Taj Mahal Palace

Taj Mahal Palace Review

Foreigners and wealthy Indians choose the Taj over other fancy hotels in town because it's a beautiful and regal landmark—worth visiting even if you don't stay here—with views past the Gateway of India to the Arabian Sea. The stunning brown-stone exterior sports rows of jutting white balconies and Gothic windows, and onion domes on the corner turrets echo the high, central Italianate dome. The first hotel in what is now a pan-India luxury chain, this Victorian extravaganza was built in 1903. In 1973 it was joined by the less expensive 19-story modern wing ("the tower"), which has some Moorish elements. Every corner of the older building is exquisitely decorated, often with antiques, and always with warm, tasteful colors; rooms and suites in the newer building, some of which surround small, quiet interior verandas, replicate the Victorian character with high ceilings, pastel colors, antiques, and cane furniture. Rooms in the tower are slightly less expensive, but even though they're spacious, they're also a bit unremarkable for the price.