This review has been long overdue and I've finally managed
to get all my scraps of memory and information together to write about one of
my most memorable weekends in the city :)
As part of my birthday revelry, a weekend sojourn was the
perfect way to celebrate and we chose to stay at the Abode Boutique Hotel- a
cozy new hotel nestled in South Mumbai's busiest neighborhood- Colaba.
Located on the 3rd floor of a heritage building, Abode is
fabulously unconventional in its individuality and style. The Bohemian yet chic
manner in which the interiors have been designed makes it an instant hit with
the SoBo crowd and tourists alike. The designer Sian Pascale has adopted a unique way of portraying how
Bombay has inspired her by using furniture sourced from Bombay's second hand
markets and lovingly restored for the hotel.
The lobby is warm and welcoming
with wicker chairs, cane tables and colorful cushions. What really caught our
eye was the shelf at the entrance with mini Parle packets which guests can help
themselves to at no extra charges. The interiors take us down memory lane when
Mumbai was Bombay with interesting artifacts like gramophones, soft furnishings
made from vintage saris and abstract art pieces. The library is by far one of
the most captivating spaces at the property with books in different languages
and some very old classics as well.
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| The Lobby/Cafe |
The hotel staff uses the lobby/cafe as their workspace as
well and Mr. Yogesh was one of the most hospitable gentlemen we met who graciously
helped us out with a room despite no prior booking. Abode is one of the select
few hotels which offers accommodation to local residents as well. A quick
glance around and we noticed that most of the guests staying at the hotel were
an interesting mix of tourists visiting India for the first time and even
students pursuing creative arts. The hotel gets busy with bookings closer to
mid August with rooms being booked for as long as a month. Not a surprise
though considering Abode is the perfect option for someone who is on a budget
in the city.
We chose the basic room which is priced at Rs 3500/ plus
taxes per night and includes a complimentary seasonal breakfast. With an
ensuite shower plus basin, an LCD TV, Queen size bed, wardrobe, a writing desk
and in room-safe the basic room is ideal for couples and individuals looking
for some tranquility. What we liked best were the fluffy pillows and soft
lights which make you feel at peace with your surroundings. The bath products
made with natural ingredients are definitely worth a try with their lingering
fragrance and ayurvedic properties. The only downside being the shared toilets
across the hallway. However, the staff ensures that bathrooms are kept clean
and impeccable day and night.
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| En-suite Shower |
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| The Basic Room at Abode |
There are 3 different room options available for guests
apart from the basic rooms- the simple, luxury and superior luxury rooms. Each
room has been done up distinctively and features handmade deco art, wood and
teak flooring, and restored Indian furniture. Another service that we found
quite helpful was a direct dial mobile phone placed in each room with a prepaid
SIM card recharged for a particular amount via which one can reach the hotel
staff. This is definitely helpful for expat tourists who seem to love the hotel
with rooms booked for as long as a month. Additionally, every room also has
high speed complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi to keep you connected to the world
outside.The hotels also offers a spa/ treatment facility for its guests to
unwind and relax.
Abode's proximity to some of the best restaurants and clubs
in the vicinity make it an ideal destination to unwind within the city itself
whilst enjoying a relaxing, peaceful ambiance which makes you feel like you're
away from the hustle- bustle that is Mumbai.
The complimentary seasonal breakfast is something health aficionados
and foodies would love to indulge in alike with a spread of fresh fruits,
freshly squeezed juices, cereals, breads, homemade yoghurt, Indian breakfast
items and eggs made to order. We chose the cheese omelette which was perfectly
seasoned and oozed with delicious, cheesy goodness.
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| Table laid out for breakfast in the cafe |
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| Our delicious cheese omelette |
The hotel also facilitated the option of a late checkout if
required without any extra charges and that definitely made it to our list of
favorite places to stay at.
We came back feeling happy, rejuvenated and revitalized
after this blissful experience at Abode. A must visit for its ambiance and the
lovely service from the friendly and very accommodating staff.
For further details and bookings you can log on to:
www.abodeboutiquehotels.com
