started from £171 for a City View room.
  • CONTACT The Oberoi Mumbai, Nariman Point; tel +91 226 6325 757; oberoihotels.com