Mumbai's BEST Kept Secret? ✨ BIMLA Service Apartments!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're takin' a deep dive into and honestly, this hotel… it's a whole experience. I'm talking a swirling vortex of luxury, convenience, and enough spa treatments to make your inner zen guru weep with joy. But, you know me – I'm not here to just parrot the brochure. We're digging deep, finding the real deal, the good, the bad, and the slightly questionable… all in the name of an honest review.
First, Let's Talk Accessibility – Because, Seriously, It Matters (and I’m Glad They Actually Thought About It)
Right off the bat, I was impressed. They actually thought about accessibility. I mean, not every luxury hotel does, and that’s a shame. Seriously impressed by the thoughtful things here, which are important for folks with mobility issues.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Check. Major kudos! It wasn't just a token ramp either; it felt genuinely designed for ease of navigation.
- Elevator: Yep, you bet. Not a single creak or groan out of it, either. Smooth sailing.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: They got it covered. It wasn't just a checkbox. Nice work, team – that’s a good start for a good day.
So far, so good on the inclusivity front. Makes me feel good, as I'm sure it should the people who need it the most.
Internet – Because, Let's Be Real, We're All Addicted
Okay, internet. This is where things get a little messy.
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! YES! Bless the Wi-Fi Gods. This is a must these days and they totally deliver. Fast, steady, and readily available.
- Internet Access: LAN and Wi-Fi options! More options, more better.
- Internet Services: They offered stuff like this!
- Internet [LAN]: I didn’t need the LAN cable, but it was there, so points for preparedness!
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yup, that’s there too, which is great when you want to instagram your poolside selfie.
Alright, Let’s Get into the Good Stuff: Relaxation and Things To Do (And Yes, I Got My Relaxation On)
Now, we're talking! This is where got serious. This hotel is a full-blown sanctuary.
- Spa/Sauna/Steam Room: Oh. My. Goodness. I practically lived there. The sauna was wonderfully hot (in a good way!), the steam room was heavenly. And the spa itself? Pure bliss. I mean, holy moly, this is what being pampered is about! The masseuse was an absolute wizard. I was a limp noodle afterwards. Seriously, book the spa. Just do it. Don't even question it.
- Pool with View: The outdoor pool was stunning. Crystal clear water, gorgeous views – the perfect spot to sip a cocktail and pretend you have zero responsibilities. I did have a glass of prosecco!
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: They also had a pool!
- Fitness Center: They had a gym, and I went there. Once. Okay, twice. But I was there, alright?
- Body Scrub/Body Wrap: They had these, and yes, I totally got one. I felt like a new person afterward, all smooth and moisturized, and ready to take on anything.
- Massage: As I said, they had this and I lost the whole day.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because, 2024, am I right?
Okay, real talk. Post-pandemic, hygiene is everything. I'm happy to say this hotel seems to get it.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily Disinfection in Common Areas, Room Sanitization Opt-out, Rooms Sanitized Between Stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services: So yes, the hotel is all about this!
- Hand Sanitizer: Plenty of this around, which I appreciate.
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: They are doing a serious job here.
- Hygiene certification: They have certification?
- Individually-wrapped food options: Good for grab-and-go choices or snacks, for sure.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Awesome - they know what they were doing
I saw staff cleaning, sanitizing like crazy. Plus, they had all the little extras, which made me feel a lot more comfortable.
Food, Glorious Food – Where My Inner Foodie Gets to Play
Now, this is important. A hotel lives or dies by its food, in my humble opinion.
- Restaurants: Plural! That's always a good sign.
- Asian Cuisine in Restaurant, International Cuisine in Restaurant, Vegetarian Restaurant, Western Cuisine in Restaurant: Multiple options. Seriously, so much choice! I swear I added some pounds here eating!
- Breakfast [buffet]: A proper buffet. This made me so happy.
- Breakfast in Room/Breakfast takeaway service: Excellent for those lazy mornings.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes, please. Especially after a long spa day.
- Poolside Bar: Cocktails by the pool? Yes, please!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant: Mmmmm, coffee.
- Bar/Happy hour: Booze is a must.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Buffet in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant: This is a serious menu.
- Bottle of water/Essential condiments: They give you stuff…
- Safe dining setup: They do this well.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: As expected.
Services and Conveniences – The Nitty Gritty
Okay, let’s get down to the details.
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly. Always a plus.
