The Shalimar Hotel, Kemps Corner

This hotel offers a central location that places guests at the heart of the city, making it a memorable choice for many. Its on-site bakery and diverse dining options are frequently highlighted as a signature feature, adding to the guest experience. The hotel is particularly well-suited for business travelers seeking efficiency and comfort, as well as sightseers and families looking to explore the city's attractions due to its convenient access. Couples can also enjoy the vibrant on-site pub and rooftop dining. Guests consistently praise the attentive staff and the overall cleanliness of the property. To make the most of your stay, consider requesting a recently renovated room or a suite for enhanced comfort and space, and be sure to explore the highly-rated on-site dining establishments.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities to be a mix of convenient and needing improvement. Many appreciate the availability of high-speed Wi-Fi and a mini chiller in the rooms, which are essential for both business and leisure. The hotel features a pub on the ground floor and a rooftop dining area, offering diverse entertainment and dining options. However, feedback on other amenities is mixed; some guests report issues with Wi-Fi connectivity and speed, while the air conditioning units have been noted to leak or be inconsistent. The elevators are sometimes described as old or slow, with occasional non-functioning buttons. The fitness center is often mentioned as being very small, equipped with only a treadmill and a few weights, which may not meet the expectations of all guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives consistent praise for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and immaculately kept. However, feedback on room comfort and size is notably mixed. While some guests found their rooms spacious and enjoyed comfortable beds with high-quality linens, a significant number reported rooms to be small, even describing some as "tiny" or "sleeping pods." Some older rooms showed signs of wear, including cracks on bathroom walls and occasional reports of unpleasant odors in bathrooms or corridors. Noise is a recurring concern, with guests frequently mentioning street noise, disco noise from the ground floor pub, and poor sound insulation leading to disturbances from other guests and loud music late into the night.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a varied dining experience, with breakfast receiving mixed reviews. Many guests praise the tasty breakfast with a decent buffet spread and good variety, noting unique touches like a complimentary foot massage and flute players on the terrace. However, some found the breakfast to be average, lacking choice, or not fresh, with occasional reports of hygiene issues like birds on the terrace. The Gulmurg restaurant is highlighted for its excellent Indian cuisine, and the rooftop cafe, Calma, is appreciated for its open-air ambiance and good food. The on-site bakery and patisserie are consistently lauded for their delicious pastries, snacks, and ice creams. Room service is available, but some guests experienced slow service, limited menu options, or food served cold.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as a major advantage, placing guests in the middle of all happening places and providing easy access to major attractions and restaurants. It is particularly convenient for those needing proximity to important hospitals and business areas in South Mumbai, including Mahalaxmi and Haji Ali. Guests appreciate its closeness to dining and shopping options. While generally well-regarded, some guests noted that it is not within walking distance of a train station, and travel to attractions in Colaba can take up to 45 minutes due to traffic. The immediate surrounding area can be characterized by busy streets, and some guests found the road outside to be noisy. Parking space is often described as limited or inadequate.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlight the attentive service provided by the housekeeping team and the overall courteous demeanor of the staff, who are often described as going out of their way to assist. The check-in process is generally reported as seamless and quick, contributing to a positive first impression. Staff are noted for arranging cars, providing recommendations, and assisting with luggage. However, there are isolated instances of guests encountering rude or indifferent staff at the front desk or during room service. Some guests also reported issues with incorrect billing or being charged extra upon check-in, leading to disputes.

Additional Information
The hotel is currently under renovation, which means some areas are newly updated while others retain an older appearance, leading to varied guest experiences regarding the property's condition. While many guests consider it value for money given its location, others find the tariff high for the amenities and room size provided. A significant concern raised by some guests relates to fire safety, citing unlit exit signs and a perceived lack of sprinkler systems, which could pose a risk in an emergency. Unique amenities include a foot massage and flute players offered during breakfast, adding a distinctive touch to the morning meal. Some guests reported being charged for a broken bottle from the mini-fridge and experiencing issues with passport address verification during check-in.