10 of the best hotels in Mumbai

Le Sutra, which bills itself as India's first art hotel, provides a crash course in Indian philosophy. In terms of decor, the boutique hotel's three floors correspond to the triple gunas of Hinduism (the inherent attributes within people) – Tamas, or darkness; Rajas, or passion; and Sattva, or goodness. The rooms are elaborately furnished with paintings and decorative pieces celebrating Indian art and concepts and characters from Hindu mythology. Once you're done immersing yourself in Hindu doctrine, you can step out for drinks and some light nosh at Olive Bar & Kitchen, a posh Bandra lounge frequented by Bollywood celebrities, or make your way down to the seafront perennially occupied by food vendors and the suburb's hipsters. A brightly lit plastic palm tree, more Las Vegas than Mumbai, is the first glaring sign of the kitsch theme that also prevails indoors in this hotel. But don't let that discourage you. Executive Enclave compensates for its lack of aesthetic charm with its prime location in Bandra, hailed as the queen of Mumbai's suburbs for its bustling, hip vibe, quaint bungalows and booming restaurant scene. The hotel is made up of 54 neatly appointed rooms and an atmospheric rooftop restaurant and lounge that serves Asian and European fare. Executive Enclave is a few blocks away from Bandra's Pali market, where you'll find some of the suburb's most charming restaurants and pubs. If you opt for room service, be sure to get chilli cheese toast and chilli chicken, both favourites of returning guests. Chateau Windsor bears not even a passing resemblance to a chateau: it's a residential building-turned-hotel with fancy-free rooms and eager staff. The hotel's primary advantage is its location – it stands smack in the middle of historic Mumbai – equidistant from Marine Drive, the haunt of amorous couples and the city's dreamers, and Churchgate, one of the city's main railway stations. The hotel does not have a restaurant, but it does serve a basic breakfast at a nominal fee and is happy to order in meals from neighbouring eateries. Hotel Godwin is in Colaba, a buzzing South Mumbai neighbourhood that's often the first port of call for tourists. The Godwin is flanked by budget hotels but has the edge with a rooftop lounge and restaurant, Cloud 9. It boasts spectacular views of the Arabian Sea and is open to the public, swinging into action around sunset. The hotel's 52 rooms are a little crammed but each has its own sunny veranda. Just around the corner is Colaba Causeway, a haven for bargain hunters. Navigate past the swarm of backpackers and you will come across a number of moderately priced pubs and restaurants, including Café Leopold, the haunt of Gregory David Roberts, who authored the bestselling Shantaram. The Shalimar Hotel turns 50 this year, and as well as being remarkably well maintained, the hotel also boasts modern amenities including Wi-Fi (offered at a nominal daily rate) and pillow menus. The rooms might not be the largest in the city, but they are charming, and special attention has been lavished on the bathrooms. Shalimar is well connected for both South and Central Mumbai and within walking distance of a range of boutiques, restaurants and bookshops. Guests can choose from one of 12 plush apartments, each comprising a living room, two en-suite bedrooms and a kitchen and boast Wi-Fi and cable television. The apartments are cleaned daily, and a laundry service is available. The building is in a warren of streets deep in the heart of Vile Parle, a residential suburb in North Mumbai, and a short distance from both the domestic and international airports. This glass-fronted building is located on an arterial road in Juhu suburb which is home to Bollywood's leading actors and the city's most popular public beach. The Bawa Continental is a frills-free establishment, with standard rooms ideal for guests who plan to spend most of their time outdoors. The rooms have cable television and the hotel offers Wi-Fi for a fee. Juhu beach is within walking distance, as is Prithvi Theatre, a local arts institution. There are plenty of dining options nearby. Inspired by Swedish design, Svenska boasts clean lines and minimalist interiors. The wood-furnished rooms are big, tidy and equipped with iPads, iPod docking stations, Sony PS3s and Wii consoles. Each room has an appointed butler and guests can also order free in-room spa treatments. It is on a sidestreet in Andheri West, one of Mumbai's most populous suburbs, with a burgeoning commercial district. Svenska has its own Mediterranean-style restaurant and is within walking distance of Link Road, the suburb's food and entertainment hub.