Where to stay in Mumbai: recommended areas and hotels (2026)
Mumbai is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in India: colonial architecture by the sea, the Gateway of India, Bollywood, enormous markets and a nightlife that never stops. It is also one of the gateways into the country. The city is very sprawling and the traffic is heavy: choosing the right area saves hours.
How to Get to Mumbai
Mumbai has one of the airports with the most international flights in India. This is how to get there:
✈️Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (BOM) airport, ~25 km from Colaba, with flights across the country and abroad.
🚕From the airport to Colaba or Fort by taxi: 1 h to 1 h 30; to Bandra, ~30 min.
🚆Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) station, in Fort: trains to Goa and the rest of the country.
🚇The suburban trains and the metro link the south with Bandra; avoid rush hour, when they are packed.
🌉From the south to Bandra you get there quickly via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge and the coastal highway.
⛴️Boats to the Elephanta Caves leave from the Gateway of India (~1 h trip).
The 3 Areas to Stay in Mumbai
1. Colaba For a first visit
The southern tip of Mumbai, around the Gateway of India and the legendary Taj Mahal Palace hotel. It has the largest concentration of cafés, markets and accommodation for travelers, and the museums and colonial buildings of the south are within walking distance. It is the classic base for getting to know the city.
2. Fort Central and monumental
The historic and financial district, with the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station, the University and the ensemble of Victorian and Art Deco buildings declared a World Heritage Site. It is very lively by day; it is within walking distance of Colaba and a few steps from the trains. Ideal if you arrive or leave by train.
3. Bandra and Khar Modern and halfway
Modern Mumbai, halfway between the south and the airport: cafés, bars, shops, the Bandstand seafront promenade and the residential streets of Khar. It is more practical for flights and for going out at night, although the monuments of the south are 40-60 minutes away by car.
7 recommended hotels in Mumbai
A selection spread across areas and budgets, with a good reputation among travellers and real photos of each property. Indicative prices per night for a double room, in US dollars.
Hotel Suba Palace ⭐⭐⭐⭐
≈ US$ 142
Colaba, steps from the Gateway of India
RoomFaçadeLobby
A modern hotel one block from the Gateway of India, with soundproofed rooms, a good breakfast and a local-cuisine restaurant. With more than 1,200 reviews, it is one of the most reliable in Colaba.
Unbeatable location in Colaba
Very attentive staff
High price
Roadworks on the street and on some floors
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
112142142142132132132132152152152152
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The priciest is June (around US$ 152 a night), and the cheapest October (around US$ 112: 26% less).
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
Location, facilities, staff and good breakfast. Everything perfect.
Wilber · Feb 2026
10Exceptional
Everything perfect. The staff do the impossible to make you comfortable. Always a smile and some advice. One of the best places of our whole trip to India.
Rodrigo · Jan 2026
9Fantastic
The location, very close to the main tourist sights, and the attention of all the staff, from the reception to the breakfast cooks.
Miriam · Aug 2025
9Good choice
Location, cleanliness, breakfast and, above all, the staff's friendliness. The street was under construction and access was complicated.
Ana · Mar 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 1,250.
Ascot Hotel ⭐⭐⭐
≈ US$ 98
Colaba, 2 km from the Gateway of India
RoomSitting cornerRoom with two beds
A quiet hotel on a street in Colaba, with spacious, warmly lit rooms, an Indian and international cuisine restaurant, and breakfast included in many rates. It doesn't look like much from outside, but inside it is very good.
Spacious, clean rooms
Safe, commercial area
Unattractive facade
Breakfast with few Western options
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
9898104··98989898··98
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The price stays steady in the months with a rate: between US$ 98 and US$ 104 a night. Months in red have low availability (only single nights, at higher prices). Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
The images they show are real. Very clean, spacious bathroom, very comfortable beds. Maybe it looks ugly from the outside, but inside it's another level; it is very close to the Gateway of India.
