Hotel Fariyas

Unexpectedly Sweet

by GitaP about Fariyas Hotel

This a hotel on Arthur Bunder Road in Colaba a short walk away from Harbour Front. Executive rooms face the Harbour . We had a room ocverlooking a side street which I preferred as it gave be a voyeuristic view into the lives of mumbites and at night the ribbon of lights on Marine Drive. The room we had was fairly big with a good sized bathroom. Best of all was the service at this hotel: friendly, helpful staff and a cheap laundry service! The little bar was fabulous and provided a cool refuge from the Indian heat and humidity. The conceierge and doorman were great at securing us taxis and ensuring that we were given the right rates. They also made bookings at restaurants. The breakfasts were adequate but not really representative of what a similar hotel may offer in the price range. I got very ill here and the hotel management were outstanding - called the doctor and even ensured that the ambulance that I was taken to hospital in was the one covered by my insurance. It has a good pool and I loved the location becuase the Colaba causeway was literally around the corner. Theres also a hige temple neraby well worth the visit as well as several coffee shops.

Decent Place for a Drink in Bombay

by Paul2001 about The Tavern Pub at the Fariyas Hotel

India is not a country full of great bars however there are a few in Bombay. I ate one night in the Colaba district and found this bar nearby as recommended in my guidebook. It was actually a pretty good bar with lots of friendly locals, loud and good music and videos. It was one of the few bars in all of India where I saw Indian women drinking beer. Therefore Western women should not feel uncomfortable here if they are looking for a night out. Casual

Is this Cairo, Mexico City, Caracas or Sao Paolo

by cochinjew

"Warm welcome from Unexpected Sources"

Arriving after a long flight from Paris ( flight time only 8 hours 36 minutes ) but delays added to the trip, checked into Fariyas Hotel in Colaba.
The first thing I noticed was that the receptionist had a familiar name Hanif Q.. so i ranted and raved about Hanif Qureishi the british writer. The receptionist said his name was also Hanif Qureishi. I had reserved a Deluxe room and he said, I will upgrade you to an Executive room, Sir. That was nice of him and the view is of the bay and pleasant.
What was even more pleasant when entering the hotel during the daylight hours, to be greeted with a Havana Club Sign, this has to be a sign of Good Luck, I thought to myself and wished Jefe Castro Good Health and I shall drink a havana club at the Tavern tonight to toast him.

"Good to arrive at midnight"

Not certainly Rio de Janeiro!
I was very clearly reminded of VS Naipauls comment on his drive to the hotel ( he stayed at the Taj of course) from the airport.. it was like reliving that first few sentences of his book An Area of Darkness

Khandala & Lonavala

by shalin

"Weekend Getaway"

A quick getaway accessible from both Bombay and Pune.Fly in to either Bombay or Pune,and rent a car to Lonavala/Khandala(only abt 5kms apart and considered as one getaway!)
The journey is best by car,and it takes about 2.5hrs from Bombay and about 2hrs from Pune.
These hillstations located on the Western Ghats,are experienced best during the rains!The weather is absolutely fabulous!!:)

The Dukes Retreat at Khandala and The Fariyas Hotel at Lonavala are 2 great hotels!I would recommend The Dukes Retreat though because of the fabulous views of the hills and better facilties.The rooms are great,and the entire environment just makes your holiday more special.The cuisine is delicious too!!

While in Lonavala,just walk around(with your raingear!),visit the nearby Bhushi Dam,and just soak up(and in!) the monsoony environment.Also visit the nearby Tiger's Point and Karla Caves.
Lonavala is also known for its special sweets-known as 'chikkis',which can be made out of peanuts,coconut etc.Try,and then buy from the innumerable stores in the Lonavala Market.
Also,Don't EVER leave Lonawala without Fudge(my fave is chocolate walnut) from Cooper's!!!
Mmmm...I would travel to Lonawala just for it!:)
Hope you have a great getaway!:)

Pics from rediff.com

"Pics!"

Beautiful Khandala!
Just don't drive off the hills,while you're checking out the fabulous view!!!!!!:)

Breathtaking!