Awarded as the Best Iconic Asset at the Worldwide Hospitality Awards 2021
Winner of India's Leading Palace Hotel by World Travel Awards since 2020 to 2025
Recognized by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for its historical and architectural heritage
The Taj Mahal Palace has been offering superb hospitality to guests from all walks of life since 1903. Much like its namesake, the Mughal wonder Taj Mahal, the hotel showcases grandeur and elegance. Recognized by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, many dignitaries and royal family members have been attracted to the property and were hosted in its magnificent halls, lush gardens, and gorgeous lounges. Jamsetji Tata, founder of the famous Tata Group, oversaw the construction of the hotel. He envisioned an iconic structure, built by the best architects using the finest equipment. Today, it continues to welcome guests with its century-old legacy, offering a blend of history and luxury that has become synonymous with the brand.
Apollo Bunder Road The Taj Mahal Palace, 400001 Mumbai, India
The Taj Mahal Palace is India's first luxury hotel, having been constructed by the Indian industrialist and philanthropist Jamsetji Tata, founder of the Tata Group, in 1903. Tata had sought to provide and gift Mumbai with a hospitality landmark of its own, built by Indian hands and money to serve the people of India, and can prove itself a match for any other foreign brands.
Jamsetji wanted to build an establishment in Mumbai that offered the same level of luxury and hospitality as lavish international hotels. For that, he generously commissioned the best architects and gathered the finest equipment from around the world. Following the incorporation of the Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) in 1902, the Taj Mahal Palace started out as a luxury hotel on December 16, 1903. While the property would survive later historical events such as both World Wars, the independence of India, and its transition into a republic, by 1966 it would also be in a neglected and rundown state, attributed to the loss of foreign guests after independence.
While hoping to prevent bankruptcy, the hotel's management was franchised to Pan Am's Inter-Continental Hotels division in 1972, with the property being renamed the Taj Mahal Inter-Continental. Another addition to the property was the Taj Mahal Tower, a tower wing built on the site of the old Green Hotel in that same year. Later on, the property was acquired by the Taj Hotels group, which continues to own it to this day. In 2017, the property became the first building in India to acquire intellectual property protections for its architectural design in the form of a trademark. Despite setbacks and new competition, the property continues to provide guests with a luxury stay experience in one of Mumbai's historic districts.
Jamsetji Tata, the person behind the birth of The Taj Palace, made sure that the hotel was built by the most skilled people using the best equipment available. Naturally, the iconic property boasts stunning architecture. The magnificent exterior, defined by the 240-feet (73.15-meter) red Florentine dome and intricate carvings and moldings over the windows and doors, strongly evokes the aesthetics of Indo-Saracenic architecture combined with the arched windows of Baroque architecture and the flat roofs of Renaissance architecture.
The hotel showcases a combination of Indo-Saracenic, Oriental, and Moorish architectural styles. The arches and minarets popular during the British colonial period can be seen throughout the building. The interiors gleam with marble and wooden floors and crystal chandeliers. Even the guest rooms and suites are dressed to impress with period art, wooden furniture, and elegant fabrics while also embracing a minimalist design with its bright and plainly-adorned wall.
You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining at The Taj Palace. The hotel boasts an array of restaurants and bars serving top-notch food and drinks.
Golden Dragon
Dig into spicy Sichuan and Cantonese delights at Golden Dragon. You can try the signature Peking Duck and watch live plating.
Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 12:30 pm - 2:45 pm, 7 pm - 11:45 pm
Souk
You'll feel like you've been transported to Turkey in this Eastern-Mediterranean-themed restaurant. Sip on aromatic teas and coffees or try Middle Eastern delicacies here while admiring city views.
Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 12:30 pm - 2:45 pm, 7 pm - 11:45 pm
Harbour Bar
Visit the city's first licensed bar and sip on Prohibition-era cocktails. You can accompany the drinks with light snacks and bay views.
Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 12 pm - 1 am
Loya
This restaurant focuses on traditional Indian cuisine, especially from the northern part of the country.
Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 12 pm - 3 pm, 6 pm - 11:45 pm
La Patisserie
If you love freshly baked goods, meats, and artisanal cheeses , visit La Patisserie. The place also offers wines.
Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 9 am - 9 pm
Wasabi by Morimoto
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine , stop by the fine-dining Wasabi by Morimoto. Try the whitefish carpaccio or explore the seasonal collection for chef's special delicacies.
Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 12:30 pm - 2:45 pm, 7 pm - 11:45 pm
Shamiana
Don't miss visiting Mumbai's first coffee place during your stay. Shamiana is ideal for a scrumptious breakfast or brunch with international delights.
Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 24 hours
Sea Lounge
Feel like a posh English person in this elegant tea salon with sea views. You can savor continental delicacies and Indian street food here.
Dress code: Semi-formal
Opening hours: 7 am - 11:45 pm, 2 pm to 6:30 pm (high tea)
Aquarius
This vibrant and colorful space ideal for hanging out with friends. Secure a poolside cabana or a rattan chair and enjoy light snacks and drinks.
Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 7 am - 11:45 pm
Barack Obama - Former U.S. president
Queen Elizabeth II - British queen
Mick Jagger - British musician
Dalai Lama - Tibetan spiritual leader
From picture-perfect pre-wedding shoots to grand ceremonies , The Taj Mahal Palace offers the ideal setting for a memorable wedding. The hotel has many halls and event spaces boasting ornate decor and magnificent design.
Ballroom
Venue type and style: Ideal for eventful weddings, with a built-in stage for performances
Capacity : 75 to 400 people
Crystal Room
Venue type and style: Vast venue with zero pillars and maximized space
Capacity : 145 to 550 people
Emerald and Jade
Venue type and style: Two meeting rooms joined together to create one cozy event space
Capacity : 16 to 40 people
Gateway Room
Venue type and style: Medium-sized room with Gateway of India views
Capacity : 35 to 120 people
Golden Room
Venue type and style: Gorgeous event space with bright golden decor
Capacity : Up to 90 people
Prince's Room
Venue type and style: Blue-hued hall decorated with portraits of rulers from the past
Capacity : 18 to 50 people
Rendevous
Venue type and style: Rooftop event space offering sea and city skyline views
Capacity : 45 to 120 people
Sapphire Room
Venue type and style: Cozy space for small events
Capacity : 12 to 20 people
Cultural Experiences
The Taj Mahal Palace offers heritage walks to help guests learn about the city's past. You can also explore the exquisite collection at the art gallery in the Palace Wing or venture out to the historical sites nearby on an electronic carriage. The hotel hosts morning and evening rituals to help calm your senses. Join tranquil poolside yoga sessions in the morning or lamp-lighting sessions in the evening. Foodies can reserve a custom dining experience or a traditional high tea.
Other celebrations
The Taj Mahal Palace will happily assist you in booking private celebrations and intimate events like birthdays and anniversaries. Just contact them in advance and relay your needs.
Iconic early 20th-century monument by the Arabian Sea. (8-minute walk)
Huge library boasting colonial architecture in Horniman Circle. (10-minute drive)
Palatial museum with Indo-Saracenic architecture and a collection of 70,000 artistic and historic works. (15-minute walk)
The nearest airport to The Taj Mahal Palace is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), only about an hour away by car.
The hotel is closest to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), which is only 14 minutes away by car.