Shree Balaji Mandir

Nice little hotel in am ideal location for those willing to explore Colaba and SoBo. Rooms are well done and staff is courteous

I usually stay at five-stars when I’m in Mumbai, splurging a little bit while still finding a good deal online that fits within my budget. But Mumbai hotel prices have gotten out of control and this time they were unusually high at my usual spots, so I booked The Ambassador (a slightly dated 4 Star) instead — and I’m genuinely glad I did. The location, right off Marine Drive, was perfect for me. The room/suite was spacious, clean, and tastefully done, with a sense of quiet elegance rather than flash. The bathroom was excellent, and the shower had fantastic water pressure, which honestly makes or breaks a stay for me. What really stood out was the classic Indian hotel vibe. The Ambassador may seem a bit dated in terms of design, but I actually like that they don’t seem to be trying to imitate a modern Western luxury brand — to me, that’s exactly its strength. Think dark wood, traditional artwork, bas-relief details, and general old-world charm. It felt nostalgic in the best way, reminding me of the heyday of 1980s and 1990s Bombay — refined, confident, and unpretentious. Breakfast was good and satisfying — fresh, tasty, and well prepared, though the variety was a bit limited. Service throughout the hotel was warm and attentive. Overall, for the price point, this was excellent value. A comfortable, classy stay with character and history. I would happily stay again and recommend it to friends looking for something authentic and well run rather than cookie-cutter luxury.