A bonafide boutique hotel in the heart of Colaba, Abode recreates the final years of the British Raj, with cool, teak- or tile-floored rooms full of colonial and art deco furnishings and interesting artworks. The location is perfect for exploring South Mumbai, and the hotel benefits from being off the main drag, tucked away behind the historic Regal Cinema.

Each floor has its own theme at this boutique hotel located just behind Apollo Bunder. Decorated in Mediterranean, Scandinavian or country cottage styles, the rooms are charming without being twee, with plenty of modern gadgets and positively 5-star bathrooms. There's also a bar and the popular Poly Esther's nightclub onsite. Light sleepers should avoid rooms adjoining the club.

A Mumbai institution since 1903, the Taj has played host to Maharajas and monarchs, movie stars and media moguls. Built in striking Indo-Saracenic style, this grand hotel was extensively damaged during the 2008 terrorist attacks, but an artful renovation has removed all traces of the disaster. For more than a century, this has been the epitome of luxury in Mumbai, with graceful vaulted ceilings, tall archways, fine carpets and crystal chandeliers. The Taj also houses some of Mumbai's best restaurants, plus luxury shops, a nightclub, and outdoor pool, gym and even its very own fortune teller.

Set back from bustling Colaba Causeway, the Ascot is a small hotel with high standards. Set in a typical art deco Mumbai block, the rooms are modern and uncluttered, and decorated with subtle colours. They also boast generous bathrooms with bathtubs. The staff are friendly and obliging, and the location is ideal for exploring South Mumbai.

A comfortable resort-style hotel along lively Juhu beach, the Bawa Continental offers neat rooms, some with grandstand views over the beach and Arabian Sea. Although a hike from the historic centre, Juhu is much calmer than Fort or Colaba, with plenty of upscale restaurants and bars within walking distance. Rooms have TVs, air-con and Wi-Fi (for a charge), and there's a Starbucks on site.

The atmosphere in Fort is a bit less frantic and a bit more business-like than in Colaba, and the Residency makes a perfect base from which to explore. Rooms are modern and comfortable and decorated in calming colours, with pictures of historic Mumbai on the walls. There's also a cute little café, where breakfast is served.

Slightly faded but welcoming and popular, Bentley's has been hosting budget travellers for decades. Spread across several buildings on Oliver Street, Henry Road and J.A. Allana Marg, rooms come in all shapes and sizes. The simplest are small and ordinary; more expensive rooms in the Oliver Road building have polished floorboards, colonial furniture and grand balconies overlooking a park.

Rooms are compact but tastefully decorated at this inexpensive 30-room hotel in a handy location in Fort, just a short hop from Victoria Terminus and Horniman Circle. For a reasonable price, you'll get a TV, air-conditioning and an en suite bathroom. There are numerous dining options on the neighbouring streets.

Set on a leafy road in Fort, Traveller's Inn has just 21 rooms, which are small but clean and excellent value. There are inexpensive dorms and better private rooms, and the staff are friendly and accommodating. There's also free wireless internet access in the lobby. Located close to many good value restaurants.