I recently received a Taj voucher worth Rs.10,000 from American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card for reaching a milestone spend. Ever since I got it, I wanted to enjoy a memorable stay at one of the best Taj hotels in India. A short business trip to Mumbai gave me the perfect opportunity to try a nearby property, and that’s how I discovered Taj Santacruz.
The hotel sits just beyond the arrival area of Mumbai Domestic Airport (T1) and offers two entrances — one from the airport and another from the city side. Since my stay was short and I needed convenience for both the city and the airport, this location was ideal.
Taj Santacruz Booking & Entrance:
I booked a Twin Bed City view room for three adults with an extra bed through the Taj worldwide reservation desk. The rate was roughly Rs.18,000 per night. I was told I could apply my Rs.10,000 Taj voucher at check-in and pay the balance at checkout.
After arriving at the airport, my friends and I had coffee at Starbucks and then headed to Taj Santacruz. The airport-side entrance is less busy, so we passed through without much formality and entered a very elegant lobby.
Just inside the entrance is a compact yet striking Maserati showroom on the left. After a brief security check we reached the main entrance, where high-hanging chandeliers set an impressive tone.
Taj Traditional Welcome and Check-in:
We presented the Taj voucher during check-in, and the formalities were completed in about five minutes. We requested an Airport Runway view room, which was available, and Room 448 was allocated to us. We were offered a welcome drink and then treated to Taj’s traditional welcome ritual.
The staff welcomed us with aarti and kumkum, finishing with a small floral tika similar to traditions at South Indian weddings. It was a warm and slightly surprising touch that made the moment special.
I’ve stayed at other Taj hotels before, but this was the first time I experienced that particular ritual — a thoughtful detail that made a strong first impression.
Room with a View at Taj Santacruz:
A staff member escorted us to the room and explained the amenities and controls. She also offered helpful recommendations for nearby places and their timings. Her attentive and knowledgeable service stood out.
We spent time exploring and photographing the room. Every element combined creativity with luxury. The standout feature was the runway view: planes take off and land frequently, offering an interesting and dynamic sight.
Despite the proximity to the runway, the room was remarkably quiet. The windows are double-glazed, maintaining near silence inside. We stepped out to enjoy Mumbai’s night views and returned to a comfortable, quiet room. Watching the planes at night from the bed was unexpectedly romantic and made the stay memorable.
Breakfast at Tiqri, Taj Santacruz:
Taj Santacruz has several restaurants, each with its specialty. Breakfast was at Tiqri, a restaurant dominated by an eye-catching tree artwork on the wall. The buffet was plentiful and delicious. I particularly enjoyed the almonds — a simple detail but one of my favorite parts of the meal.
After breakfast I had a brief business meeting in the lobby. When it ended I realized I didn’t have access to the elevator because my room key was with a friend. I went to the reservation desk and asked for a second key. The staff member already had my key ready in under 30 seconds — a testament to their efficiency and memory.
My Overall Experience at Taj:
These thoughtful touches are what make Taj stays stand out. On a previous visit to a Taj in Goa, the manager personally helped carry our luggage to the car when attendants were unavailable. Small gestures like that create lasting impressions.
At checkout we spotted a Kollywood celebrity also waiting at reception — another perk of staying at such a prominent hotel. Overall, the stay at Taj Santacruz exceeded my expectations. Initially I had considered Taj hotels to be overly pricey, but the quality of service and the meticulously designed interiors made the cost feel justified.
Thanks to the American Express Travel Card and the voucher, I had the chance to experience this property. My next Taj visit will likely be the iconic Taj Mahal Palace near the Gateway of India, unless someone recommends another standout Taj property worth visiting.
- Cardexpert Hotel Rating: 5/5
I hope you enjoyed this review as much as I enjoyed the stay. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments and let me know if you’d like more hotel reviews on the blog.