The Oberoi, Mumbai

Staying at the Oberoi was like landing with my bottom 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 efficiency of the staff. I think that's what will stay with me for as long as I remember our Indian adventure.  It will certainly be the caliber of the staff at the Oberoi, friendly, perfectly trained, proud, well spoken, kind, generous with their time, service orientated, 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 re-charge 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 titbit 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 the most was the service, the staff are simply wonderful, friendly, helpful, proud of the their jobs, dedicated and on and on I could go, but don’t have the vocabulary. Our meal at the 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 Maitre 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 Mumbai streets which we’d have liked to try but as the sauce accompaniment was water based we were hesitant.

I still get a lump in my throat when I think of our last breakfast, firstly we were given the best seat in the dining room then we started off with the usual cooked breakfast. And then we were treated to three courses of Indian breakfast which 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.