Bárbara · Nov 2023
10Exceptional
It is better than it looks in the photos and the whole team is very helpful and friendly. It is steps from the main shopping avenue. The cleanliness is very good.
Albornoz · Mar 2024
8Cozy and very well located hotel
Friendly staff, great breakfast and clean, comfortable rooms. Located right in the tourist neighborhood of Colaba.
Manuel · Dec 2023
9Fantastic
Fantastic location and friendly staff: they gave us a temporary room until check-in time.
Carlos · Nov 2024
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 361.
Apollo Guest House
≈ US$ 42
Colaba Causeway, right in the bazaar
RoomRoom with two bedsRoom
A simple, very clean guesthouse on Colaba Causeway, the bazaar street, with air-conditioned rooms and a very present owner. One of the cheapest well-rated options in south Mumbai.
Very affordable for Mumbai
Clean and central
Small rooms
Traffic noise during the day
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
4242··········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The price stays steady in the months with a rate: around US$ 42 a night. Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
In the heart of Colaba, right in the bazaar. The area is noisy, but from 11 am to 11 pm, so you sleep fine. We arrived at 6:30 and by 9:30 we already had the room.
María · Feb 2025
10Clean, central and very friendly
Everything was spotless and they were very considerate. We were able to shower before leaving, after leaving the room.
Daniel · Aug 2025
10Exceptional
Excellent service from the owner and his employees. The location unbeatable, the cleanliness a 10, very comfortable beds and good air conditioning.
Cristóbal · May 2024
8Excellent value for money
The cleanliness, the location and the staff's friendliness. The room is very small.
Nerja · Apr 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 621.
Residency Hotel Fort ⭐⭐⭐
≈ US$ 94
Fort, 100 m from Chhatrapati Shivaji station
RoomRestaurantLobby
A Fort classic with almost 2,500 reviews, 100 meters from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station. Comfortable rooms, a highly praised breakfast and a staff that is the highlight in almost every review.
Exceptional staff (9.8)
A few steps from the station and the center
Simple rooms
Price that goes up in high season
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
83213949090·949494949494
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The priciest is November (around US$ 213 a night), and the cheapest October (around US$ 83: 61% less). Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
The location is great, the cleanliness and the breakfast, delicious and complete, but above all the staff. Perhaps the best service we have received in a hotel.
Catalina · Feb 2026
10We loved it and will be back
The staff's friendliness: they helped us with everything, from the flight check-in to the tours. A central area, everything super clean.
Sara · Mar 2026
10Absolutely recommendable
It is the second time I have stayed and once again I only have words of thanks. They make you feel like family.
José · Nov 2025
8Very good
Very attentive staff. Very good location, close to the main places.
Katia · Dec 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 2,452.
YWCA International Centre ⭐⭐⭐
≈ US$ 49
Between Colaba and Fort, near the museums
FaçadeRoomRoom with two beds
The YWCA international residence, on a quiet street between Colaba and Fort, near the museums and the Gateway of India. Spacious, bright, simple rooms, with breakfast and dinner included in many rates.
Quiet, central location
Breakfast and dinner included
Somewhat dated facilities
Mosquitoes at night
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
494949·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The price stays steady in the months with a rate: around US$ 49 a night. Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
The staff attentive and organized; the food delicious. I recommend it.
Gloria · Jan 2026
8Good location
Well located, close to most of the tourist sights. Room and bathroom cleanliness impeccable. Includes breakfast and a pretty good dinner. Facilities quite old.
Carolyn · Oct 2024
9Spacious, bright rooms
A spacious, nice room. Simple but plentiful food.
Hope · Sep 2026
9Fantastic
Excellent location in Colaba, close to the museum, the art gallery and the Gateway of India. No mosquito repellent, it was hard to sleep at night.
Dips · Aug 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 534.
