Mumbai's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Legendary Hotel Dakshin!
Mumbai's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Legendary Hotel Dakshin! - A Very Honest Review (with ALL the Details)
Okay, so you’re looking for a hotel in Mumbai, eh? Forget the flashy, generic mega-hotels. You want a secret. You want… Hotel Dakshin. Now, I’m a bit obsessed with finding the "real" Mumbai, the stuff you don't see on a brochure, and after a recent stay, I’m ready to spill the chai. Buckle up, because we’re diving deep… and it's gonna get a little… messy.
First Impressions (and the "Is This Really It?!" Moment):
Getting there is, well, Mumbai. That means chaos, horns, and a lovely aroma of… everything. The elevator is a lifesaver after navigating the lively streets. Right off the bat, I'm seeing CCTV in common areas and outside the property. Always a good sign, especially in a city that never sleeps. Check-in was incredibly easy thanks to their Contactless check-in/out. And the staff… honestly, they’re amazing. From the Doorman to the front desk, they're genuinely smiling and helpful.
Accessibility – The Nitty-Gritty (Because It Matters):
Now, I didn’t specifically request an accessible room, but I did take note, and for those who need it, this is important. They do have Facilities for disabled guests, which is a solid win. Plus they have an elevator! That's HUGE.
Rooms – My Little Bubble of Bliss… Mostly:
Okay, let's be real. I was obsessed with the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! because I needed to upload all my Instagram pics of street food. The room itself? Pretty darn good. I had Air conditioning, thank GOD, because Mumbai heat is NO JOKE. Blackout curtains? Essential for sleeping off that jet lag. Speaking of sleep, the bed was comfy, with Extra long bed (THANK YOU, Dakshin!).
Inside the room I got a Coffee/tea maker which did the trick for my morning kick. I was thrilled to see Complimentary tea and Free bottled water. The Mini bar was there, but I was too busy exploring the city to touch it. Air conditioning did its job. The bathroom was perfectly clean with the Hair dryer, Slippers and bathrobes.
There are some minor imperfections like the old telephone in the bathroom, but it has a Daily housekeeping.
Cleanliness & Safety – Trust Me, I'm a Germaphobe:
This is where Dakshin REALLY shines. Since COVID has gone around the Hand sanitizer dispensers are everywhere. They go hardcore! Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. More impressively, they provide Anti-viral cleaning products. They take cleanliness seriously. The Staff trained in safety protocol and they even had Individually-wrapped food options. My anxiety levels were significantly reduced.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, food is HUGE in Mumbai. And Dakshin doesn’t disappoint. Let's start with my favorite: Breakfast [buffet]. I ate so much I nearly waddled back to my room! The buffet offers an Asian breakfast, and they have all the usual suspects - Western breakfast and a lot more. And yes, there's Coffee/tea in restaurant. Throughout the day, you have access to Room service [24-hour]. Plus their Snack bar is a lifesaver when you're battling the afternoon hunger pangs. They have a Vegetarian restaurant option, important for a lot of people.
The Restaurants offers both International cuisine in restaurant and Asian cuisine in restaurant.
Things to Do! The (Almost) Perfect Escape
Now, here's where things get a little… decadent. The Pool with view is stunning, a total oasis from the city's hustle. They also have a Spa/sauna! And, because I’m a sucker for pampering, I indulged in a Massage. I can also go to the Gym/fitness and get some exercise. I didn't make use of the Foot bath, Body wrap, or Body scrub, but they are available!
Getting Around – Navigating the Chaos:
Mumbai traffic can be a beast. Luckily, Dakshin offers services like Airport transfer and Taxi service. They also have Valet parking if you brought your own car and a Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge], and Bicycle parking.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter:
I love efficiency, and Dakshin delivers. Daily housekeeping is, of course, excellent. Laundry service, Dry cleaning, and Ironing service? All available. They even have a Convenience store, so you can grab a quick snack or forgotten essential. They also offer Luggage storage. Very helpful.
For the Kids – Family Friendly? Absolutely:
I didn’t have any kids with me, but I noticed they offer Babysitting service and have a designated Kids meal option.
The "Wish I Had Known" Moments (and Real Talk):
- The Internet: The Internet access – LAN was available. The Internet access – wireless. But, the wifi can be a little spotty in the rooms sometimes. Download your important stuff ahead of time!
- The "Hidden Gem" Factor: Okay, it's not that hidden. But the value for money is incredible!
- The Little Quirks: The Breakfast takeaway service is a brilliant touch!
- The Missing Piece: Okay, so I didn’t see many options for Couple's room or a Proposal spot, but maybe they can arrange something special with the right notice.
The Verdict: Should You Book Hotel Dakshin?
Absolutely. YES! Forget the generic hotels, they are too impersonal. If you want a clean, comfortable, well-run hotel with fantastic service, a great location, and a real taste of Mumbai, Hotel Dakshin is your place. It's not perfect, but it's got character and that’s what makes it special. It's not the Ritz, but it's got soul. It’s a place where you’ll feel welcomed, looked after, and ready to explore the magic of Mumbai.
Book Dakshin now! You won’t regret it. You get all the necessities, with a touch of luxury, and a big helping of Mumbai charm. If you're looking for an experience, not just a room, then Hotel Dakshin is your choice.
