My complimentary Amex domestic travel voucher was about to expire, so I decided to use it for a short getaway. Instead of a family trip, I chose to book The Oberoi, Nariman Point, Mumbai for a more distinctive experience.
I visited The Oberoi, Mumbai in the first week of September 2019 for a weekend escape with a friend. Below is a detailed account of my stay.
Table of Contents
- Booking
- Airport Meet & Greet
- Airport to Hotel Transfer
- Check-in
- The Room
- Breakfast
- Executive Lounge
- Bottomline
Booking
- Revenue Rate: ~21K (incl. GST)
- Paid: Amex travel voucher (20K) + Rs. 1,000
- Inclusions: One-way airport transfer & breakfast for two
I used a travel voucher received from an Amex promotion earlier in 2019. The voucher covered most of the stay cost, and the booking also generated accelerated reward points on the card.
Airport Meet & Greet
Mumbai was experiencing heavy rain during our trip. We landed on time and proceeded to baggage claim. To my surprise, a smartly dressed representative was waiting with a name card. He explained our driver was running about 15 minutes late because of the weather and invited us to wait near baggage claim.
We relaxed in the arrival lounge after our in-flight meal. After about ten minutes the representative escorted us to the car.
Airport to Hotel Transfer
The included transfer was a highlight: a one-hour ride in a black Mercedes S-Class 350, which I value at roughly INR 5,000. While most guests prefer the rear seat, I chose the front passenger seat, which surprised the attendant.
The driver spoke good English and told us the journey would take around 1 hour 15 minutes. We had a pleasant conversation and the time passed quickly. The car offered a quiet cabin, smooth suspension and ample legroom. The only downside I noticed was the audio system, which was surprisingly poor for a vehicle of this class.
Check-in
On arrival, a check-in executive was waiting at the drop-off area with our details ready. She escorted us straight to the room and completed a quick check-in there. We were welcomed with cold towels and a refreshing drink—an efficient and polished arrival experience.
The Room
The room was tastefully decorated and felt luxurious, though on the smaller side given the price. The layout is softened by a large window offering a partial view of the city and Marine Drive, where pigeons frequently perched outside.
I didn’t request an upgrade during check-in, which in hindsight I missed—an upgraded room would offer a full Marine Drive panorama. Still, the room we had was comfortable and the view enjoyable.
I also made a short video to showcase the property:
Breakfast
Breakfast was a mix of à la carte hot dishes and a cold buffet selection. The options were broad and well presented. I chose poha and vada pav, while my friend tried some international items. Everything we tasted was flavorful and service in the dining area was attentive; many staff in crisp uniforms were available to help guests.
Executive Lounge
I usually enjoy executive lounges, but the lounge at this property was a disappointment. The initial welcome included two small plates of starters and tea or coffee, with one refill offered. After that, no further service arrived for over 30 minutes. It felt as if refills were discouraged or additional items might require payment.
Later, I checked guest feedback and found similar complaints from other visitors. For a hotel of this caliber, the inconsistent lounge experience was surprising. My advice: don’t expect the same lounge standards you might find at other leading luxury hotels.
Bottomline
- Cardexpert Hotel Rating: 4.6/5
Aside from the lounge issue, The Oberoi, Mumbai is an excellent property suited to both business and leisure travelers. Having also visited the nearby Taj Mahal Palace the same week, I found The Oberoi superior in several ways: a quieter atmosphere, more modern interiors and a less touristy feel.
The hotel’s proximity to Marine Drive is a major advantage. Morning and evening walks along the promenade—stopping for ice cream—made the stay memorable.
Overall, the stay delivered several standout moments: the surprise meet-and-greet, a comfortable Mercedes transfer, in-room check-in, quality dining and a prime location. It was the kind of experience I appreciate when using the right travel card—this time, the American Express Platinum Travel Card.
If you’ve had similar hotel experiences, feel free to share them in the comments.