Mumbai’s first boutique hotel, nestled away in the city’s premier neighbourhood of Colaba just steps from the Gateway of India, is a red hot find for the Citizen Femme traveller.
An unbeatable base for exploring Mumbai’s historical epicentre, Abode Bombay has the independent female explorer in mind like no other hotel in India.
Amongst the Mumbai hustle and bustle (understatement!), the tiny shops and taxis, road signs and cables, you could easily miss the entrance to Abode Bombay, distracted by beeping cars, the heat and the almost spicy air. Despite its high profile and amazingly convenient location, this hotel remains low key and personal. Follow the dimly lit, wooden stairs past a funky Hindu shrine, and you’ll step into an intimate space truly inspired by the city of Bombay and its transition to modern day Mumbai. Located in a property over 100 years old, Abode Bombay has layer upon layer of design heritage, creating a mesmerising eclectic style, blending artistic vibrant Hindu art with iconic vintage pieces like tiffin tins and tea pots, and colonial furniture – all original and restored. Through its quirky design, Abode Bombay manages to tastefully bring in a touch of chaos and colour from the streets below.
The hotel’s 20 rooms are divided among 4 different categories, catering for the luxury hostel market right up to the high-end sophisticated globetrotters. For the most comfortable of Mumbai experiences, book a superior luxury room – double height windows let in plenty of light, and you’ll have more than enough space around the room for your Bollywood-chic outfits and beauty products. Next level street noise will provide you with amusing late night entertainment, but don’t worry, the beds are so unbelievably comfortable that you won’t lose a second of sleep, so just embrace this classic Mumbai experience (with the earplugs provided, of course!). The bathrooms, with their neon-lit mirrors and smoky vibe will make you feel as if you’re in a little local hole in the wall by night, only that here the sleepless street activity won’t be encroaching on your nice, steamy showers. These bathrooms, almost themed in their décor, really aren’t the place for beautifying, but luckily rooms feature bright, full-length mirrors and dressing space too. Powerful hairdryers and GHDs are available upon request.
Photo Credit: LBB
There’s a huge amount to explore in this enigmatic city, and 3-4 nights are recommended. Abode Bombay will help you get around – having partnered with an exclusively female driver taxi company that often works with single mothers, you’ll feel safe and at ease when moving around the city alone. All guests of the hotel are also given a local mobile to use during their stay with one-click calls to reception for a helping hand while out adventuring. If you want to take the hassle out of getting to know Mumbai, book one of Abode Bombay’s many tours – they’re an excellent way to discover a face of the city that wouldn’t be possible without a knowledgeable local guide. You’ll undoubtedly return home from India with many a bizarre tale to tell, but aside from eye-opening tours, ask the Abode Bombay team to organise you an extra role in a Bollywood flick and you’ll have the holy grail of all travel stories!
When you visit Mumbai, prepare for an inescapable assault on the senses. Abode Bombay, with its privileged location, is more than just a bed for the night – it will become your favourite spot for regular pit stops, the perfect atmosphere to quickly escape from the chaos and recharge throughout your days of exploring. Refuel on their delicious, authentic café food (amazing breakfast omelettes and masala chai included!), and unwind after a long, sticky day with a traditional Ayurvedic massage at their spa; Abode Bombay has partnered with a school for the blind that trains up exceptional massage therapists – impressive and inspiring! If trekking around the city isn’t “leg day” enough for you, you’ll have access to an excellent local gym, and the hotel also provides yoga mats. For those remote working rather than touristing, Wi-Fi is fast and reliable (not always a done deal in India), and there’s lots of hipster coffee shop style communal table space.
Undoubtedly, Abode Bombay is the ideal, chic base for Citizen Femme wanderlusters; exceptional service, location and amenities will make your stay memorable and worth repeating!
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