Mumbai's Hidden Gem: Luxury Awaits at Hotel Beverly Palace, Santacruz!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Mumbai's "Hidden Gem": Hotel Beverly Palace in Santacruz. And let me tell you, hidden might be stretching it, because after my stay, word is gonna get out, and fast. This ain't your grandma's stuffy hotel review; this is the real deal, the raw, the wonderfully imperfect truth.
First off, accessibility. Look, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did appreciate how easy it was to navigate. Elevators were plentiful, hallways weren't claustrophobic, and everything seemed thoughtfully designed with movement in mind. Bonus points!
Internet? Oh honey, they've got it. Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! (Yes, I shouted that. Crucial.) And guess what? The internet actually WORKS. Shocking, I know. They also have Internet [LAN] if you're old school or a serious gamer. They offer Internet services, just in case the first two options fail. Wi-Fi in public areas too. Basically, you're covered, Instagram addicts and Zoom call junkies.
Cleanliness and Safety? Okay, this is where Beverly Palace shines, especially post-pandemic. Let's be real, we're all a little germ-phobic now. BUT! This place feels clean. Like, hospital clean, but with more style. They use anti-viral cleaning products, have daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff is clearly trained in safety protocol. They also had a Doctor/nurse on call which is a major plus, so you don't have to scramble around looking for a doctor like me. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere. And a first aid kit! They've thought of everything, even the little things like individually-wrapped food options and sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I actually felt…safe. Seriously, that’s worth its weight in gold these days. Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. The restaurants are plentiful. They have Asian and Western cuisines in the restaurants. But I had to try The Asian breakfast in my bed every morning, it was just incredible. I had a breakfast in room and it was the best thing ever. The Poolside bar is where it’s at. They have a bar and does happy hour. Desserts in restaurant OMG the deserts.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: This is where Beverly Palace REALLY wows. The Spa/sauna…Oh, it was pure bliss. I spent a glorious afternoon just melting away in the sauna and soaking up the view from the pool with a view. Seriously, the view is EVERYTHING. The fitness center is well-equipped if you’re into that torture, I mean, exercise. They offer a Gym/fitness which is nice. They have a Body wrap and Body scrub which will fix you right up. You can get a Massage, the holy grail of relaxation. I was so relaxed I could barely remember my name. Then they have a Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Not only is there a pool with a view, but there is a pool!
Services and Conveniences: They offer a bunch of service, some of them: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and more. The front desk [24-hour].
For the Kids: They had kids facilities which is nice.
Getting Around: They have a car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site]. The airport transfer is great.
Available in All Rooms: Ah, the sweet sanctuary of the room itself. Air conditioning (THANK GOD), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (yes, please!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (bliss!), Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk (if you must work), Free bottled water, Hair dryer (thank you, hair gods!), In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace (if you have any), Linens, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]. Seriously, they thought of EVERYTHING. So, not perfect, right? But perfectly good.
My Unique Experience:
Okay, I have to tell you about the time I attempted to use the Fitness center. I am NOT a gym person. Like, I once tried to run a marathon, and I made it to the second mile before collapsing on the side of the road. But there was, there were plenty of interesting machines. I attempted to use the treadmill, and I managed to trip. I did use the Sauna, which was great.
So, is Hotel Beverly Palace worth it? HELL YES.
Here’s my pitch, my offer, my little love letter to Beverly Palace:
Tired of the Mumbai Madness? Escape to Paradise!
Book your stay at Hotel Beverly Palace in Santacruz TODAY and experience a level of luxury you won’t believe. Forget the stress, the noise, the chaos. Here’s what awaits you:
- Immaculate Rooms & Impeccable Service: Your sanctuary awaits, complete with all the amenities you could dream of, plus a staff that will make you feel like royalty.
- Relaxation Redefined: Take a dip in the pool with a stunning view, get pampered in the spa, or just soak up the sun.
- Culinary Adventures: Indulge your taste buds with diverse dining options, from mouthwatering Asian cuisine to international fare.