Le Sutra Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
≈ US$ 162
Khar, steps from Bandra and the sea
RoomRoomGallery
An art hotel: each room is inspired by Indian mythology and decorated with works by artists from the country. It has a spa, two restaurants and is on a quiet street in Khar, near the bars and cafés of Bandra.
Design rooms, very well cared for
Area with lots of nightlife
Far from the monuments of the south
High price
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
139190157143141162162162162162162162
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The priciest is November (around US$ 190 a night), and the cheapest October (around US$ 139: 27% less).
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
The staff at Le Sutra, outstanding, from reception to room service. There is a café-restaurant on the ground floor and other good places nearby.
Richard · Mar 2026
8A very nice hotel near the sea
The quality of the rooms and the art theme are excellent: each room has a different theme and story. The breakfast is very varied.
Hersha · Feb 2026
10Great hotel in a very good location
Friendly, helpful staff, large rooms and a great location in Bandra.
Nicky · Mar 2026
8Super hotel, if the location works for you
Very comfortable room, nice spa and a great breakfast. We spent a lot of time in taxis: it isn't near a station and it is farther from the sights than we thought.
Sharon · Apr 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 271.
Hotel Linkway ⭐⭐
≈ US$ 36
Linking Road, Khar, 5 km from the airport
FaçadeLoungeRoom
A simple, well-located hotel on Linking Road, the shopping street of Khar and Bandra, with spacious rooms and air conditioning. 5 km from the airport: very handy for the first or last night.
Near the airport and Bandra
Very affordable for Mumbai
Noise from the avenue
The building needs maintenance
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
353536363636······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The price stays steady in the months with a rate: between US$ 35 and US$ 36 a night. Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
The room was very spacious and very clean. The staff very friendly, they helped with everything. It is also very close to the airport, with restaurants and shops around.
Delia · Apr 2025
9Fantastic
Near the airport, in an area with restaurants and shops. The bed and the pillows comfortable. Good value for money. A little noisy because of the traffic.
Tole · Feb 2025
8Very good
The friendliness of the workers, the location and the room, spacious and air-conditioned. Good for resting.
María · Jan 2026
10Exceptional
Good location and rooms. The staff, excellent.
Diego · Sep 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 696.
Locate
Map of places to stay in Mumbai
See where the places to stay in Mumbai are and compare real prices and availability right on the map.
Get the rest of your trip ready
Mumbai combines well with Goa —there are trains along the coast and short flights— and with Udaipur or Kerala by plane. Because of the traffic, it is wise to book the airport transfer and not leave connections to the last minute.
Mumbai deserves at least two days: the Gateway of India and Colaba, Chhatrapati Shivaji station, the Elephanta Caves, a stroll along Marine Drive at sunset, the giant Dhobi Ghat laundry and the markets. These are the most booked activities:
Top-rated excursions in Mumbai
Based on traveler reviews, with the rating converted to a 10-point scale. Tap one to see prices and book.
Gateway of India — the arch facing the sea, the symbol of the city.
Elephanta Caves — temples carved into the rock, ~1 h away by boat.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSMT) — the Victorian station, a World Heritage Site.
Marine Drive at sunset — the seafront promenade known as the Queen's Necklace.
Dhobi Ghat and the markets — the open-air laundry and Crawford Market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which area is best to stay in Mumbai?
In Colaba for a first visit, with the monuments on foot; in Fort if you arrive or leave by train; in Bandra if you want a modern atmosphere and to be closer to the airport.
How long does it take from the airport to the center?
To Colaba or Fort, between 1 h and 1 h 30 by taxi depending on traffic; to Bandra, about 30 minutes.
Why are hotels more expensive than in the rest of India?
Mumbai is the most expensive city in the country to stay in. In the south, a good basic room costs quite a bit more than in Delhi or Jaipur.
When is the best time to go?
From November to March, with dry days. From June to September the monsoon arrives, with very heavy rain: in July about 700 mm falls.
Transparency: this is an independent guide; we are not the official site of any hotel. If you book through our links we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and updated frequently.
