Ever wanted to live like royalty? At Sofitel BKC I learnt the glory of traditional French Heritage and the magnificence, beauty and luxury of a world-class hotel, all at an unexpectedly affordable rate.
Location
Found home in the heart of the mushrooming business hub ( also houses the world�s largest Diamond Bourse) for the country�s financial capital, Sofitel is Located in the new Central Business District of Mumbai aka The Bandra Kurla Complex, and has easy access to major highways and tourist attractions in North and South Mumbai. It is also advantageously located to provide convenient access to both the domestic and the international terminals of Mumbai�s Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
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Lobby - Sofitel Luxury Hotel BKC Mumbai - Picture Credit Rupali Dean[/caption]
Design
Everything about the hotel thrills me, designed by renowned French designer, Isabelle Miaja; the hotel has a presence like no other. Isabelle has competently joined French culture with Indian tradition. All 14 storeys of the hotel whisper class and elegance with a touch of edgy, sharp boldness and confidence. The use of angular glass, natural marble, intricate chandeliers, gold & diamonds, stately furnishings, and other bespoke design elements form a signature design style for the hotel.
Rooms & Suites
With 198 Luxury Rooms, 73 Club Mill�sime Rooms, 8 Junior Suites, 22 Prestige Suites, and one lavish Imperial Suite, the hotel offers a plethora of accommodation choices that are thoughtfully planned and well-appointed. My Luxury room was a perfect blend of French elegance and Indian culture. Sofitel's trademark MYBED; an all feather bed combined with an extra light down duvet invited me to sink in for a restful sleep.
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Luxury Room - Sofitel Luxury Hotel BKC Mumbai - Picture Credit Rupali Dean[/caption]
The theme of the two cultures was evident in my room with Indian motifs outlining curtains, windows and lining the ceiling. The artwork in the rooms was a unique collection of prints under the banner of "a Tale of Two Cities". Enhancing the luxurious experience, my room featured a flat-screen LCD TV, complimentary broadband internet access, fully stocked mini-bar; 24 hour room service; international newspapers, nightly turn-down service and luxurious French bathroom amenities. The whole ambience conveyed luxury, privacy and originality galore.
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Prestige Suite - Sofitel Luxury Hotel BKC Mumbai - Picture Credit Rupali Dean[/caption]
Food & Beverage
As I stepped in the lobby, it revealed a world full of wonders within - a buzzing reception area with hip young people hopping about efficiently; a designer restaurant and bar, just beyond the reception, past a delicate water-feature, one finds oneself entering "Le Bar Diamantaire" which attracts attention as it sports a majestic floor-to-ceiling Wine Tower. The intimate space is enhanced by two unique elevated pods that are installed to provide special seating for a private rendezvous, while enjoying an incredible view of the
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Le Bar Diamantaire -Sofitel Luxury Hotel BKC Mumbai - Picture Credit Rupali Dean[/caption]
"Pondicherry caf�" which is an All Day Dining and I was truly impressed with the four live counters offering the best of Asian, Indian and French delicacies. For lunch my favourite venue was the typically Parisan "Artisan" and it served fine handmade chocolates, house smoked charcuterie, freshly baked breads and the authentic cheeses from the old and new world ?Absolutely decadent. My vote goes all out to the Macaroons and the Turkey and cream cheese Bagel. The vegetarians can rejoice as the Sofitel houses an only Vegetarian Dining Bar called "Tuskers"; name inspired by the most regal of creatures, the merciful vegetarians - the Elephants. The food is a perfect alliance between a cuisine that is light and traditional, or inventive and refined. The wine cellar houses a fine repertoire of wines and the bar offers a range of exclusive and rare single malts, as well as classic cocktails. "Jyran", the Tandoor dining and lounge creates a theatrical experience by exaggerating objects� where many of the elements are inspired from Bollywood The menu is a medley of North West frontier highlights - Kebabs, Tandoori items, Biryanis, Indian curries, Indian lentils and famous breads. There couldn't have been a more peaceful retreat than "L'OH-pool & bar" for an evening drink or champagne whose serene open air space overlooking the calm swimming pool provided me with a sort of tranquillity within the heart of the city, yet away from its hustle and bustle.
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So SPA_Golden Drops of Luxury - Sofitel Luxury Hotel BKC Mumbai - Picture Credit Rupali Dean[/caption]
So�.Spa
On a dedicated floor sprawling over 6,000 square feet, the spa hosts 6 treatment rooms. Of these, one is the exclusive couple�s spa area with a private Jacuzzi and more. The So SPA promises a unique personal experience: original music and exclusive signature treatments, with products from L�occitaine, famous French brand.
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So SPA_Treatment Room- Sofitel Luxury Hotel BKC Mumbai - Picture Credit Rupali Dean[/caption]
I went in for a So Exhilarating massage and the soft and gentle strokes put me into a peaceful snooze, a reason why this massage is particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to shut eye.
So�.Fit
And for the ones who can�t do without the daily workout, there is So FIT, the brand�s trademark fitness label, which works around the busy traveller�s hectic schedule. I found here state-of-the-art Cardiac machines, Spinning area, Kinesis Wall, free weights and more, to ensure that the guest can pick from an array of fitness options. All machines are equipped with a personal TV, games, I-pod port and internet. What caught my fancy was the Kinesis Wall, a unique functional fitness station. It gave me a total workout, enabling 360-degree body movement.
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L'Oh Pool -Sofitel Luxury Hotel BKC Mumbai - Picture Credit Rupali Dean[/caption]
Staff And Service
I loved the uniquely French kind of luxury hotel service. The staff seemed aware that guests at the world�s grand hotels not only expect exquisite and impeccable service, but also an exceptional cultural identity. I have never experienced before such luxurious hospitality, Friendliness, discretion and attention to detail.
At A Glance
What: 21st Century luxury with a uniquely French flair
Where: C-57, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra (East) Maharashtra 400 051 MUMBAI (+91)22/61175000 - (+91)22/61175001
Website: www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-6451-sofitel-mumbai-bkc
Meeting Facilities: The dedicated 2nd floor of meeting space with 8 meeting rooms is designed to allow a wide range of event styles. A full-size and full-service Business Centre and Loft Kitchen - Innovative cocktails and coffee break around an interactive kitchen, encompass the offerings on this floor. All meeting rooms are equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and wireless Internet access.
Verdict: French luxury at its best- MAGNIFIQUE!