For a limited time only, enjoy these EXCLUSIVE perks when you book directly:
- Complimentary Upgrade: Get a free upgrade to a room with a breathtaking panoramic view (subject to availability).
- Free Breakfast: Start your day right with a delicious, complimentary breakfast.
- Late Checkout: Sleep in and relax!
- 20% OFF Spa treatments!
Do not miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the hidden gem that is Hotel Beverly Palace. Book Now! [Insert Booking Link Here].
And go, you will not regret it! I’m already planning my return trip. Hotel Beverly Palace, consider me a loyal fan!
Avignon Ibis Centre Gare: Your Perfect Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is real life, Hotel Beverly Palace, Santa Cruz, Mumbai, style. And trust me, it's gonna be a rollercoaster.
Operation: Mumbai Mayhem (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Chai Chase
- 6:00 AM: Alarm blares. I swear, my internal clock is permanently set to "miserable". Drag myself out of bed (which, let's be honest, is probably covered in half-eaten snacks and forgotten chargers) and stumble towards the shower. The water pressure? Let's just say it's offering a gentle suggestion, not a full-blown cleanse.
- 8:00 AM: Arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The air hits you like a wall of humidity and fragrant spices. Love it, hate it, there's no in-between, really. My luggage, bless its soul, miraculously appears. And the first taxi ride? Absolute adrenaline rush! Traffic here is like a chaotic orchestra, horns blaring a symphony of near-misses.
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at Hotel Beverly Palace. The lobby is a whirlwind – bright colors, the smell of incense, and a general feeling of bustling. The check-in…took longer than expected. The poor guy at the desk looked like he'd seen a thousand "lost in translation" tourists, and let's just say my jetlag and inability to remember which pocket I put my passport in didn't help.
- 10:30 AM: Need. Chai. Badly. The desperate hunt for decent chai (Indian tea). I asked the concierge, who gave me a vague "go that way" point. First place I found was a little street-side stall. The chai was divine, creamy and spiced just right. The problem? The street dogs seemed equally interested in my newfound treasure. I swear one eyed me up and down, assessing whether I was worth a bite for stealing my half-finished cup.
- 12:00 PM: Collapse in my room. The room is surprisingly clean, although the air conditioner sounds like a grumpy robot. My first impressions? The bed’s comfy but the view is of the street. This is the Mumbai experience; you get used to the hustle and bustle.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch! I decided to be brave and order room service. The chicken tikka and garlic naan were AMAZING. I'm also pretty sure they accidentally gave me three plates, but hey, I'm not complaining.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Attempt to nap. Jet lag defeats all my attempts, I can’t even begin to imagine sleeping.
- 4:00 PM: Venturing out for my first exploration of Santa Cruz. I feel like I was transported to an exotic movie set as the vendors call the names of their services, as the Bollywood sound tracks blare loudly, and as tuk-tuks fly by.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant serving authentic street food. The food? Incredible. The spice level? A slow burn that took me by surprise. Tears streamed down my face. I was sweating. I laughed and declared it "the best meal of my life" right after.
- 8:30 PM: I'm back at the hotel, reeling from the experience and already planning tomorrow. Indian nightlife seems to be a force of nature.
Day 2: Bollywood Dreams and Street Smart Shenanigans (and One Epic Shopping Spree)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up feeling relatively rested. The robot air conditioner surprisingly did its job.
- 9:00 AM: The hotel breakfast buffet is a sensory overload in the best way. The selection is unbelievable: dosas, idlis, parathas…I grab as much of everything as I possibly can and then eat the stuff I like the best.
- 10:30 AM: I went on a walking tour of the area. I walked along the streets, visited Colaba Causeway market I'm currently struggling to breathe. The tour guide (who claimed to be a Bollywood extra in his youth) regaled us with tales of movie shoots and celebrity sightings. He showed us where actors eat, and which building was the set of a famous love triangle. It was the touristy stuff, but I loved it.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a tiny little place the tour guide recommended. Seriously, if you're afraid of germs, this is NOT for you. The food’s simple, but the flavor is mind-blowing.
