Abode Bombay

Abode Bombay is a boutique hotel on the first floor of Lansdowne House, a heritage building from 1910 on M.B. Marg, near Regal Cinema in Colaba. It describes itself as a socially responsible, anti-chain hotel, and it has become a favourite with travellers who want character and a central location without the scale of a grand hotel. It is listed in the Michelin Guide's selection of Mumbai hotels.

The design is the main attraction. The owners mixed custom-built wooden furniture and a monochrome palette with salvaged and local materials: teak floorboards rescued from demolished buildings, traditional hand-laid floor tiles, cushions made from the silk of old saris, and Art Deco antiques sourced from the city's markets. The result feels personal and rooted in Mumbai rather than generic. Common areas include a library and lounge, a small wellness room for treatments, a cafe and a carefully curated shop.

There are 25 rooms, simple and comfortable with modern decor. Not all have private bathrooms: some rooms share bathrooms, so read the room descriptions carefully when booking if an en-suite matters to you. Adjoining rooms are available for families. Breakfast includes masala chai and a selection of Indian dishes. The hotel is entirely non-smoking, children of all ages are welcome, and pets are not allowed. Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out by noon.

Abode suits couples, solo travellers and design lovers who want a stylish base for exploring South Mumbai on foot. It is less suited to travellers who want a pool, gym or full-service restaurant, which are not part of the offer. Parking information is inconsistent, so confirm with the hotel if you are driving, or simply arrive by taxi. Prices sit between the city's budget guesthouses and its luxury hotels. Book early for weekends and the cooler months, as there are relatively few rooms.

The location is excellent. Many of Mumbai's main sights are a few minutes' walk away. The Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace are a short walk away, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and the Kala Ghoda galleries are close by, and Colaba Causeway and Leopold Cafe are around the corner for shopping and an evening drink.