Sherman's Travel

Expert Review

In 2008, Pakistani terrorists attacked various sites across Mumbai, including The Oberoi and the Taj Mahal Palace & Towers. In the weeks that followed, no one knew what would become of the hotels, which had been considered gleaming symbols of the nation’s burgeoning prosperity. Even P.R.S. Oberoi, the chairman of the storied group, said he didn’t know whether his flagship hotel could be salvaged. So the significance of the fact that The Oberoi, Mumbai not only reopened last April, but also emerged more magnificent than ever, cannot be overstated. (The Taj, meanwhile, enjoyed an equally glorious reopening in August.) Mr. Oberoi, 81 and in charge of 31 hotels across five countries, personally oversaw the hotel’s $45 million restoration. He scaled down the number of rooms from 330 to 287 to make each more spacious.

The flagship and Mr. Oberoi’s favorite in his collection of luxury properties throughout India and Mauritius displays modern art in the lobby and hallways, plucked from his personal collection, and the gleaming white lobby floor is made from marble tiles he personally selected from the Greek island of Thassos. Even the exotic fish flitting around in clear glass bowls on the tables at Fenix were chosen in a very deliberate manner – they had to have red tails, to match the red floral arrangements in the restaurant. The newly renovated 73 suites and 214 rooms are luxuriously appointed with the latest technological comforts. Furthermore, he overhauled security and installed a screening system that even he must pass through upon entering the hotel. For restaurants, the hotel added Ziya, a nouveau-Indian eatery under celebrated chef Vineet Bhatia. 2010 Smart Luxury Award winner

Tags: luxury | smart splurge | expensive | smart luxury winner