- Daily housekeeping: Rooms were always spotless, which I really appreciated.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: Essential when you're living the high life.
- Cash withdrawal/Currency exchange: Super convenient.
- Convenience store: Good for snacks and essentials.
- Doorman: Always felt welcome.
- Luggage storage/Safety deposit boxes: Very safe.
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential in, well, everywhere.
- Elevator: And I already mentioned, it works!
- Facilities for disabled guests/Meeting/banquet facilities: Always a plus.
- Food delivery: Convenient at the best times.
- Meeting stationery: Useful.
- Outdoor venue for special events: This makes it good.
- Smoking area: If that's your thing.
- Terrace: Nice to have.
- Business facilities/Audio-visual equipment for special events/Invoice provided/On-site event hosting/Projector/LED display/Seminars/Wi-Fi for special events/Xerox/fax in business center: Business services
- Air conditioning in public area/Contactless check-in/out/Elevator/Essential condiments/Facilities for disabled guests/Invoice provided/Luggage storage/On-site event hosting/Projector/LED display/Safety deposit boxes/Seminars/Smoking area/Terrace: Additional services
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always great when it's 24 hours.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
- Babysitting service/Family/child friendly/Kids facilities/Kids meal: They seem to take this seriously.
Safety and Security – Because Peace of Mind is Priceless
- CCTV in common areas/CCTV outside property/Check-in/out [express]/Express check-in/out/Fire extinguisher/Front desk [24-hour]/Room decorations/Safety/security feature/Security [24-hour]/Smoke alarms/Smoke detectors/Soundproof rooms: Again, very safe.
Getting Around – Mobility
- Airport transfer/Bicycle parking/Car park [free of charge]/Car park [on-site]/Car power charging station/Taxi service/Valet parking: Very good on this.
Available in all rooms – The Little Things That Make a Difference
- **Air conditioning/Alarm clock/Bathrobes/Bathroom phone/Bathtub/Blackout curtains/Carpeting/Closet/Coffee/tea maker/Complimentary tea/Daily housekeeping/Desk/Extra long bed/Free bottled water/Hair dryer/High floor/In-room safe box/Interconnecting room(s) available/Internet access – LAN/Internet access – wireless/Ironing facilities/Laptop workspace/Linens/Mini bar/Mirror/Non-smoking/On-demand movies/Private bathroom/Reading light/Refrigerator/Safety/security feature/Satellite/cable channels/Scale/Seating area/Separate shower/bathtub/Shower/Slippers/Smoke detector/Socket near the bed
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is a BIMLA SERVICE APARTMENT, MUMBAI: A Messy, Honest, and Probably Hysterical Adventure (That Might Actually Happen).
Day 1: Arrival and the Sweetest (and Spiciest) Chaos
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSIA). Okay, so first hurdle, the flight itself. I swear, I always end up next to the loudest snorer on the planet on these things. This time? A guy who sounded like a rusty chainsaw. Managed to snag a window seat, though, which is basically my only sanity lifeline.
- Transportation: Pre-booked airport transfer (hoping it's not a death trap). My anxiety levels are already peaking.
- Quirky Observation: The pre-flight safety videos… Always filled with overly cheerful people. Like, are they actually happy doing that? Or is it like a hostage situation?
- Emotional Reaction: Relief! Sweet, sweet relief to touch down. But also a slight nausea from the airplane food/snore symphony.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Check-in at BIMLA Service Apartment. Praying the AC works. Seriously, humidity + cranky me = disaster.
- Accommodation: BIMLA Service Apartment: Expecting basic, hoping for clean. Praying for a decent water pressure and a bed not resembling a concrete slab.
- Anecdote: I once stayed in a "budget-friendly" hotel in… well, let's just say another country. The "private bathroom" was essentially a glorified hole in the floor. Let’s just say, memories were made. Fingers crossed, BIMLA is at least slightly less…rustic.
- Opinionated Language: If the sheets are remotely scratchy, I'm demanding a linen upgrade. No one deserves sandpaper sheets!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch and acclimatization. Find some local grub. Street food is calling my name!
- Activity: Head to Colaba Causeway. Prepare to be bewildered by the colors, smells, and sheer amount of people. Will attempt to navigate and maybe enjoy a bite to eat.
- Transportation: Auto-rickshaw. Brace for impact and the symphony of honking.