- 2:00 PM: Shopping spree at a massive market. The colors, the fabrics, the bargaining! I became a professional negotiator. I bought everything from silk scarves to spices, trinkets, and a ridiculous amount of jewelry. My bag is fit to burst.
- 5:00 PM: Afternoon tea. I found a little cafe that has a very cute and aesthetic view. Enjoyed the tea, and let me tell you, there's nothing like a cup of tea to ground myself after all the excitement of the morning.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: I decided to venture out and seek out a spa. The hotel’s spa was fully booked. I found a nearby spa and booked myself for a massage. The massage was amazing.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. I felt lazy after the whole day. After dinner, I walked around the hotel, catching a glimpse of the other guests around.
Day 3: Elephanta Caves and Farewell Feast (and a Whole Lot of Pondering)
- 9:00 AM: The next day, I started my trip to Elephanta Caves. The boat ride was a bit rough, and I realized I'm not the best sailor. I spent most of the trip holding on for dear life and trying not to hurl.
- 10:00 AM: The caves themselves? Overwhelmingly beautiful. The carvings are intricate, the history is fascinating, and it’s just humbling to be there.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the hotel for lunch. The food was the best as always. I ate lunch, took a shower, and realized it was already time to go. Mumbai is a whirlwind. And I feel as though I only just touched the surface of exploring this amazing place. But it’s time to go.
- 4:00 PM: I checked out of the hotel. The last conversation I had was with the concierge again, who smiled and asked how my trip was. I told her, "Amazing."
Final Thoughts:
Mumbai isn't easy. It can be loud, chaotic, and sometimes feels like it's trying to swallow you whole. But it's also vibrant, inspiring, and utterly unforgettable. You'll get lost, you'll sweat, you'll eat food so good you'll cry…and you'll leave a piece of your heart behind. And the Hotel Beverly Palace? Well, it was a base, my sanctuary, and a good one.
Don't go expecting perfection. Embrace the mess. Let yourself get swept away. And for the love of all that is holy, drink the chai. You won't regret it.
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So, Beverly Palace... is it *really* a hidden gem, or just another hotel trying too hard?
What's the location like? Is it actually convenient or am I going to be stuck in Santacruz forever?
Oh, and a quick tip: avoid rush hour if you're relying on a taxi. Just... trust me on this.
Luxury? Really? What’s the "luxury" element we're talking about here? Gold-plated toilet seats?
Here's a story. I had a terrible headache one time, the kind that makes you want to hide under a blanket and scream. (Don't judge). I called reception, half-expecting them to tell me to go fend for myself. But what happened? They sent up an entire *kit* of pain relievers, and even a cold compress. Free of charge! It saved my life. *That* is the kind of luxury that matters. It's about the service, the care, the feeling that they actually *care* if you're having a good experience. It's what makes it feel special. And honestly, if you *do* happen to find a gold-plated toilet, please, please send me a picture.
The Food? Is it going to give me the dreaded "Mumbai Belly"?
Am I saying it's immune to causing a tummy rumble? No, I am not a doctor! But I've eaten there countless times, and I've never had any issues. They're using fresh ingredients and good techniques. Just use common sense, maybe lay off the spicy chili-laden stuff on the first day until your gut acclimates. Otherwise, dig in.
And speaking of food. I have a confession. One time, I was *so* jet-lagged. I ordered some fries at like 3 AM. And they came to my door. And they were perfect. The end.
Any downsides? What should I be prepared for?
1. **The soundproofing.** It could be better. Mumbai is a noisy city. You will probably hear some noise, especially in the early morning. It's part of the charm, I guess? If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Or, even better, embrace the noise. It's Mumbai.
2. **The WiFi.** Sometimes it’s lightning fast, other times… well, it's there. Just have patience.
3. **The stairs.** Okay, this is the BIG ONE. The elevator can be a bit… moody. Sometimes it works perfectly, sometimes it decides to take a nap. Be prepped, especially if you're on a high floor and have heavy luggage. (I once saw a man carrying an entire *suitcase* up 7 flights because the elevator was out of order. The look on his face… I still feel bad for him.)
Bottom line: Should I stay at Beverly Palace?
