Taj Lands End Review
Welcome to my Taj Lands End review, during my November 2016 trip to India, I spent 4 nights at the 5* hotel (3 nights on the first visit, 1 night on the second visit). Taj Lands end is located in the wealthy Western Mumbai suburb of Bandra – close to Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s house (I used this as a reference point for Taxi drivers….).
From the hotel you have views of the Mumbai skyline, Sea Link (a toll road between Western and Southern Mumbai), Bandra Fort and the Arabian sea. It’s location is the perfect place to be as it’s middle ground for the airport and South Mumbai.
Welcoming
As per my previous reviews for Novotel Juhu Beach and the Hyatt in Amritsar, security carefully check the car over before entry followed by my bags being x-rayed. Up on arriving into the stunning lobby I was greeted by a member of the reception team and sat down during the quick check-in process during which I was presented with a garland. My bags were taken straight to my room during this process.
The Room
I opted for a Deluxe room which at 37sqm, is more than sufficient for a solo traveller. For a 5* hotel it had everything I needed, including an excellent shower which was a must after a day of travelling. The king-sized bed was not too firm (of course I bounced on it like a kid), and surprisingly there was an in-room yoga kit which was a nice to have (not that I used it). As for the rest of the amenities it was everything you’d expect of a 5* hotel from the Taj Group. Taj Lands End Review
Dining/Drinking
The hotel has several dining and drinking options; Ming Yang (Sichuan), Masala Bay (Indian), Vista (Global Cuisine – Open 24/7), Atrium Bar and Tropics Bar (Poolside bar). Taj Lands End Review
The first evening after a few beers with my friend Neil, we headed to Ming Yang, the food was impressive and authentic, on previous experiences in India I found that the Chinese food was more Indo-Chinese it was refreshing to have authentic food – expect the price to be approx. 2,500 Indian Rupees plus taxes per head.
On the Sunday we opted for the Champagne Brunch at Vista – this was 6,250 Indian rupees plus tax per head, both Neil and I made our way through several bottles of Moet Chandon alongside the stunning global buffet, my favourite dish were the local Mumbai delicacies; Pau Bhaji, Vada Pav, Bhel Puri’s and Pani Puri’s – when in Rome as they say right?
For breakfast the best option was the daily offerings at Vista priced at a reasonable 1,250 rupees plus tax. The breakfast offerings were both traditional Indian alongside offerings that we are used to in the West. I often opted for the South Indian dishes I love to eat, made-to-order Masala Dosa’s, Uttapams and Idli, all washed down with many cups of Cutting Chai served in the traditional mini-glasses. Taj Lands End Review
Other
Other than the fantastic food offerings and service – I must say that every member of staff that I came across were fantastic always attentive and willing to go the extra mile to ensure your happiness. On my first night, I called down as the room next door were having a little party (it was 2am), it was dealt with immediately and when checking out the manager did pop over and apologise for any inconvenience caused by the excessive noise.
The concierge team were helpful when both Neil and I wanted to find a decent massage (we left it too late to get a booking at the in-house Spa) and the chap in the business centre was attentive too when I needed some documents printed and data added to my local sim-card. Taj Lands End Review
The hotel is known for having Indian celebrities visit it’s restaurants as well as hold various meetings there, during my stay I spotted Om Puri, a versatile actor many will remember from East is East. Sadly Om Puri passed away in January 2017.
Raj’s Final View
I hope you enjoyed my Taj Lands End Review, My previous visits to Mumbai have generally involved stays in Juhu or South Mumbai, staying at Taj Lands End was a new experience and certainly a hotel I will make sure is at the top of my list during my next visit. The room, staff, dining options, location and most importantly price all ticked the right boxes. Rooms were from £90 plus taxes per night. As the Terminator says…. I’ll be back!
BLC is somewhat remote, but a key business area, Marine Drive very busy and noisy but close to all the key visitor attractions, but Lands End is offers neither proximity to key business areas.