Novotel Juhu Review – A Beachside Hotel in Mumbai
Welcome to my Novotel Juhu review. The Juhu Novotel is only 20 minutes away from the airport and 30 minutes from the main city centre. It was a perfect location for my one night stay in Mumbai before heading to North India. The hotel is a beach front property overlooking the Arabian Sea, and the area is home to Mumbai’s business elite and many Bollywood celebrities, you could almost call Juhu the Beverley Hills of Mumbai!
Arrival/Check-In
The arrival process was quite swift, a quick note to all in the higher end hotels in India security will have a quick look at the vehicle you are travelling in to ensure there are no suspicious or illegal items on aboard. On entering the hotel you’ll go through airport style security and your bags will be scanned and taken in by the bell-boys. Nothing to worry about it’s just the procedures in place for your safety.
Check-in at the Novotel Juhu was a swift process, I arrived at approximately 12.30pm with a normal check-in of 3pm I was granted an early check-in due to having an Accor Platinum card, having the card had granted me a complimentary upgrade from a superior room to a premier room with access to the executive lounge too. I also received a complimentary drinks voucher and some French-style goodies delivered to the room.
I also spoke to the concierge at check-in about an Indian sim-card, he was quick to have one arranged and I was connected very quickly. Major plus points as getting a sim card in India is hard work.
Rooms
The room was spacious and requested in a quiet area. They were fitted out with the usual décor that I’ve come to expect from Accor brand hotels. I had a partial sea-view of the Arabian sea – all the usual amenities such as in-room kettle, complimentary water bottles, iron, ironing board, robe, slippers etc.
Most importantly after a long day at work followed by a long-haul flight a shower with an excellent water pressure. What was interesting was that the shower had a glass wall overlooking the bedroom and that partial sea-view, I’m sure there must be some interest in showering whilst giving those on the beach and the neighbouring apartment block a bit of a show!
The bed was very comfortable too with the usual array of pillows to choose from – I refrained from going anywhere near it after my shower as it was still early afternoon and the temptation for a nap would have been difficult to resist!!
Local Attractions
Juhu has many attractions locally, the most famous of which is Juhu Chowpatty – which is not too far from both the Novotel Juhu Beach and the JW Marriott. The Chowpatty is famous for it’s different types of street food; those of you from the UK think of an Indian version of Street Feast! Bhel Puri, Pau Bhaji, Sevi Puri, Pani Puri and Dosa are some of my favourite local eats – and don’t forget to get yourself a chai, although I would recommend ordering a couple as the cutting chai glasses are like shot glasses!
The Iskcon Temple (Hare Krishna Temple), Juhu shopping centre, and for planes spotters the flight-path of Runway 9 and 27 of Mumbai Airport. As Juhu is the area where the celebs are based – you may run into one or two in the lobby of the Novotel or the JW Marriott.
Hotel Lounge
The hotel lounge was quiet, and a I spent an hour there just having a few beers and catching up on a few work emails. There lounge has complimentary food both Indian and Western choices. I opted to try a few of the Indian ones and they were very good. I did want to continue eating but it would spoil my dinner plans with my friend!
Restaurant/Bars
The hotel has several bar/ restaurants Peche Mignon (French), The Square Pan Indian (Indian – Open 24hrs), Sampan (Chinese), Bageecha (Indian on a beach terrace), Olio (Italian) and Gadda Da Vida (Cocktail Lounge). As I had plans elsewhere I only had a chance for a few drinks at Gadda Da Vida, watching the sunset over the Arabian sea. I missed out on breakfast due to an early flight the next day.
Other Facilities
There is a business centre, a handful of shops, a gym, sauna and spa available. Wi-Fi is complimentary for all guest and has sufficient speeds to be able to stream film and tv shows. Novotel Juhu Review
Check Out
Check Out at 4am for my flight to Amritsar was a breeze, a quick run through of my account and signing the final bill. They kindly called a taxi for me too, as I was having a few issues with the app abroad. Novotel Juhu Review
Conclusion of my Novotel Juhu Review
I hope you’ve enjoyed my Novotel Juhu Review, it’s just a quick overview of the hotel and it’s facilities – I spent a very short time here but things are as you’d expect from a 5 star hotel in India. It’s a great hotel that sits between the city and airport and worth staying at for a few days. Rooms range from £80 per night plus local taxes. Novotel Juhu Review
My Room was paid for using Accor miles I have collected plus £19 in local taxes. I have no affiliation with the Accor brand other than the rewards card.
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