The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai is a true legend, born from Jamsetji Tata’s dream to build a grand hotel worthy of India’s commercial capital. Opened in 1903, the hotel actually predates the iconic Gateway of India located just across from it by over two decades. It is a stunning architectural blend of Moorish domes, Florentine Renaissance style, and Rajput influences, originally initiated by Indian architects and completed by the English architect W. A. Chambers.
The hotel is steeped in history and was once a favorite haunt for Indian Maharajas and international luminaries alike. Over the last century, it has been a pioneer for the city, housing Mumbai’s first licensed bar, the Harbour Bar, and serving as a central hub for India’s freedom movement, where figures like Mahatma Gandhi once attended private meetings. Its interior is a treasure trove of art, featuring everything from massive Belgian chandeliers to intricate tribal crafts.
In 1973, the hotel expanded with the modern Tower Wing, designed by American architect Melton Bekker. Despite the addition, both wings remain perfectly in sync. Remarkably, it was the first structure in India to be assigned an image trademark for its distinctive exterior design, cementing its status as an unmistakable global icon.
Its location is unbeatable for those exploring South Mumbai. Beyond the nearby Gateway of India, you are just a short walk from the vibrant Colaba Causeway and the cultural treasures of the Kala Ghoda Art District, which includes the Jehangir Art Gallery and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya museum.
Expert reviews
“Foreigners and wealthy Indians choose the Taj over other fancy hotels in town because it’s a beautiful and regal landmark—worth visiting even if you don’t stay here—with views past the Gateway of India to the Arabian Sea.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Mumbai.
“The Taj Mahal Palace, an ornate hotel open since 1903, looks over the Arabian Sea and the historic Gateway of India arch. A memorial in the lobby commemorates the terror attack at the hotel in 2008.”
“The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai has been a hallmark from the day it first opened its doors in 1903 as one of India’s first true luxury hotels. Ambitious and forward-thinking industrialist Jamsetji Tata founded the grand hotel in to put India back on the map, create a place for India’s elite to congregate and produce a host of employment opportunities for the people of the former Bombay.”
“Few hotels in the world embody old-world glamor quite like the Taj Mahal Palace. Located in south Mumbai, the 285-room palace is the epitome of grandeur. There’s the luxurious Arabian Sea-view rooms, gold fabrics, grand chandeliers, fine-dining restaurants, a harborside bar and sky-high ceilings.”
“The grande dame of Mumbai is one of the world’s most iconic hotels and has hosted a roster of presidents and royalty. Sweeping arches, staircases and domes, and a glorious garden and pool ensure an unforgettable stay.”
“Cosseting guests in old-fashioned grandeur, Mumbai’s most iconic hotel is much loved by its well-heeled and glossy locals. Generations have celebrated life’s milestones here, making this more than just the city’s best luxury hotel, but part of its beating heart.”
What guests liked
- Beautiful hotel
- Friendly staff
- Excellent Wifi
- Great location
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
18 May 2026
A stay of two nights, memories of a lifetime.
Everything was great. It was not a hotel stay. It was an experience. The staff was very courteous and attentive. I was given a complimentary upgrade. I will take back memories I will cherish for a lifetime.
Nothing. No complaints at all.
18 May 2026
Magical family stay in Bombay’s most beautiful hotel
The tradition and heritage of the hotel is seen in every little detail while you are staying at the Taj. From beautiful surroundings to excellent and lovely staff. Special thanks to the whole team, from the entrance and the lifts, conciereges who helped organized our fieldtrips, to the floor and room management (especially Mr. Vikas on the main staircase door who always greeted our son so lovely), our frequent drivers Mr John and Mr Shivaraj. Mr. Newton also gave us a very insightful and educational tour of the hotel. As a family of five with small child we have just superlative things to say. Everybody was so nice and attentive. After staying at the Taj Mahal Palace, we would definitely repeat it in a blink of an eye.
14 May 2026
The beat servise hotel in ondia
The best hotel ever i been in india
Nothing
11 May 2026
It was a* as you would expect.
The room was great, the breakfast was great and amazing all round service. Have stayed here previously also.
Liked all of it.
4 May 2026
Irene my butler was a star and made my trip, thank you Irene!
Absolutely special and loved it
The privacy around the pool and stunning location
3 May 2026
Childhood dream come true to stay here
Exception service
Lobby etc very busy
3 May 2026
All the little touches from arrival to check out made our stay very special.
Fantastic experience in iconic hotel. The staff in Chinese restaurant went above and beyond we enjoyed everything and our waiter was so lovely.
Staff in Taj and breakfast room were lovely but a bit ‘forgetful’
21 April 2026
Best place in Mumbai, period! The BEST!
Everything!
Cashier staff refused to take more that 49K in cash. Citing policy - “no more than 49K without exchange receipt”! Who keeps a receipt after you’ve changed the money and all is well? Offered to take 49K today and the rest tomorrow. No go! Insignificant headache, nonetheless, a headache!
Other than that, staff is top notch!
20 April 2026
Lovely prestigous hotel , amazing history, extremely poor restaurant service, often just getting ignored.
Location , grandeur
Poor restaurant service
20 April 2026
Fabulous introduction to Mumbai
Phenomenal experience, everyone is so friendly and helpful, the palace is spectacular, the food was great. Really enjoyed the experience and I’m gutted it was such a short stay. I will be back
17 April 2026
A beautiful and luxurious opportunity to be a part of this hotel's history
The Taj is an experience, and not just a hotel. Take the tour and learn its history. Have breakfast in the ballroom if there's not another event there. Walk across the street to India Gate and ferry to Elephanta caves, or further to visit the CSM museum and terminus or watch the sun set from Marine Drive.
