Background

ITC Maratha is a five-star business hotel in Mumbai combining the grandeur of the Victorian era and the roots of the Maratha dynasty.

What’s it like?

As I drove closer, I could see the domed roof, the main identity of the hotel, which is inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The hotel champions Indian and British history and pays tribute to the great Marathas. I noticed several Maharashtrian elements in the lobby including Shivaji Maharaj’s portrait. Another striking feature is the glass sheet etched with the “Tree of Life” motif and a poem in the ancient Modi script.

My check-in was relatively quick and easy, with friendly staff (clad in neat Paithani sarees). I was asked to fill an online health and travel declaration form that was sent to me via email. I could see the sense of revenge tourism as the hotel was packed with guests. ITC also has adopted a series of safety and hygiene measures including, temperature check, social distancing and mandatory face masks, to curb the risk of the virus spread.

Where is it?

It is about 15 minutes from Mumbai’s International and domestic airports.

Rooms

There are a total of 380 guestrooms and suites in the hotel. I stayed in the ITC One room which is located on the 15th floor overlooking the swimming pool.

My room door had the “WeAssure” (ITC Hotels’ health and hygiene programme) label.

The décor had a purple and golden colour theme throughout and the room came with a king-size bed, a small sofa, a smart work desk, a tea and coffee table, an in-room refrigerator, a flatscreen, international plugs by the bed, and a small box (for a good night sleep) featuring products such as pillow mist, eye masks, earplugs, and stress relief mist by Forest Essentials.

The bathroom was modern and functional and was done in golden hues and featured luxurious Essenza Di Wills toiletries.

The room resonated with the brand’s ideology of “Responsible Luxury” extensively.

Food and drink

I was eager to experience the F&B, as the hotel boasts some of the best-rated restaurants in the country.

A meal at Peshawri, a northeastern frontier restaurant, was one of the highlights of my stay. I enjoyed the homely ambiance here. My lunch started off at one of the low seating tables with the main course. I tried the home dish – dal bukhara, a blend of black lentil, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic. I was told that it has been slow-cooked on a charcoal fire for 24 hours, and trust me, each spoon of the dal gave that rich and heavenly creamy taste. It was giving the smoked flavour, and was served alongside pudhina paratha and tandoori naan (bread). Slider dish tandoori aloo was simply great.

My dinner experience at Dum Pukht was royal. This restaurant specialises in Awadhi cuisine. I indulged in à la carte menu and opted for shorba timater, a comforting tomato soup with cumin and green coriander. The crackling wheat crips added that extra flavour to the dish.

For mains, I ordered aloo bukhara, mande (paper-thin whole wheat bread), and dum pukht biryani served with raita (curd dish). The fragrance from the biryani was magical, and every morsel burst with flavours. My meal ended with “meetha” (dessert) – mouth watery malai kulfi.

Meetings 

The hotel houses several MICE venues that are ideal for big and small gatherings.

Leisure

Some of the leisure facilities include a fitness centre, a swimming pool, a salon, Kaya Kalp – The Spa and Catherine’s lounge.

Verdict: Ideal for a regal stay in the maximum city.

Price: Upwards of ₹3,750

Contact: ITC Maratha, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Mumbai, Sahar, Andheri East, Mumbai 400099

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