Grand Space

Alan D’Mello checks out the Grand Hyatt, the latest hotel to hit Mumbai

Day 14. Guest 187. Room 1162. There is a certain romance associated with making new tracks when staying at a new hotel. The sense of exploration, being ahead of the pack, in a place in metamorphosis tingles the senses. I sure relish the rush.

The Grand Hyatt Mumbai is a work in progress, and it shows (only if you look carefully). For now just 249 of the total 590 rooms, including the 149 strong apartment complex, have been made available as part of the strategy to gradually open in step with the ever increasing interest in the grand project. The sections which are up and running; the first two floors, three of five restaurants, the main section of the banqueting services and the fitness centre, are top notch. By July, general manager Josef Kufer promises to have the entire hotel running at full service. Until then, the business centre, the America steak 'M' restaurant, the auxiliary MICE services and the enormous shopping and entertainment complex attached to the property, are on maximum priority for completion by May.

The Grand Hyatt Mumbai is right up the alley for the stylish yet no nonsense businessperson. Take a map as the almost endless corridors of this square courtyard styled hotel does take getting used to. The most outstanding feature of the room is its interpretation of the bathroom. Intended as a closet with a floor to ceiling sliding door, the lovely large bathroom actually contains the closet and separate areas for the shower, water closet and a deep set bathtub. The placement of the shower outside of the bathtub eliminates the need for hurdle jumping. The inset bar in the in-room passage too wins my vote. More than the staid mini bar, this one also has three draws; two of which are stocked with big brand snacks, chocolates and mints. Your own bar accessories like the ice bucket, stirrers and glassware complete the set-up. For the early riser and for the hangover, the hot pot for strong coffee is thoughtfully placed on the two glass shelves over the bar for easy access.

During reservation, ask for courtyard rooms for the best view and the larger king beds if you are a tall person. The Grand Club rooms on the first floor have direct access to the promenade around the imposing waterfall via a sliding door opening onto your very own patio. Since everything, including the breakfast (US $10 at the Italian Celini) and the two-way airport transfer (US $35) is charged, it may make economic sense to opt for Grand Club service. For a premium fee, guests get a free breakfast in the special lounge and unlimited use of Internet access, not to mention separate check and dedicated concierge services on the floor. Transport is still charged.

Happy exploring.