The Cottage

The central garden and balconies around it made The Cottage feel much more homely than other budget places I've seen in Mumbai. The whole building has one consistent design, even though The Cottage is a hotel chain sharing it with Subash Lodge and an apartment on the top floor. I loved the vintage style, which I prefer to tacky modern decor. The rooms aren't large, but they're comfortable and clean, and the manager and staff were lovely. There's laundry service, and the area felt quite safe. Cafes, restaurants, shops, parks, walking lanes, and the nearby Metro line made the location especially convenient. I miss the place and will definitely visit again. I was in Chembur for a 17-day training program. After three nights at another newly opened hotel booked through MMT, I left because it felt claustrophobic and had a children's hospital below it. I know Mumbai real estate is very expensive, so hotels in this price range are often stacked together or share buildings. I'd been looking at The Cottage online and went to see it in person. The on-site booking price was lower than the prices on booking pages.

I’ve only stayed one night so far and used the place just to sleep, so I can’t comment on the food or other arrangements. It’s an inexpensive option that could suit someone travelling alone. The staff seemed courteous, though I only spoke with them for 2-5 minutes at 1:30 AM. The bathroom is a bit small, and the room had a well-maintained AC. Non-AC rooms are available too. I’d suggest it if you’re solo and just need somewhere to crash for a few hours at night.

You can find daily essentials around The Cottage lodge Chembur, which is on railway station road, and transport is available at all hours. Saroj restaurant nearby is a good place to eat. The lodge is well maintained and the staff are cooperative, but the room rate feels high for the facilities. Booking online costs more, though going in person might get you a more pocket-friendly deal.

At least my room was clean and well groomed, which was the one good thing. The rest of the stay was unpleasant. The manager initially refused to give me the room I had booked a week earlier, then checked his records and finally assigned one. Staff would come into the room without knocking. If you like bread, be ready for stale slices straight from the freezer. Not a pleasant stay at all.