The Oberoi, Mumbai

Staying at the Oberoi was like landing with my bum in the butter in Bombay!  What can I say? 10/10 I couldn't ask for more except to linger longer.

The Oberoi is just fabulous from the basement to the penthouse! This establishment lacks nothing. From my very first email enquiring about accommodation, I was impressed by the staff's efficiency. I think that's what will stay with me for as long as I remember our Indian adventure.  It will certainly be the calibre of the staff at the Oberoi: friendly, perfectly trained, proud, well-spoken, kind, generous with their time, service-oriented. In a world where consumers rarely count, we were made to feel like family.

India is an assault on every sense, and we'd return to this haven after battling traffic, noise, toot-toots, and masses of people to this cool, quiet oasis to recharge our batteries! The Michelin-starred Chef in the restaurant was sublime. I could write a book about our experience there, too. All I'll say is go there, don't miss out on this dining experience, whatever you do! It was at the Oberoi that I had my first taste of pani-puri, a dish not on the menu but a special titbits from the chef, more I couldn't ask for, and I'll die a happy person for this visit! The Oberoi is my yardstick for future accommodations!

Our stay was amazing. Of course, the accommodation was top of the shop, but I think what impressed me the most was the service; the staff are wonderful, friendly, helpful, proud of their jobs, dedicated, and on and on I could go, but I don’t have the vocabulary. Our meal at Ziya, a sophisticated Indian restaurant serving modern interpretations of Indian cuisine, was brilliant. At the helm is twice Michelin-starred Chef Vineet Bhati.

We enjoyed the taster menu, every course a culinary and visual delight. Our Maître D’ Sanyam Saigal was delightful and reminded me of Reza; he flapped and pampered us beyond the call of duty!   Towards the end of our meal, he graciously asked if there was anything we’d had on our “to-do” list whilst in India which we couldn’t accomplish.

The only thing we could think of was a pani-puri, a morsel to be enjoyed on the streets of Mumbai, which we’d have liked to try, but since the sauce was water-based, we were hesitant.

I still get a lump in my throat when I think of our last breakfast. First, we were given the best seat in the dining room, then we started with the usual cooked breakfast. And then we were treated to three courses of an Indian breakfast that surpassed all understanding. Sanyam from the restaurant was there; he came in especially looking fresh as a daisy, all a-flapping and charming. Chef made an appearance, and all our requests, wants, and needs were met.   I felt like an overindulged Maharani.