President - IHCL SeleQtions

This upscale hotel is primarily designed for business travelers and those attending events in its large conference space, but leisure travelers -- including couples and families -- are also seen here. The style is fairly simple and has an upmarket polish, with lots of marble and granite throughout the common areas. The open lobby features several sofas where guests can hang out, and there are also tables and chairs at the coffee shop off the lobby. It's a busy space, with people coming and going at all hours. All in, is it the most character-filled property in this part of Mumbai? No. But for a reliable, name-brand property this Taj Vivanta fits the bill. 

This hotel is surrounded by tall corporate buildings, government offices, and upscale apartments in the posh Cuffe Parade neighborhood of southern Mumbai. It's a popular business district, and the lively Colaba neighborhood -- which has local markets, street vendors, and cafes -- is five to 15 minutes north on foot. For tourists, the Gateway of India and the Jehangir Art Gallery are a 10-minute drive away, as is Victoria Station. Of course, traffic is legendary in Mumbai, so drive times are estimates at best. Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach take about 15 to 25 minutes to reach by car for a taste of local life that's best sampled at sunset. Trendy, upscale Bandra can take 45 minutes to over an hour to reach by taxi. Plan on at least an hour and a half to reach Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport by car, though -- again -- drive times can vary wildly.

Rooms and suites are tastefully decorated, though the sober look might be a bit dark in some cases. The rooms on lower floors were designed by Dave Dunphy in an American style, while those on higher floors were designed by Noriyashi Maramatsu and have a modern Japanese look. The American-style rooms -- the hotel's Superior units -- feature wooden floors, abstract artwork, and soft color schemes highlighted by pops of orange. Located on floors nine through 16, the Japanese-style rooms feature wood flooring, raw silk-covered walls, clean-lined wood furniture, and earth-tone color schemes. Contemporary Premium Indulgence rooms on the 17th floor offer nice views of the city, and some have partial views of the sea. Suites feature separate living areas with sofas, chairs, and minibars. Ergonomic desks and chairs with task lighting suit business travelers. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, pillow menus, free Wi-Fi, kettles for tea and coffee, and safes. The button room-control panels next to the beds feel held over from an earlier time. Modern bathrooms feature above-counter bowl sinks, magnifying mirrors. walk-in showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Some are tricked out in floor-to-ceiling red granite that is handsome, but dark. Robes and slippers are provided. Premium Temptation Suites have deep soaking tubs and separate showers, with a glass wall separating the bedroom from the bathroom. 

Features are fairly numerous here and on par with other upscale and luxury properties in this part of Mumbai. For dining, Trattoria serves Italian fare 24/7 in a lively, colorful space where guests can watch the chefs in the open kitchen. A free breakfast buffet with hot and cold items is served there daily, and guests rave about the selections and quality. The Konkan Cafe serves South Indian cuisine for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. The Thai Pavilion, a lovely space with plenty of Thai decorative details, serves Thai cuisine for lunch and dinner. La Patisserie is the place for coffee, tea, sandwiches, and cakes. Wink bar is a hip, high-energy place serving drinks and light fare in the evening. Room service is available 24/7. The rectangular outdoor pool is shaded by the building on one side. Cushioned lounge chairs topped with umbrellas line the other side. It's not a particularly inspiring space, but it's good for a refreshing dip on a hot day. The Jiva Spa offers a variety of treatments including aromatherapy, massages, facials, and body scrubs and wraps, plus salon services are available. The 24/7 fitness center has a variety of cardio and weight training equipment, plus free weights and exercise balls. Water and towels are provided. Conference space includes large and small rooms for meetings, social gatherings, weddings, and conventions. A business center is open all day and offers work stations with computers, plus business services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking is also free. Pets are welcome and get their own dining menu and accessories.