- Rambling: Okay, so here’s where the real struggle begins. I’ve heard street food in Mumbai is legendary… which means I’m also terrified of the inevitable Delhi Belly. Decisions, decisions… Maybe I'll stick to something I can see… or, wait, maybe I'll be brave and just go for it.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Explore Colaba Causeway. Prepare to be assaulted by the sweet symphony of vendors trying to sell you everything from fake Rolexes to questionable "authentic" spices. Hopefully, I'll find some decent souvenirs, too.
- Activity: Wander around, negotiate prices (badly, probably), and absorb the atmosphere. And hopefully not get fleeced.
- Emotional Reaction: Excitement and mild panic simultaneously. I'mma get lost. I know it. But god, I love getting lost, that's where the best stories come from!
- Quirky Observation: The sheer tenacity of the street vendors. They're like sharks, but with better smiles.
- Evening (9:00 PM onwards): Dinner. Seeking out a restaurant that is NOT too touristy, but IS safe for my delicate stomach.
- Food: Recommendations welcome! Possibly something with butter chicken… or anything NOT involving questionable spices.
- Messier Structure: Okay, I'm already exhausted. I think I'll just order in. Or maybe I should go all out and explore… this definitely needs some thinking.
Day 2: The Gateway and a Deep Dive (Literally)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Gotta see the iconic landmarks, right?
- Activity: Snap photos, soak it in, and try not to get trampled by selfie-stick-wielding tourists (including myself, probably).
- Emotional Reaction: Awe. It will be beautiful, I know it. But also slight disappointment upon realizing it's not quite as grand as in the photos.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch & Shopping
- Food: Trying to find some recommendation for a good restaurant.
- Messier Structure: It's been a while, I'm still trying to find good place to eat, and also thinking about my next move.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Dhobi Ghat and Local Train Adventure. Maybe a wash of color?
- Activity: Witness the fascinating world of Dhobi Ghat. Maybe take a local train (if I'm feeling brave/foolish).
- Anecdote: I saw some videos about Dhobi Ghat. It's overwhelming, It seems to be a kind of a good experience.
- Quirky Observation: The efficiency of the laundry process. It's mind-blowing, really.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Chowpatty Beach. Witness the sunset, maybe sample some street food (if my stomach has recovered from Day 1).
- Activity: Watch the sunset, enjoy the beach vibe, and people-watch.
- Opinionated Language: The sunset better be EPIC. Otherwise, I'm complaining to the sun god.
- Evening (9:00 PM onwards): Dinner and Wind Down. Maybe some quiet time in the apartment.
- Transportation: Uber-style service (if my data plan is still functioning). Or an auto-rickshaw.
- Messier Structure: I'm already tired, can't wait to get to my apartment, I will be probably getting snacks.
Day 3: Bollywood and a Final Farewell (or Maybe a Return Trip?)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Bollywood Experience (if possible). Trying to find an actual fun Bollywood tour.
- Activity: If not, maybe a movie, or just wandering around the movie-making district.
- Anecdote: I love the idea of seeing the filming, in Bollywood. Maybe I could even be some extra? Or maybe… a background dancer?
- Quirky Observation: All the stars! The glitz, the glamour.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Last Lunch in Mumbai.
- Food: Seeking recommendations for a great farewell meal. Gonna try my best!
- Messier Structure: I will miss Mumbai, I'm already planning to come again!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Shopping (last-minute souvenirs! Or perhaps, just some more food!)
- Activity: Hit the markets, bargain hard, and try to find something I won't regret buying.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm getting excited! This might get messy.
- Quirky Observation: How much the vendors are willing to haggle with you.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Pack, Reflect, and Prepare for Departure.
- Activity: Packing. Contemplating what I want to eat.
- Opinionated Language: Packing is the worst.
- Day 4: Departure
I fully expect to return, covered in chai stains, with a suitcase full of treasures, and a head full of memories (and probably a minor stomach ailment). Mumbai, you crazy, beautiful, chaotic place. I can't wait to come back!
Luxury Busan Escape: Unforgettable Stays at HOTEL Myeongi
tags, whatever *that* means. Probably just a fancy wrapper for my inner monologue. Let's get messy.
So, what *is* this whole "FAQ" thing even *about*? Like, what are we supposed to be asking here?
Ugh, okay, first off, *relax*. We're not trying to win a Pulitzer here. It's supposed to be a bunch of questions and… well, *answers*, I guess. About… stuff. Anything, really. Life? Love? The existential dread of doing laundry? I dunno, you tell *me*. Think of it as a conversation you overhear at a very messy coffee shop. We'll probably veer off-topic. Often. Consider yourself warned. And maybe grab a cookie. You'll need the sugar.
