The welcome
Sandwiched between two of Mumbai's best-loved neighbourhood restaurants, Olive Bar & Kitchen and Out of the Blue, the three-storey Le Sutra hotel is one of Mumbai's most interesting new hotels. A large mural outside by Baz Luhrmann, the award-winning director of Romeo and Juliet and Moulin Rouge, and a very high-up sign are the only indicators on this predominately residential street that a hotel lies within. Upon entering the artistic theme starts in earnest with an Indian-themed concept reception.
The neighbourhood
Located in Bandra, an area synonymous with Bollywood stars, this area of Mumbai is an antidote to bustling and touristy Colaba. First-time visitors may feel a little far away from the action, but for those already in the know, it's a fantastic locality. There are plenty of auto-rickshaws and taxis around ready to zoom off to nearby cafes, boutiques and bars - not to mention Mumbai's new organic market. The new Bandra-Worli sea-link bridge has cut the journey time for getting back to central Mumbai.
The service
Personal and attentive. Staff can proficiently advise on where to eat, drink and party, as well as help with onwards travel. I had broken a zip on one of my bags and mentioned this to the receptionist; on the same day she had taken the bag to get it repaired and charged me just a few rupees for it. I had also absentmindedly left some keys and an iPod inside the bag, which she had kept safe for me.
The room
Indian mythical themes such as love, purification and sensuality provided the inspiration for the 16 uniquely designed rooms. My room, on the "Rajas" floor, was spotlessly clean and came with free and fast Wi-Fi, a huge plasma TV screen, handcrafted furnishings and off-the-wall decor. I felt instantly at home and appreciated the reasonably priced minibar and laundry service. The rooms are cool and quiet, just the way rooms in Mumbai need to be, and are below a large exhibition space on the top floor that often houses art shows and other events.
The food
Guests need to pop downstairs to Out of the Blue for breakfast, which is included in the room rate. The meal should not be skipped, as there is a truly eclectic menu on offer. As well as the usual muesli and continental choices, there are also Oyakodon-style omelettes and Indian dishes to choose from such as idli, upma, paratha and anda bhurji. For lunch, the delicious seafood in wasabi horseradish is a firm favourite (285 Indian rupees; Dh22). For dinner, it is wise to opt for one of the different sizzlers; the grilled polenta and spinach one is recommended (INR375; Dh30). For dessert, walk through to Deliciae, the adjoining cafe. It is run by the master-creator and head chef Bunty Mahajan, who has trained at Le Cordon Bleu in London and Paris.
The scene
Bandra, known locally as "the queen of the suburbs", is both chi-chi and costly, and this is reflected in the clientele at Le Sutra. The hotel is still establishing itself, yet there is a definite upmarket, if bohemian, vibe. Artists, philosophers and writers were involved in shaping the concept of the hotel, and it attracts many of its guests from that milieu, as well as a conspicuous number of models and their entourages.
Loved
The neighbourhood vibe. It can be difficult to interact with locals as a tourist in a big city but here, where there are far fewer visitors, you can really get to know interesting and friendly Mumbaikars. Hated The small, metal shutter-style lift up to the rooms. If you are travelling with a lot of luggage it will be a squeeze, or if you are at all wary of lifts it may be a little nerve-wracking.
The verdict
This hotel is a breath of fresh air for Mumbai. With only one other independent boutique hotel of note in the city, it is a great alternative to the big five-star chains. The bottom line Double rooms start at INR12,000 (Dh945) per night, including breakfast and taxes. Le Sutra, 14 Union Park, Khar (West), Mumbai 400 052 (www.lesutra.in; 00 91 22 2649 2995).