Gulf Hotel Colaba

Gulf Hotel is in a very convenient spot, close to the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and Colaba Market, which made sightseeing and getting around easy for my family. We had a pleasant stay overall, and it felt like a good, safe family option for the price. Check-in was smooth, and the polite, responsive team was quick to help, especially appreciated while traveling with family. Our room was spacious, clean, and kept tidy each day. The bed was comfortable, the linens fresh, and the AC, Wi-Fi, and hot water all worked. The bathroom was hygienic enough, though the fittings and lighting could be better. The building is a little old, and some of the interiors could use an update. We also could have used better soundproofing. I’d recommend it to travelers looking for a convenient, clean, comfortable place. The area felt safe, and it worked well for families.

I had a very poor stay and wouldn’t advise families or anyone with children to stay here. The rooms are cramped like matchboxes, with no ventilation or exhaust. Without AC, the room gets suffocating, and it has to be set below 22°. Breakfast was the worst part of the service. The same three dishes, bread and butter, tea, and coffee were served every day; boiled eggs and omelettes cost extra. The counter staff were rude, sometimes saying refills had run out in the kitchen. They seemed to follow management’s direction, and could behave erratically. When I raised this with senior staff, they stayed quiet and offered no solution. The drain pipes were blocked during my stay. The AC temperature couldn’t be controlled, either because the remote didn’t work or the unit had a problem. They only changed my room after their technician confirmed the AC was faulty. There was a constant pungent smell in the room, lobby, and cluttered restaurant. They burned different aromatic things over coal to cover the stench. The bathrooms leaked from the ceiling and the fittings, and there were small insects and flies inside. The restaurant seemed to exist in name only, with nobody coming in to dine, while a full-fledged hukka bar opened after breakfast.

The front desk staff were rude, except for Samson, who tried to help us. The bald man seemed extremely biased toward Gulf tourists and wasn’t courteous when speaking to Indian nationals.

Rooms are neat and clean, though a bit cramped. The location is excellent, with major attractions within walking distance. Booking online can get you a very good price.