HM Resort Mysore: India's Hidden Paradise Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, glorious, and potentially stomach-churning adventure that is… my stay at the Hotel Heritage Dakshin, Mumbai. (Spoiler alert: I'm already anticipating a deep fried samosa-induced existential crisis. Send help – and maybe a lime soda.)
Mumbai Mishap: A Highly Subjective Itinerary (And Let's Be Honest, Probably Won't Stick To It)
Day 1: Arrival, Apprehension, and a Whole Lot of Dust.
- 7:00 AM (ish): Flight lands at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Already sweating. The humidity hits you like a warm, damp slap in the face. I swear, my pores are already expanding. (I packed way too much.)
- 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: The airport hustle. Finding my pre-booked taxi. Haggling (badly). The driver, bless his heart, looks like he's seen a lifetime of Mumbai traffic – which, let's face it, he probably has. He tells me a story, and I try to understand. Honestly, I'm mostly just staring out the window, captivated by the chaos. Cows! Traffic! Beautiful chaos!
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The drive to the hotel. My first encounter with Mumbai traffic. Holy moly. It's a symphony of horns, near-misses, and the pungent aroma of… well, everything. I swear, a goat just winked at me.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check-in at Hotel Heritage Dakshin. The lobby is… grand, in a slightly faded sort of way. The air conditioning is a blessed miracle. The staff, all smiles and polite inquiries, are a stark contrast to the chaos outside. My room? Let's call it "cozy." (Translation: small, but with a surprisingly decent view of… more chaos.)
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Attempt a "nap." Fail spectacularly. The city sounds are relentless. I also realize I'm starving. But first… a shower.
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch! This is where things get interesting. The hotel restaurant. It's promising. I order something vaguely familiar from the menu. The waiter asks me if it'll be spicy. Spicy? I nod enthusiastically. (Famous last words, right?) The food arrives and is… well, it's an experience. Let's just say my taste buds are on a rollercoaster. There's a sudden, searing heat and a burst of flavour, and I'm struggling to keep up. I eat it all anyway, because well, it's food!
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring the neighbourhood. This is where the real adventure begins. I wander into the bustling streets, dodging rickshaws and street vendors. The smells – spices, exhaust fumes, something vaguely floral – are overwhelming, in the best way. I navigate the crowds, feeling like I'm in a real-life movie.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel, and desperately need a break. The heat, the noise, the sheer intensity of it all… It's amazing, but also exhausting. I manage to grab a cold soda somewhere nearby, and sit for a moment, people-watching from a distance.
Day 2: Samosas, Smiles, and the Sea.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast. This is the redemption moment. The hotel breakfast buffet. My expectations are low, mostly because the spicy lunch is still a memory. BUT – there's idli! Dosa! Chutneys galore! This is delicious. I eat enough to last me for the entire day (or maybe three hours).
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visiting the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The Gateway is incredibly grand and I spend some time taking pictures. I'm still feeling overwhelmed but also, awestruck. The Taj, however, is the real star here. It's majestic, an imposing work of art, and with a heartbreaking past. It's almost overwhelming, the sheer history and elegance of this place. It's just… wow.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. This time, I'm braver. I find a street food vendor promising samosas. Samosas! (I'm already drooling.) He serves them with all the fixings. The first bite is a revelation. Flaky pastry, spiced potato filling, a little bit of magic. I almost weep with joy. The vendor, seeing my face, grins and gives me another one “On the house!”
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Exploring the city. I get lost in the bylanes, the tiny streets. More shops, more people, more delicious smells. I stumble upon a small temple, colorful and full of flowers. I feel a sense of peace and wonder.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel for some much-needed rest. I spent some time writing, and trying to come to terms with how amazing this trip is.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Sunset at Marine Drive. This is pure magic. The sea, the sky, the lights twinkling… It’s utterly breathtaking. I get another street snack, take pictures, and try to absorb the beauty.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I am too tired to go far. I order room service, and make sure I have a bottle of water for the morning - to prepare for whatever adventure lies ahead.
Day 3: Goodbye, Mumbai – and a Last Blast of Chaos (and Maybe a Second Samosa?)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast. More idli, more dosa. Maybe one last samosa if I'm lucky.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. I want to find something to take home. I wander around, get utterly lost, and somehow end up buying a ridiculously colourful scarf. The saleswoman insisted it was "very Mumbai." I have no idea.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Packing. It's a disaster. I can't fit anything back in my suitcase. I'm probably going to have to wear the scarf.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Check-out, and say goodbye to the friendly staff at the hotel.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Drive to the airport. The traffic is even worse than before. A cow strolls across the road. I laugh. This is just Mumbai.
- 2:00 PM - Departure: Flight back home. I’m tired, overwhelmed, and full of memories. But also, I’m already planning my return. I still have a long way to go, but I am loving the city. It's vibrant, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable. Even if I have a stomachache from too many samosas.
P.S. If you're reading this, and you're ever in Mumbai, GO! Just embrace the chaos. And maybe find a good samosa vendor. You won't regret it.
Curitiba's Hidden Gem: Rede Andrade Mercado Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
