The country’s financial capital and the hub of Indian cinema, Mumbai needs no introduction. Be it the dazzling draw of Bollywood, the charismatic lifestyle of the rich and the famous, or the old-worldly charm of British heritage, the city packs attractions to please everyone. A melting pot of cultures from not just India but around the world, Mumbai can overwhelm you with its chaos, confusion, and contradictions, but is absolutely worth a visit!
read moreMumbai also happens to be the most expensive city in the country. Finding suitable accommodation here is an ordeal and thus, it is a good idea to research and carefully plan your trip before you embark on the journey. While there obviously is no dearth of hotels in the city, a basic no-frills hotel room can set you back some big bucks. And let’s face it, hotels are impersonal. A far better alternative, in terms of both cost and experience, is to stay in a guest house.
Comparatively smaller and less commercialised than hotels, guest houses enjoy the benefit of offering more personalised services. And the fact that these cost considerably less than hotels just seals the deal. Mumbai has a number of guest houses to suit different budgets and tastes, spread across the town (South Mumbai that is), the suburbs, and Navi Mumbai. And you can have a room starting from as low as Rs. 575 to an entire six-bedroom accommodation in Mumbai for just Rs. 9660. So, whether you are travelling alone, as a couple, or as a large group, there is a holiday home for you!
South Mumbai
Most of the images that pop up in your mind when you hear the word Mumbai belong to the southern quarter of the metropolis. South Mumbai is claimed to be the country’s richest urban precinct and is also a business hub, with the RBI head office, Bombay Stock Exchange, and a number of India’s top companies based here. It’s here that you’ll find the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Wankhede Stadium, museums, art galleries, some of the top colleges, the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Chowpattty (Girgaum Chowpatty), and a shopper’s paradise, Colaba Causeway. Renowned religious sites, Siddhivinayak Temple and Haji Ali Dargah, and the world’s most expensive home, Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia, are also located in South Mumbai. And this is where you need to be if you desire to witness the British legacy and Victorian architecture.
Guest houses in South Mumbai start from Rs. 575 per night for a room. They can be found in Colaba and are ideal for people who love shopping. Those who seek convenience can choose to stay in one of the vacation rental homes near Mumbai Central railway station, in Dalal Estate. If you wish to experience living in one of the most upmarket and expensive areas in Mumbai, Malabar Hill is where you should look to find a suitable guest house. Options abound in areas such as Marine Lines, Fort, and Grant Road as well, and prices start from as low as Rs. 575 for a room.
The Suburbs
Star-struck, are you? Want to see where your favourite actors live and work? Welcome to the suburbs of Mumbai! From the opulent residences of Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan to the iconic R.K. Studios and Film City, it’s all here in the suburbs. Other attractions of this part of Mumbai include Juhu Beach, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Essel World, and Mahakali Caves. Again, there are plenty of guest houses in Mumbai suburbs that you can pick from based on your budget and preferences.
Andheri being a major commercial centre, with many IT companies and startups housed here, will suit those on official visits as well as those who intend to stay in proximity to the domestic and international airports. In particular, Sakinaka, a neighbourhood in Andheri East, has many well-appointed guest houses at very competitive prices. Movie buffs can opt to book guest house rooms in Goregaon, while those who prefer even cheaper accommodations will find Borivali and Dadar suitable. Prices in the suburbs start from Rs. 690 for a night.
Navi Mumbai
If all that hustle-bustle and those cramped spaces annoy you, you are meant to be in Navi Mumbai. Far less chaotic, far greener, and more spaced out, Navi Mumbai can make you forget that you are in Mumbai. This township is ideal for travellers, who wish to explore Mumbai but also need a quiet space to recover from exhaustion. You can find reasonably priced guest house rooms for as low as Rs. 920 in prominent localities such as Vashi, Panvel, Belapur, Turbhe, and Ghansoli.
The Mumbai Experience
With all those sights, smells, and sentiments, Mumbai is like a roller coaster ride—you feel all too much at the same time! And the variety of food that you get here is like the whole world on your plate. From finger-licking street food, including the characteristic vada pav, missal pav, pav bhaji, chaats, and filling South Indian delicacies to lip-smacking world cuisines, the city ensures no one stays hungry. Often described as a city of extremes, Mumbai is an experience that affects you on more levels than one. And that’s precisely why everyone must visit this metropolis at least once in their lives!
