Background
Sofitel Mumbai BKC is one of Accor’s most prominent addresses in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The French hospitality company’s other hotels in the city are operated under Novotel and economy ibis brand.
What’s it like?
The effortless marriage of French flair and Indian hospitality is unmissable, from the moment you step into the property; and the “Bonjour Namaskar” greeting sets the base for it. As soon as I entered the lobby, I gravitated towards the rotating totem that featured motifs of Indian and French elements such as peacock, art and fashion. I was told that the totem is for pleasant and positive vibes.
Coming to the safety aspect, my bag was thoroughly disinfected prior to security scanning and contactless temperature mapping was carried out. My basic details like name and contact number were also recorded at the entry. Hands free sanitiser dispensers are placed throughout the property.
The check-in staff was well-equipped and informed about the sanitisation and hygiene protocols. The hygiene and sanitisation measures are being carried out under Accor’s ALLSAFE programme.
Where is it?
Strategically located in the commercial and financial hub of Mumbai, Bandra Kurla Complex, the hotel offers easy access to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It is less than a five-minute drive from Bharat Diamond Bourse.
Rooms
I stayed in a Prestige suite which I would like to define as an “uber-luxe cocoon”. The interiors, across the living and sleeping space, feature bold furnishing in striking hues like royal purple and elegant artworks. High-speed wifi and a Bose audio entertainment system took care of my mandatory multimedia content consumption for the day. In the evening, I made myself a cup of coffee from the coffee maker available in the room and watched the bustling city life pass by me from the giant windows. The bathroom has a separate tub and a shower with the French Note toiletries that smell divine.
Guests are allocated rooms only after a minimum gap of 24 hours post-cleaning and sanitisation after check-out.
Food and drink
A buffet breakfast is all that I need for a happy and productive day. Therefore, I headed to the hotel’s all-day dining, Pondichéry Café to indulge in local and international delights for my morning meal. Guests had to wear transparent gloves while taking food from the counters for hygiene purpose. My buffet breakfast after almost seven months comprised pancake with maple syrup, sausages, south Indian delicacies like vada (savoury fried snacks); dosa (rice pancake) and north Indian favourites such as chole puri (spicy chickpeas with fried bread). A cup of cappuccino completed my hearty indulgence.
I tried out in-room dining for lunch; pizza margherita and a plate of hakka noodles satiated my hunger pangs in between work. The food was well-packed and piping hot.
Dinner was at Artisan, the hotel’s chic outlet that blends music and gastronomy. I opted for the kung pao potato wedges that had the correct balance of sweet and spicy followed by the classic house fries that are a must when visiting this place. I also ordered the fusilli alfredo pasta which was comforting. However, taking the meal a notch higher was the five textured chocolate cake which was sinfully decadent.
Meetings
Be it a grand ballroom, an intimate yet sophisticated indoor space or scenic outdoor spot, the hotel has it all for a one-of-a-kind meeting experience.
Leisure
Break a sweat with a heavy workout session at the hotel’s fitness centre — only a limited number of guests are allowed inside the facility at one time. Book an appointment at Savio John Pereira Salon for a rejuvenating wellness treatment.
Verdict: For an ideal business stay in the maximum city amidst new normal.
Price: Price is upwards of ₹9,000
Contact: Sofitel Mumbai BKC, C-57, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai-400051
