I’d just spent almost 24 hours flying from my home in Florida & arrived in Mumbai exhausted, jet-lagged, & battling a scratchy throat on my first trip to India (by myself!!!). I took a chance on The Leela Mumbai (rather than the Hilton) because I liked the photos better! What a paradise!!
Leaving the airport was rather chaotic on busy streets with beeping horns and crazy driving. But in just a couple blocks, we pulled up to some guards standing before a gated entrance and they had my driver pop the hood and also checked the trunk. It felt amazing to realize the concern with safety! We proceeded through the gate & down a long winding driveway to the front of the hotel where a man in a classic Indian uniform and turban opened my door. My suitcases were put through a detector and I was also checked by a female security guard (in a sari!) with a wand. Once again, it made me feel safe!
The entrance to the hotel is spectacular with displays of roses and Indian themed statues in a very grand lobby. After a quick & easy check in I quickly went to my room, which couldn’t have been more exquisite—a huge, luxurious bed with lovely sheets and pillows (I’d have liked to take home with me!!) I drew a hot bath in a deep tub & soaked!! By the time I got in bed I slept like a baby.
It felt like we were set back in a park from the hubbub of traffic near the airport. With the comfortable bed, the room cool and silent, I enjoyed a great night’s sleep!
The next morning, the breakfast buffet was outstanding—an incredible combination of English, American, Indian, and Asian foods all fresh and delicious! Immediately my worries about eating in India disappeared.
And lastly I must comment about the concierge, Pratiksha. She was totally heaven sent! When I asked her a couple questions she had me sit down in a comfortable chair so she could give me her full attention. She was so kind & helpful! Finally she couldn’t help but notice my scratchy throat and expressed concern. She then invited me to go back to my room & had a pot of hot ginger chai tea sent up for me which arrived moments later with some delicious little cookies.
I couldn’t have had a better first day in India!!