The Oberoi, Mumbai

Designed for both business and leisure guests, this lovely 21-story hotel is one of the top luxury properties in central Mumbai. It has a formal vibe -- an impression that starts in the central atrium lobby, which is filled with natural light and gleaming marble floors. A highlight here is the red piano that provides classical music much of the time. Green plants cascade over the balconies above, and seating groups throughout the spacious lobby are positioned for small gatherings, where guests can discuss business or recount their day exploring the chaotic city outside. Specially commissioned original art hangs here and throughout the hotel, adding just a touch of flair. The property caters to guests from all over the world and provides several round-the-clock services that include a spa, fitness center, room service, private butlers, and dining. It's certainly not cheap, even by Mumbai standards, but for travelers seeking exclusive and refined digs, it's a great luxury option.

The Oberoi, Mumbai sits in a prime position on exclusive Marine Drive, overlooking Back Bay and the stunning Queen's Necklace coastline. Guests can walk to the Nariman Point business district in eight minutes and to Wankhede Stadium in nine minutes. There are a number of historic sights nearby, including the Oval Maidan, the Old Secretariat, and the city's famous court buildings. These take 15 minutes or so to reach on foot, or five minutes in a cab. It's also a five-minute drive to the lively Colaba district, which is home to infamous Leopold Cafe and buzzing street markets. The iconic Gateway of India is about 12 minutes away by car, while Victoria Station and Crawford Market are within a 15-minute drive. Trendy, upmarket Bandra is around 40 minutes away by car, though traffic can be a nightmare in Mumbai. Plan on at least an hour to reach Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport by car, though smart travelers will give themselves far more time. 

Contemporary rooms are spacious and luxurious, with classically handsome details like parquet floors, armchairs upholstered in Indian silk, and dark wood furniture. The minibar cabinet doors are covered in mother of pearl, and silk bed runners top the beds. It's a restrained style, though that helps give these rooms broad appeal. Colors are soothing shades of ivory and pale jade. The list of amenities is long and includes flat-screen TVs in the bedroom and bathroom, iPod docks, extensive minibars, kettles for tea and coffee, and butler service. Wi-Fi is free for up to four devices. Bathrooms are as luxurious as the rooms, with marble tiling, deep soaking tubs, separate showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Glass walls separate the bedrooms and bathrooms, but there are blinds if privacy is wanted. Robes and slippers are provided. Original modern artwork hangs in bedrooms and bathrooms. Suites are even more luxurious and spacious, with separate sitting and dining areas. The Presidential Suite is more than 2,000 square feet and includes a master bedroom and two living spaces, one with a baby grand piano. Some rooms have stunning views over the bay. 

This luxury property has a long list of features that add to its high-end status, including several options for dining. For fine dining, Ziya serves contemporary Indian fare while Vetro is the place for Italian specialties. The attached wine library, Enoteca, has a huge selection of wines. For something more casual, Fenix offers both formal and casual spaces and serves Japanese sushi, Western, Thai, Indian, and Italian dishes. It's the place for breakfast, with a variety of options, both buffet and a la carte (fee). There's also a stylish bar and a champagne lounge, and live music plays in the bar most nights. Room service is available 24/7. Guests who'd like to learn how to cook Indian cuisine can take a class with a chef. With six treatment rooms, the spa is open around the clock and offers a variety of holistic treatments. There's also a hair and beauty salon. The outdoor pool isn't huge, but it is lovely and features nice waterfalls on the side and tropical trees all around. Lounge chairs with bright yellow cushions and some with canopies invite poolside relaxing in a little alcove out of the sun. Drinks and snacks are available, and couples can arrange for private dinners by the pool.  The spacious fitness center features state-of-the-art cardio and weight training machines in front of floor-to-ceiling windows providing beautiful views of the ocean. Several small meeting rooms accommodate business and social gatherings of up to about 30 people, and there's a fully equipped business center as well. Wi-Fi is free.