The first Four Seasons in India is also, at 33 stories, the tallest hotel in the country. Its location in the up-and-coming Worli section, halfway between the airport and the heart of the action on Nariman Point (where the landmark Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is situated), conveniently splits traffic-choked traveling distances. Worli's makeover has a way to go yet, however, and hotel guests may be discomfited to see slum dwellings at their ultra-luxe doorstep. Exuberant abstract art in the lobby and elevators sets a modernist tone that melds with indeterminate pan-Asian touches to create a pleasant if slightly unremarkable ambience. The streamlined decor is better in the 202 spacious and luxurious guest rooms, whose cool contemporary design is enriched with luxurious locally inspired fabrics and ornate bed runners. Dine on fusion Asian at oh-so-now San-Qi, and have drinks and snacks on the outside pool deck adjoining the well-run two-story day spa.

This exclusive luxury hotel is on prime real estate right on Marine Drive, commanding a view of the Arabian Sea. The hotel is small, with a glass-fronted exterior and a modern marble lobby. Two capsule elevators flank a shell-shaped interior waterfall. From the lounge, you can gawk at guests swimming in the glass-bottomed pool on the fifth floor. The 68 rooms are small but comfortable; 40 of them are suites.The Oriental Blossom restaurant serves excellent Chinese food. The hotel service is efficient and courteous. The only drawback is that on weekends, the lobby lounge can be crowded with sightseers from Marine Drive.

Editors' Note: The hotel is closed indefinitely due to the terrorist incident in November 2008.
India's largest hotel, where Bill Clinton stayed on his state visit, is a gleaming high-rise in a prime spot on Back Bay. Dripping with luxury, the hotel is one of the finest in the country, with a butler on every floor. The place is decorated in jade, blue, peach, and green, with dark wood furniture. Every room has a separate dressing room and luggage area. Without being intrusive, the superbly trained staff manages to make you feel that the Oberoi is your home. The hotel's location and superior business center make it a great choice for business travelers. The excellent restaurant, Kandahar, serves Indian food with a creative twist.

Editors' Note: Due to the terrorist incident in November 2008, not all rooms and facilities at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower are currently open.

Since it opened over a century ago, the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower has been the haunt of India's beau monde. Built in 1903, it is an architectural marvel, bringing together Moorish, Oriental, and Florentine styles. Panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India complete the picture. Inside, the hotel showcases contemporary Indian art alongside beautiful vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, graceful archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers, and an eclectic collection of furniture. There are 565 rooms, including 46 opulent suites. The service, as you might expect, is impeccable. Facilities include the Harbour Bar, Mumbai's first drinking establishment, and the Insomnia nightclub, filled with Bombabes and their millionaire escorts.

This five-star hotel has 292 rooms, including 20 executive suites. The standard rooms are decent, but it's worth springing for one of the executive rooms or suites, all on the higher floors. These come with breakfast and offer a breathtaking view of the harbor or city. The hotel service is excellent, as is the buffet breakfast. There is an Italian restaurant, the Trattoria, as well as a coffee shop. The pretty pool is a great place to relax after a tiring day bargaining for souvenirs. The hotel has an excellent location, conveniently close to the city's main business district and a short taxi ride from the Gateway of India.