September 2024 | 814 words | 3-minute read
It’s a stifling 38°C morning in May. The din and clamour of Mumbai’s rush-hour traffic is overwhelming, but as the taxi pulls into the entrance of Ginger Mumbai, Airport, the city’s hubbub fades out. Even the heat seems turned down in this quiet, leafy lane near Mumbai’s domestic terminal.
Inside the lobby, my eyes are immediately drawn to the Tree of Life, a sprawling pillar of a bookcase. Stacked with the latest memoirs and all-time favourite works of fiction, its lit-up ‘branches’ arch gracefully over the ceiling; the reception, waiting areas, bar and restaurant all flow from and around this centrepiece.
The design
Flowing, fluid spaces define the visual appeal of this 371-key hotel, whose unassuming grey steel and glass façade gives way to bright pops of warm colours (think, a bold orange polka dot carpet), vivid print-on-print upholstery, and a youthful exuberance, all of which imbue the interiors with a functional elegance. On one side of the Tree of Life is the reception area with its colourful, woven decal — spelling ‘live in the fast lane’ — setting the tone for the dynamic, energetic vibe that runs through the hotel. The tree also spills into the networking zone peppered with private booths, tables and cosy corners.
There’s a seamlessness about the décor, mirroring the design philosophy that allows guests to effortlessly blend work and leisure in vibrant, contemporary spaces. The reception area trickles into the networking zone, which in turn seeps into an inviting. On the Run snack and beverage bar for guests in a hurry, and, finally, the signature all-day diner, Qmin. The woven decal theme continues in the restaurant, which is bright and welcoming with its light wood chairs and leather upholstered benches. The showstopper is the skylight that floods the restaurant with a cheerful brightness, offering clear views of airplanes taking off.
The rooms
My Luxe Queen room continues the illusion of an oasis in the heart of a bustling city. The garden outside the window soothes the senses even as the accent wall, with a sketch of the Gateway of India against a sunset, reminds you that you are, in fact, in Maximum City.
The ‘single lady’ rooms — situated next to the elevators and equipped with an in-room video intercom — are designed to put solo women travellers at ease. All rooms (Luxe Twin, D-Luxe Queen, D-Luxe Twin and Executive Queen) embody the brand’s new lean luxe philosophy — compact yet well-appointed, and employing all manner of multifunctional, space saving hacks, such as a closet that doubles up as a luggage rack or a rolling table that slides over the sofa. And yet, the room offers all the amenities you would expect from a top-tier hotel — a television, mini refrigerator, tea/coffee maker — and, in a touch of luxury, glass cloches stocked with chocolates and dry fruits, and a glass of chilled coconut water as a welcome drink.
Streamlined indulgence
The hotel introduces travellers to the mid-scale brand’s new lean luxe design and service philosophy. This contemporary approach aims to deliver refreshingly efficient experiences that are quirky, intuitive and smart, while also prioritising convenience and comfort. One of India’s first budget hotel brands, Ginger is set to launch similar large format hotels near Bengaluru and Goa airports and has upgraded two-thirds of its hotels with the new lean luxe philosophy.
Food and drink
Qmin, its all-day diner, offers local and international specialties. The creamy, aromatic, melt-in-the-mouth kheema served with warm, pillowy pav bathed in butter melted in our mouths, while the spiced cottage cheese tacos with fresh mango salsa had a satisfying crunch. Don’t miss the Malvani fish curry, a local delicacy of kingfish in a tangy coconut curry.
In the evening, head to Sports Bar, where tan leather ‘football’ chairs and long sofas create intimate zones. Bar snacks include steamed and salted edamame for the health conscious as well as conventional crispy favourites. Most days, there is a singer crooning softly — except when sports events are streamed live on a large screen.
Location
Given its proximity to the airport, business districts and expo centres, the hotel is targeting business travellers, families and transit quests (day rooms are also on offer). Events can be held in the 3,000sq ft banquet hall or any of the three multi-use, smart meeting rooms; the attached service area even has a foosball table. Eco-friendly travellers will be happy about the EV charging stations and the fleet of EVs available for rent.
With an emphasis on personalisation and constant engagement with guests, Ginger Airport, Mumbai, is a welcoming space, where the boundaries between work and play are blurred. From space-efficient room designs to high-quality essentials, every aspect reflects the hotel’s focus on functional luxury, allowing guests to experience upscale comfort at an attractive value.
Rooms begin at Rs 5,799 per night.
—Anuradha Anupkumar
Lean Luxe Life
