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Sahara Star Mumbai: A Real Look at One of Mumbai’s Top Airport Hotels
What Makes Sahara Star Special in 2025
Sahara Star Mumbai is a well-known 5-star hotel located right opposite Domestic Terminal 1 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport. It stands out for its impressive design, especially the large glass dome in the center of the hotel, which is the largest clear-to-sky dome without pillars in the world. It also features a beautiful indoor lagoon and unique aquarium dining.
Whether you’re visiting Mumbai for work or on holiday, this hotel offers comfort, location, and great service under one roof. It’s been around for years and is still among the top choices for travelers looking for luxury near the airport.
Easy Access and Great Location
Sahara Star is located in Vile Parle East, just 760 meters from Domestic Terminal 1 and 5 km from Terminal 2. If you’re coming from the airport, it’s only a 5-minute drive. That’s what makes it so popular with business travelers and tourists.
Nearby spots include:
- Juhu Beach: 3.6 miles away
- Gateway of India: 22 km away
- ISKCON Temple: 10-minute drive
- Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital: close by
You also have shopping areas like The Bombay Store nearby and quick access to local buses and trains. The hotel provides shuttle services, but confirm in advance.
Design That Stands Out
This hotel is known for its bold and modern design. One of its main highlights is the huge clear glass dome in the center, which lets in natural light and gives a peaceful, open feel. Inside, there’s a 55,000 sq. ft. tropical lagoon with greenery, giving the space a calming vibe.
Other cool features:
- Marine aquarium with a private dining room inside it
- Three glass elevators offering lagoon views
- Fusion of Indian and modern design elements
The building has won many awards for its architecture and interior design. Guests often mention the beauty of the space as soon as they enter.
Rooms and Suites Overview
Sahara Star has 372 rooms, including 24 suites across different categories. All rooms are non-smoking and come with modern features.
| Room Type | Size | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Earth Lagoon Room | 409 sq. ft. | Balcony, lagoon view, rain shower |
| Venus Premier | 550 sq. ft. | City view, bathtub, skylight |
| Venus Premier Suite | 1,100 sq. ft. | Living room, 2 balconies |
| Uranus Suite | 1,001 sq. ft. | Lagoon view, motorized curtains |
| Neptune Suite | Large | Rain shower, spacious interiors |
| Saturn Suite | 3,340 sq. ft. | Duplex, 2 bedrooms, private elevator |
In-room facilities include: flat-screen TV, minibar, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, mood lighting, and more. Some rooms may show signs of age, but the space and comfort still earn good feedback.
Dining at Sahara Star
There are five major dining options, each serving different cuisines:
- The Earth Plate: Global buffet with live cooking stations
- Mabruk: Lebanese and Mediterranean food on a wooden deck by the lagoon
- Ocean Private Dining: Dine inside a marine aquarium. Great for special dinners
- Manuhaar: Indian flavors from Awadh and Hyderabad
- 24-hour coffee shop and lounges: Casual snacks and drinks
The breakfast buffet is a guest favorite. While some say prices are high, many appreciate the quality and variety.
Facilities and Services
Sahara Star isn’t just about rooms and food. Here’s what else is on offer:
- Juvana Spa: Massages, wellness therapies, Jacuzzi
- Jean-Claude Biguine Salon: French hair and beauty services
- Swimming Pool: Outdoor, surrounded by plants
- Gym and Yoga: 7,500 sq. ft. fitness center
- Business Center: 24-hour access, fast internet, printing
- Event Halls: Sahara Sapphire (55,000 sq. ft.), Jade Ballroom (10,000 sq. ft.)
- Theater: 40-seater for private screenings or events
Other services include airport transfers, valet parking, babysitting, and concierge help. Some guests feel the service could be faster during busy times.
Event Hosting at Its Best
If you’re planning an event, Sahara Star has multiple options:
- Sahara Sapphire: Holds up to 1,000 guests, no pillars, ideal for big functions
- Jade Ballroom: Smaller but still grand, perfect for mid-sized events
- Boardrooms: For business meetings and smaller gatherings
From weddings to corporate seminars, many events are hosted here yearly. The hotel team helps with event planning, catering, and tech setups.
Guest Ratings and Feedback
Here’s how Sahara Star is rated in 2025:
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Justdial | 4.4/5 (57,498 reviews) |
| MakeMyTrip | 3.96/5 |
| Goibibo | 4.1/5 |
| Tripadvisor | 4/5 |
| Trivago | 9.4/10 |
Positive reviews mention:
- Great location
- Unique design
- Good food
Common complaints:
- Slow service during peak hours
- Maintenance issues in some rooms
Nearby Attractions
Staying at Sahara Star makes it easy to explore Mumbai:
- Juhu Beach: Enjoy street food and sea breeze
- Gateway of India: Must-see historical spot
- Bombay Store: For shopping unique souvenirs
- ISKCON Temple: Peaceful and spiritual visit
The hotel’s location helps guests make the most of their trip while staying in comfort.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices depend on season and day of booking. Here’s a general idea:
| Type | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard Rooms | ₹7,500 – ₹13,000 per night |
| Discounts | Up to 35% off in July or on weekdays |
Booking platforms like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, and KAYAK offer deals with free cancellation. Check-in is at 2 PM, and check-out is by 12 PM. Late check-out may cost extra.
Awards and Recognition
Some awards Sahara Star has received:
- Best Business Hotel, Today’s Traveller Awards 2013
- Best Convention Hotel, Asia Pacific Hotel Awards 2012
- TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2012
- Times Food Guide Awards (2008-2016)
Things to Improve
While most guests have a good experience, there are areas where the hotel can do better:
- Faster service during busy hours
- Maintenance work in some rooms
- Pricing can feel high for the quality in some cases
Still, it remains a solid option for luxury near the airport.
Final Thoughts: Is Sahara Star Worth It?
In 2025, Sahara Star Mumbai continues to be one of the top luxury hotels near the airport. With stylish rooms, great food, a relaxing spa, and helpful staff, it’s a great pick for both short and long stays. Some services can be better, but overall, it gives you good value for a 5-star experience.
If you’re looking for a hotel near Mumbai airport that offers something unique and comfortable, Sahara Star is worth checking out.
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I’m Devansh Patel, and I write about everything related to Mumbai and Pune. From the latest news and events to popular hangouts and local stories, my articles cover the essence of both cities. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, my goal is to provide you with useful and engaging content to help you explore these vibrant cities. Stay tuned for more updates!