Mumbai, West India, India

Surveying the dramatic arc of Back Bay, the Marine Plaza is among the best situated of all Mumbai’s five stars – an accolade conventionally (but somewhat unfairly in our opinion) reserved for the Taj.

It’s famous for its five-storey atrium lobby and glass-bottomed rooftop pool, where you can sip mojitos and gaze across the bay from the terrace of an outrageously bling, white-themed bar. But the rooms are lovely; most face the sea and enjoy views sweeping from Nariman Point all the way to Malabar Hill.

The pricier suites are huge and finished in luxurious raw silk and satin. There’s a choice of smart bars and restaurants, among them a wood-panelled “English Pub” complete with Vanity Fair prints and a generous selection of single malts.

Our opinion

A good first class hotel with great sea views and easy access to sights, shopping and local restaurants.