Namita SawantHotel Marine Plaza Mumbai, a 5-star luxury hotel located next to Marine Drive, was a dream stay for me. It had been a while since I was searching for a staycation in Mumbai, and what better place than a hotel offering awe-inspiring views of the Arabian Sea.
There were numerous room options available at Hotel Marine Plaza, and we had booked an executive suite. The room was spacious, comfortable, and luxurious. However, it was not sea-facing. We booked via the instant booking option on the Club Mahindra app, and apparently, members are not offered sea-facing rooms. But you can easily book a Marine Drive-facing room from online travel websites.
What is the check in and check-out time of Hotel Marine Plaza Mumbai?
The check-in time is 2 pm, and the check-out time is 12 pm. However, depending on availability, they do offer early check-ins. We arrived at the hotel at 11:30 am, and by 12 pm, we were in our room, an executive suite partially sea-facing.
This boutique hotel can best be described as a compact hotel, but the rooms are spacious and artfully decorated. The brownie point is, of course, its strategic location right next to the Queen’s Necklace. The iconic Gateway of India is also within walking distance.
What are the amenities at the Marine Plaza Hotel?
- They have a rooftop swimming pool where you can enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the city skyline. For me, this was the only amenity that mattered. It was so wonderful to swim in the rooftop pool, which featured a glass flooring creating an illusion of a larger pool. Although the pool is not huge, it has a depth of about 5 feet. I could comfortably swim here in the afternoon hours as the water was surprisingly not too hot.
- There was a fully equipped fitness center available, but we didn’t get a chance to explore it during our one-night stay. The mesmerizing views kept us busy for the most part.
- They offered 24-hour room service and concierge service, but unfortunately, it was not prompt. It took more than one call to get the required assistance.
- There were multiple dining options available, including a multi-cuisine restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a coffee shop.
What is price range of Hotel Marine Plaza Mumbai?
The price of the room depends on the choice you make. For the executive suite, we paid around 10k, which included breakfast. The sea-facing rooms come at a premium price. It is advisable to book the hotel room directly by calling the hotel. The receptionist suggested booking directly for a better price point.
How is the breakfast buffet at the Bayview Restaurant in Hotel Marine Plaza?
The breakfast spread was extensive, and I am sharing a video here. The best part was the location, enjoying breakfast while gazing at the beautiful sea. What more could I ask for? The food was delicious, with plenty of choices, and the setting was surreal. There were live cooking counters offering dosas, pancakes, and eggs. Bayview Restaurant deserves full points for this.
In the evening, we also enjoyed a round of drinks at the Dome bar rooftop. The setting was like something out of a movie. Here’s a video of it as well. Isn’t it beautiful?
Nearby attractions Nariman Point, Mumbai
Being a Mumbaikar, I had often explored this part of Mumbai. However, since we were spending a night here, we decided to explore the nearby attractions and cafes.
- Our first stop was K. Rustom Ice Cream in Churchgate. It is located less than ten minutes away from Marine Plaza hotel, near Pizza by the Bay. This iconic outlet is one of the oldest in Mumbai. The ice cream was, of course, delicious, and authentic.
K Rustom Icre cream parlor churchgate - Our second stop was Colaba Causeway. We took a taxi from Churchgate station to reach Colaba Causeway, and once there, I got lost in those narrow lanes for hours. If you have cool and affordable shopping on your wish list, you must visit this market. I am sure your pocket will feel lighter after this trip.
- Our last stop of the day before we retired to our favorite spot, Marine Drive, was Leopold Café and Café Mondegar. We visited both cafes, but both were overcrowded beyond their capacity. Eventually, we settled for Leopold Café. The food was average, and the service was below average. If you want to soak in the vibe of the city, it’s worth a visit, but don’t expect much from the food. However, in terms of price, it is on the expensive side.
Final words
The Marine Plaza Hotel offers the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and comfort. With its strategic location and exceptional in-hotel restaurants, it is the ideal choice for a luxurious stay. Whether you are a Mumbaikar or simply love visiting Marine Drive, you must indulge in this experience at least once.
Truly, Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. Even at 2 am in the night, Marine Drive was bustling with people enjoying the time of their lives. And in the morning, fitness enthusiasts and cyclists lined up along Marine Drive to enjoy the fresh air and seaside view. It was wonderful to end our day and start it at Marine Drive, thanks to Marine the Plaza Hotel Mumbai. A few years down the road, I might plan another stay here to explore South Mumbai like a local!
Here’s a video of the hotel room and other amenities. Enjoy!
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Thank you for reading the blog. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.