What *exactly* are you, Mr./Ms. Know-It-All, answering these questions *about*?
Ha! If I *knew*, this whole thing would be a lot easier. Okay, fine. Let's say it's about… *me*. My weird little existence. The things that bug me, the things I love – which, by the way, are surprisingly few, and mostly involve cats and sarcasm. Think of it as a peek inside the brain of someone who should probably be medicated but isn't. Yet.
Okay, okay, so you're just some jabbering internet… thing. What made you decide to do this thing, right now?
Honestly? Boredom and caffeine. A dangerous combination, I assure you. I was staring at a blank screen, trying to, you know, *adult*, and then this whole "FAQ about nothing in particular" idea popped into my head. And you know what? I'm regretting it already. But commitment, right? Ugh. Okay. Let's roll with it. Send help... and snacks.
What's your *favorite* thing? Like, the absolute, number one, can't-live-without-it thing?
Oh, *that's* easy. Sleep. Specifically, uninterrupted sleep that lasts at least eight glorious hours. Sadly, it's as elusive as a unicorn riding a… well, you get the picture. I've tried everything. Melatonin, turning off the phone, pretending I'm not a sentient being at all. Nothing works. But the *dream* is alive, people! The *dream*! And right now, I'm dreaming of a nap.
What's the *worst* thing ever? Don't hold back.
Ugh, where do I even *start*? Okay, top three, in no particular order: 1) People who chew with their mouths open. Seriously, it's a crime against humanity. 2) Running out of coffee beans. I'm pretty sure my blood is mostly caffeine at this point, and withdrawals are a *nightmare*. And 3) Having to deal with… well, *people*. Look, I'm a fan of solitude, okay? Don't judge me.
Do you have any unusual habits or quirks? Spill the tea.
Oh, where to begin? I'm a chronic overthinker. I analyze everything, from the way a leaf falls from a tree to the existential implications of a misplaced apostrophe. I also have a tendency to hoard… things. Books, old concert tickets, half-eaten bags of gummy bears. My apartment is a testament to my inability to throw anything away. It's a problem. I know. I'm working on it. Maybe. Probably not. Also, I talk to myself. Frequently. Mostly complaining.
Tell me about a time you completely screwed up. Give us the details. The *juicy* details.
Okay, fine. Buckle up, because this is a doozy. Years ago, like… a *decade* ago (dear god, am I getting old?), I decided to bake a cake. Yes, me. Baking. I'm not the domestic goddess type, let's just say. Anyway, I was trying to impress a *crush*. Emphasis on trying. I found this recipe for a chocolate raspberry cake that looked *amazing*. So I dove in, all gung-ho. I followed the recipe… mostly. I might have skipped the part about sifting the flour. And maybe I added a *little* extra baking soda. And when I went to take it out of the oven... Let's just say it looked like a chocolate volcano had erupted. It was… a *mess*. The crush? Didn't show up. Moral of the story? Stick to ordering takeout. My baking days were over that day.
What's the one thing you'd change about yourself? Be honest!
My inability to just… relax. I overthink *everything*. I worry about everything. I plan for every possible disaster, even the ones involving zombie squirrels. It's exhausting. I'd love to be one of those people who just rolls with it, you know? The ones you see on TV, smiling serenely while the world crumbles around them. I bet they're on some kind of medication. I should probably look in to that. Nah. Too much effort.
What's something you find inexplicably fascinating?
Clouds. No, really. I can stare at clouds for hours. They're constantly changing, morphing, creating these incredible shapes. It's like nature's art gallery, and it's free! And sometimes, just sometimes, I feel like I understand them. And then they change again and I'm lost. Like life!
Are you happy? Really?
…Huh. Well, that's a loaded question, isn't it? Am *I* happy? Some days, yes. Some days, I’m convinced the universe is actively trying to spite me with bad parking spots and malfunctioning microwaves. But overall? I think so. I have moments of joy, fleeting as they may be. I have people I love, even if they annoy me sometimes. And I have… well, I have this. So I guess, yeah. I'm okay. And right now, that's good5 Star Stay Find
BIMLA SERVICE APARTMENT Mumbai India
BIMLA SERVICE APARTMENT Mumbai India
