Sahara Star

I went there with a colleague. A young waiter served us and he was so incompetent that it made us laugh (no offence to the guy). But the food was very good. They wouldn't let us smoke and drink wine while in smoking room ! ( though i think that's a gov. rule) The milk shake was not good.

There is a saying that marriages are made in heaven, but I have witness one in Hotel Sahara Star, situated on the East side of Vile Parle, near Domestic Airport. This dome shaped 5 star hotel was one destination that I wanted to visit, and it happened in April 2013 when an invite to a wedding landed on my table. The hotel was designed like the Roman Colosseum. Rooms were all around, while the hollow center held all the activities ? shopping, restaurants, poolside, etc. Guest could stand on the common balcony (more of a gallery) and spend hours enjoying the view of the arena. The marriage was held at the poolside. The whole place was elegantly decorated with great ambience and had a capacity of around 250 people. There was a lavish spread of North Indian, Continental, Oriental Cuisines to satiate your appetite added with 5 to 6 kinds of cakes, Gulab Jamun, Ice Cream, Labri, Gelabi, etc to tickle your sweet tooth. The experience was awesome.

The close proximity to the domestic airport is a big plus if you are rushing through Mumbai. I did not have the time to actually enjoy the hotel as I arrived at three am and left by 12 noon. But even that early the staff were friendly and efficient.

I have been staying in 5 star hotels from past decade or so. But Sahara Star is truly a star. The rooms are spacious , the guest service is excellent and so is the decor of the room. The restaurant Namak offers you excellent choice of indian cuisine.

Chose it due to location to domestic airport. Had heard it was being renovated, but this should be informed on the web page and in their emails clearly, and should be reflected in much much lower prices. As it is an airport hotel I presume many rooms will be used for single occupancy. I was one person and they put me in a room with two beds. I don´t normally mind two beds if they are at least 1,35m wide, but these were beds of 90 or 80 cm. I cant remember the last time I slept in a bed that size. I arrived at 10 pm and was leaving at 0800 am, and was given the furthest room from the elevator. This does not make sense! I did notice that there were rooms empty nearer. Complimentary wifi was advertised, but this was a very slow wifi, and higher speed had to be paid for. Carpets in corridor smelt very very bad. I know they are under renovation, but something like this should be dealt with. Reception staff was good, and airport drop off service was efficient (no bus, and cars available as you arrive: domestic airport is less than 2 minute drive). They have tried to put some smart home technology, but the controls for lights and A/C were of a very low quality, and had to press very hard and firmly to be able to get a reaction. Desk chair and chairs of coffee table were all very cramped up. MIssed a shower box. Curtain of bath was very very smelly of humidity. Fundamental to change system. Towels were not fluffy enough for a 5 star.