The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Waah apruh Taj !!!

The Taj Hotel took about 14 years to build and was opened for guest in 1903. The foundation was laid by Jamshedji Tata. In the year 1889, founder of Tata Group Jamshedji Tata (Jamsetji Tata) suddenly announced that he is going to build a grand hotel in Bombay (now Mumbai)

When Jamshedji Tata announced to build Taj Hotel Mumbai, his family burst out. Tata's sisters started protesting to him. Author Harish Bhat writes in his book 'Tata Stories' published by Penguin (Hind Pocket Books) that a sister of Jamshedji Tata said in Gujarati, 'You are building a science institute in Bangalore, setting up an iron factory and now you are building a hotel in Bombay?”

Harish Bhat writes that Jamshedji Tata's mind had not only come to the idea of building a grand hotel in Bombay, but there was a story and fire of revenge behind it. In those days, the Watson’s Hotel used to be the most famous Watson’s Hotel in the Black Horse area of Bombay, but only Europeans got access. Once Jamshedji Tata reached there, he did not get entry due to not being European. This hurt his self respect.

Besides those days there was no hotel in Bombay that could compete with Europe or Western countries. Jamshedji Tata often visited America, Europe and Western countries and saw hotels and other amenities there, Harish Bhat writes. An article published in 'Saturday Review' in 1865, which questioned when will Bombay get a good hotel to suit his name? This write up touched Tata's heart.

Jamshedji Tata, went to every corner of the world to buy stuff for Taj Hotel. Markets from London to Berlin were searched. The Taj Hotel was India's first hotel where carbon dioxide ice construction plant was installed to keep the rooms cool. The lift for the hotel was ordered from Germany and the fans came from America. The pillars came from Paris to put in the Hall's ballroom.

Those days, the total cost of Taj hotel had reached 26 lakh rupees. Finally when the Taj hotel was opened in 1903, its room rent was kept at Rs. 6 per day. It was almost equal to contemporary hotels. But only 17 guests reached the hotel on the first day. The situation has been almost the same for the next few days. Taj hotel expenses created an economic crisis in front of Jamshedji. Some people started saying this even Jamshedji's "white elephant".

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My husband and I had the most wonderful time at the Taj Mahal Palace. The service is top notch, the property is beautiful, and their breakfast was so delicious. It was so relaxing to be able to come back to a calm, nice hotel after being out in the busyness of Mumbai. The massage was also one of the best massages I've had!

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The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai is a classic luxury stay — grand heritage building, lavish rooms, and top‑notch amenities that make a stay truly memorable. The location (right opposite Gateway of India and seaside) offers stunning views, especially from sea‑facing rooms. With 9+ restaurants and bars, a spa, pool, gym, and even heritage‑walks, it feels like royalty. Staff are mostly polite and service standard is high — many guests praise their hospitality and attention to detail.

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I absolutely loved the hotel in every detail.
The décor, the warm reception, and the cleanliness of the rooms were all exceptional, and the service was excellent.

The atmosphere of the hotel was truly wonderful — I enjoyed every corner of it. The live music added a special charm, and I also had the chance to take a tour with Chef Adel. He shared fascinating details about the hotel, along with stories that took place there and information about important personalities who have visited the property.

It was a truly enjoyable and memorable experience.

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OverviewThe Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai is India's first luxury hotel, a heritage five-star property and a landmark of the city. Often simply called "The Taj," it exemplifies Indo-Saracenic architecture with its iconic red-domed, gray-and-white stone structure resembling a "wedding cake." It has hosted maharajas, dignitaries, and global personalities, symbolizing gracious hospitality for over a century.HistoryFounded by industrialist Jamsetji Tata and opened on December 16, 1903, the hotel was built to elevate India's hospitality standards during the British Raj. Named after the Taj Mahal in Agra, it predates the nearby Gateway of India by 20 years. It was a target in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, with damaged sections reopening by December 21, 2008. In 2023, it celebrated its 120th anniversary.Location and FacilitiesSituated in the Colaba neighborhood on the waterfront, it offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and Gateway of India. The property includes a modern tower wing and the original palace building with 285–600 rooms and 44 suites, blending period furniture with contemporary amenities. Key features:Dining: Seven restaurants offering Indian, international, Japanese, Mediterranean, and Lebanese cuisines; includes Mumbai's first licensed bar and a sea-front spot for high tea.
Wellness: Jiva Spa with ancient Indian rituals, yoga, fitness center, and salon.
Other: Outdoor pool (Mumbai's best), ballroom, heritage walks, and connected shopping arcade.

RecognitionConsistently ranked among the world's top hotels, it has won Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards (2017–2025) and Gold List spots (2018, 2020). It's the flagship of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, employing 1,500 staff.

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