16 April 2026
Beautiful location and building . Breakfast fell short of expectations
Beautiful
Breakfast disappointing
Disorganised staff and buffet
13 April 2026
A great stay in a classic hotel.
Everything was of a high standard. Excellent location.
13 April 2026
Iconic property in a great location. Wonderful staff. Highly recommend and will return!
Great location, the pool area is the highlight of the property, very helpful and friendly staff. The yoga classes in the morning were a great way to start the day.
Our room felt slightly outdated, the shower in the bath can be quite hazardous. The hotel felt quite crowded due to external events taking place which for guests is not the best experience when you have come for a relaxing stay.
12 April 2026
A true historical palace in the heart of the city
Nice comfortable rooms, good breakfast
Complicated to get a drink near the pool, there is no one around
10 April 2026
Nice hotel but disappointing experience during breakfast, never received my order
Amazing hotel. Certainly a lot nicer than the Taj Mahal Tower one.
Ridiculous breakfast experience- I was the solo traveler and waiters just ignored me. When I finally made an order (not to a waiter but to a manager in a dark/blue suit), in 50 minutes no food came, and I just left after getting what was in a buffet.
8 April 2026
Such a beautiful place - the memory of staying there will remain forever!
Location is fantastic and being so iconic it was a great experience to stay there for our last night of our holiday in India
Nothing
6 April 2026
Perfect , an experience I will remember for a lifetime
It was breath taking from the moment you arrive
There is nothing not to like other than having to go home
3 April 2026
A fabulous start to our Indian holiday
Beautiful architecture and interior design. Excellent restaurants and a lovely pool. Our sea view room was gorgeous.
31 March 2026
historic charm at prime location
We stayed for the history and beauty of the hotel. the location is excellent, within walking distance to many sights like the Art Deco District, even the Train Station and of course the Gateway to India across the street. Very comfortable beds, spacious rooms and friendly staff. We got some great treatments from the spa. We also liked to stroll in the galleries and along the shops of the hotel.
On the down side I felt it was a busy time to be there. We sometimes could not find a chair by the pool, or depending on the time, you wait for a table for breakfast even though the staff is super efficient. The public area felt like a busy beehive. So if you are looking for quiet, this is not the place.
31 March 2026
This architectural masterpiece offers a royal experience with its breathtaking views of the Gateway.
From the warm welcome at check-in to the impeccable service throughout the hotel, every detail was handled with such grace and professionalism. The historical charm of the property combined with your team’s dedication to excellence truly made for a memorable visit.
The car is parked on the road and open to sky and it dirties the car. Time to get the car from Valet Parking to the lobby.
26 March 2026
Good stay would stay again
lovely position, right next to the water
Check-in seemed rushed I didn’t really understand what was going on.
No bubble bath for the bath
26 March 2026
Great short stay in beautiful surroundings and looked after by wonderful staff
Location, friendliness of the staff, the gardens and the peacocks
Nothing
24 March 2026
The Taj Palace is an iconic place where its staff go above and beyond to make sure guests have a fantadtic and memorable
Its amazing history, its style - everything about this property is top class
Nothing whatsover
22 March 2026
The Taj is an iconic hotel a wonderful experience
Club room was lovely for high tea at 3pm & drinks every day at 6pm
Well worth doing the heritage tour of the hotel so interesting to learn all the history
Nothing
20 March 2026
A luxurious, historic and stunning hotel with Gateway of India on your doorstep.
The hotel is spectacular, steeped in history with stunning architecture and staff on hand everywhere to cater for your needs.
They pay attention to the tiniest detail giving you a truly luxurious stay.
It has a gorgeous courtyard pool, the morning yoga and evening bbq here were excellent.
Breakfast choices are considerable and served in the beautiful sea lounge.
The gateway of India is on your doorstep and you can take a stroll around the vibrant area to local shops and restaurants.
Rooms are also very spacious and beautifully designed.
N/A
16 March 2026
Waj Taj!!! translates to Wowww Taj!!!!
Everything......The service was better than world class, the rooms were stunning, the breakfast served was amazing, the pool with the building in the background was just great. Leaving pastries, balloons and a bottle of champagne for is in the room when they learnt we were celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary was the icing on the cake. Wah Taj!!!! that translates to Wowww Taj!!!
Just the fact that it has raised the bar so high, all other hotels will now feel inferior. It has raised the bar of luxury and service for us.
16 March 2026
A must stay in Mumbai
The facilities and staffs
None
14 March 2026
Staying at the Taj Palace is like taking a step back in time to one of the most iconic hotels in all of India.
Beautiful architecture and exceptional service and facilities
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Packed lunches
- - Car hire
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
- - Minimarket on site
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Bowling (additional charge)
- - Hammam (additional charge)
- - Evening entertainment
- - Public bath (additional charge)
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Waxing services
- - Make-up services
- - Hair treatments
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Haircut
- - Hair colouring
- - Hair styling
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Foot bath
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Fitness
- - Yoga classes
- - Fitness classes
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Temporary art galleries (additional charge)
- - Stand-up comedy (additional charge)
- - Movie nights (additional charge)
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Themed dinner nights (additional charge)
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
- - Live sport events (broadcast) (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - BBQ facilities (additional charge)
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Street parking
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
Pool and wellness
- - Pool bar
- - Shallow end
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
Transport
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers

More photos

22 May 2026
Profound and beautiful experience which will stay with us always.