Bentley’s Hotel

Bentley's Hotel is a simple budget hotel in Colaba, spread across two older buildings on Oliver Road, off Garden Road. The buildings date from the 1920s and sit in the heritage precinct near the Gateway of India, and they have kept much of their colonial character. For travellers on a budget who want to stay in South Mumbai's most popular area, it is one of the more characterful options.

Rooms vary considerably, from small doubles with a private bathroom to family rooms, some with an attached bathroom and some with a private bathroom outside the room. Because rooms are spread across two buildings, allocation depends on availability and preference, so state clearly what you need when booking. Rooms have air conditioning, a kettle and tea and coffee facilities, and a flat-screen television. Expect clean, basic accommodation rather than modern design.

The room rate includes a simple continental breakfast of tea or coffee, toast with butter and jam, and eggs. There is free internet, a 24-hour front desk and a travel desk that can help with trips and onward plans, and airport transport can be arranged at extra cost. Street parking is available, and the hotel describes itself as pet-friendly, which is unusual in Mumbai. Check-in is from 13:00 and check-out by noon.

Bentley's suits budget travellers, backpackers who want a private room, and families who need a larger room without paying hotel prices in this part of the city. It is not for anyone who wants a pool, restaurant or contemporary style. As with many older buildings, there may be stairs to climb, so ask if you need a ground-floor room. Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper, as Colaba is a lively area.

The location is excellent for sightseeing on foot. The Gateway of India and the BMC garden are about 500 metres away, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya around 800 metres and the Jehangir Art Gallery about 850 metres. The Rajabai Clock Tower and Flora Fountain are within about one and a half kilometres, and Girgaum Chowpatty is about four kilometres away. Leopold Cafe and the shops of Colaba Causeway are close by for meals and evening drinks.