The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Vile Parle

I want to thank Saroj sir for noticing my uniform problem and kindly offering to fix it before I even asked. I was shocked and touched by his humility. Looking into his kind eyes really moved me, since that sort of kindness feels rare these days. Please ask the hotel manager to recognize Mr. Saroj for his outstanding service and the care he always puts in. People like him are hard to find. I hope he gets something thoughtful in return, and continues inspiring others. His small gesture made a big difference to me. I wish him health, happiness, and success.

The hotel is only a brisk five minute walk from T1, and the housekeeping staff were prompt, though the property is aging. The rooms were cosy, and the bathroom was a good size with all amenities. There were four large bottles of water and plug points for different types, including US plugs. The price was a little premium. Food was especially good, both at the Boulevard and South of Vindhyas, and in-room dining was prompt too. One menu detail could be better: they should call non-vegetarian food "Asaivam" instead of labeling both fares "Saivam". The two single beds were very narrow. In my view, twin beds would have been better.

That huge waterfall falling from the top floor makes a cheerful first impression when you enter the lobby. I was here for business, and it's an easy walk from T1, about 800-900 meters. The rooms are spacious and the staff are friendly. There are four restaurants. Boulevard, the coffee shop, serves continental breakfast in the morning. Mostly Grills is on the roof, with a good airport view. Drinks are a bit costly, though it could be a romantic date spot. South of Vindhyas is on the ground floor and serves a good vegetarian breakfast, with dishes from Gujarat to Tamilnadu. I tried Suralichi Vadi ( Patra) and Fafda, and the Jilebi was tempting, but I held back. From Maharashtra there was Dadape Pohe, Thalipeeth, Kothimbur Vadi and Methi Toast. The southern options included different kinds of Dose and idli. The coffee was authentic too. It was a great experience.

The hotel is conveniently walkable from T1, about 650 m if you don't have heavy luggage. My flight was delayed by 2:30 hrs, so I reached Mumbai at midnight. It was my first stay here, for two nights on an official trip. The property is quite old, and that shows throughout the spacious room. The massive waterfall in the reception area looks impressive but makes the space noisy. Breakfast was decent and the dining room grand. The buffet dinner cost 2300 INR, which felt far too expensive and not worth it. Overall, it was a decent place to stay. They have a gym, but getting there feels a bit like trekking. It's compact and doesn't have much air circulation, though it has plates up to 10 kg and dumbbells up to 15 kg.