The Leela Mumbai

Open since 1986, this elegant luxury property is not your typical airport property. In fact, the hotel is more like a resort, as it's nestled on 11 acres of lush greenery that make it feel world's away from busy Mumbai (and its airport, for that matter). Living up to its brand name, the Leela Mumbai makes a splashy first impression. The huge lobby is grand, with gleaming marble floors and columns all around, plus a massive chandelier shimmering overhead. Several seating areas for guests feature plush upholstered sofas and chairs with rugs atop wood floors. The focus is on business here, with extensive conference space that can accommodate corporate and social gatherings of various sizes. But when guests aren't working, they can visit the luxurious spa, lounge by the outdoor pool, work out in the spacious fitness center, or take a yoga class. With its proximity to the airport and its distance from the tourist attractions, this hotel works best for travelers who need easy access to the airport, or business travelers with work in the area. 

This hotel is located in a bustling commercial area without any real distinctive features in the northern stretches of Mumbai. It's most convenient for the airport, which should only take about 10 minutes to reach in a taxi. You'll find all manner of shops, restaurants, and businesses in the area, but it's not exactly pedestrian friendly. Siddhivinayak Temple is about 25 minutes away by car. The posh Bandra and Pali Hill enclaves, which are home to high-end dining and Bolywood celebrities, will take about 30 minutes to reach in a taxi. Major tourist attractions such as the Gateway of India, the Elephanta Caves, and Marine Drive are close to an hour's drive away. 

Rooms and suites are spacious and sophisticated, decorated in a classic style with plush wool rugs atop hardwood and marble floors. Neutral colors are highlighted by rich blues and reds in details like throw pillows and ornate carpets. Medium-toned wood furniture is clean-lined, and flat-screen TVs are mounted on the wall. Other amenities include pillow menus, Bose sound systems, air-conditioning, minibars, safes, and kettles for tea and coffee. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi costs extra. Attractive modern bathrooms have marble walls, twin massage showers, soaking tubs, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and the hotel's own brand of toiletries. Robes and slippers are provided. Club-level rooms and suites feature separate living areas furnished with sofas and chairs. Club-level guests also receive  butler service and business services, as well as other perks detailed below. Views aren't anything too special, and either take in the pool or parts of the nearby city. 

This hotel offers a wide range of features, though perhaps the most well-liked aspect (according to previous guests) is the hotel's dining program. The day starts with a breakfast buffet in Citrus for a fee, which serves all meals plus high tea in a bright, casual space with an open kitchen in the center. The expansive lunch and dinner buffets feature international selections plus sushi. Three other restaurants offer Indian, Chinese, and Italian fare. Jamavar, on the lobby level, and Le Cirque Signature, on the eighth floor, are sophisticated spaces serving dinner only, and The Great Wall offers lunch and dinner. Six Degrees bar serves drinks and light fare in the evenings, and there's another bar in the lobby that's open 24/7. Room service is also available around the clock.

The free-form outdoor pool is a lovely space surrounded by lush trees and greenery providing shade all around. Cushioned lounge chairs with umbrellas are lined up on the wide deck. A variety of holistic treatments are offered in the elegant spa, and the spacious fitness center features cardio and weight-training equipment, plus free weights. Bottled water, fruit, and towels are provided. There's also a salon for hair and nail services, and yoga classes are offered daily. Personal trainers are available as well. 

The hotel's meeting space is equipped for business and social gatherings of all sizes. The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,200 for receptions, and meeting planners are available to assist with all of the details. Internet access comes with a fee, but club-level guests get some free online time in the business center. These guests also receive free snacks, breakfast, lunch, and drinks in the club lounge -- plus other perks.