Facing the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India monument, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel blends Moorish, Florentine, and Indian architecture. The historic palace wing reopened in 2010 with 243 new rooms and 42 suites, including one that houses the sitar on which legendary Indian musician Ravi Shankar composed his Concerto No. 1. George Harrison checked into the Taj in 1966 to take lessons from the maestro.

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The Taj Mahal Palace

This regal five-star hotel, built in 1903, is a city landmark as well as a tourist attraction. Many of its rooms have views out over the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea. It’s definitely worth a visit even if you’re not staying here: Grab a drink at the Harbour Bar or a bite to eat at one of the many on-site restaurants, which serve everything from afternoon tea accompanied by live piano music to sushi made with ingredients flown in from Japan.

Granduer in Mumbai

For me, the best place to stay in Mumbai is the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Tower. Within the hotel are two areas - the tower, which is newer, and the old palace wing, which was restored a few years ago. The grand staircase (pictures here) in the old palace wing is stunning and worth the six flight walk up or down to really appreciate it.

Go for the Gold at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is where the rich and famous stay when they come to town. If you can afford a night (or more) at this hotel so rich in history, opulence and city culture, you will be doing a disservice not to. Ask for a room with a view over the sea. While I don’t usually recommend places right in the middle of the tourist areas, this is an exception. This hotel is a must see. Even if you don’t stay here, hang out in the lobby for a while soaking up their luxurious air conditioning while getting a much needed respite from chaos and the humidity outside!

One of the world's most famous hotels

Without a doubt, the Taj Mahal Palace has to be one of the world’s top ten hotels - both in terms of splendor, history, and quality of service. Whether you’re traveling to Mumbai for business or pleasure, this is your go-to property.

Taj Mahal Palace- a safe retreat for a solo traveler

Traveling solo to Mumbai this spring was the most adventurous thing I’ve done since crossing the straits of Gibralter to Morrocco alone as a 20 year old backpacker -3 decades ago. Of course, I figured that holing up at the Taj Mahal Palace while recovering from jet lag would be about the safest place to rest my head in this daunting city, known for its miles of ghettos. Surprisingly, people are still wary of the Taj, following the terrorist attacks in 2008. Security measures at the hotel are iron clad. Expect to go through airport type screening while entering. For an incredible luxurious hotel prices are affordable. Even the ground floor shops offer reasonably priced and gorgeous Indian textiles. The lobby bar hosts a daily happy hour. The service is outstanding. And the pool is a perfect place to recover from forays out into the white hot city, and escape the sounds of crows and bleeping cabs. Mumbai is not my favorite city but the Taj Mahal Palace has definitely made it to my top 10 list of hotels.

Bastions of strength

In 2008, several were killed in a terror attack at the hotel. It is heartening to see that Mumbaikars throng to sea-front to visit the much-loved and respected landmark and perhaps take a token photograph with the building. The evenings and holidays are always abuzz with visitors.

Cutest Butlers on the planet!

A trip to India late 2013......you are assigned a Butler upon checking in.....they make your life Heaven, from the tea service to the fresh roses! He even packed a bag of my fave local tea for departure flight.

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