Your stay — Forrest Hostels
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The Property — Forrest Hostels
Forrest Hostels is a no-frills, laid-back hostel in Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus area, with a warm, communal atmosphere and a DIY vibe that suits solo travelers and backpackers. The lobby is a cozy space with a mix of reclaimed wood and colorful decor, and the staff are always up for a chat. It's a great spot to meet fellow travelers and get insider tips on the city. Don't expect luxury, but you'll find clean, functional rooms and good Wi-Fi.
Chronicles of Mumbai
Mumbai, formerly Bombay, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was a small fishing village. The city's growth accelerated under British rule, and it became a major port and commercial center. Today, Mumbai is a bustling metropolis with a unique blend of colonial architecture, Art Deco skyscrapers, and street art. The city's cultural identity is shaped by its Bollywood film industry, street food scene, and vibrant markets like Chor Bazaar. You can still see remnants of its colonial past in the Gateway of India, a iconic landmark built in 1924.
Best Time to Visit
Full Mumbai guide →Best months
The best months to visit Mumbai are October and November, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are manageable. The summer months can be unbearably hot, and the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, so it's best to avoid them. Between December and February, the weather is mild and cool, but it's peak tourist season, and prices for accommodations and tourist attractions are higher.
Peak / festival surge
July is a peak month in Mumbai, thanks to the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, a 12-day celebration of art, culture, and music that attracts large crowds. Hotel prices are higher during this time, and popular attractions like the Gateway of India and Marine Drive can get crowded. It's a great time to experience the city's cultural scene, but be prepared for the heat and chaos.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder months of March to May and September to November offer a good balance of pleasant weather and smaller crowds, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers. You can find discounts on accommodations and tourist attractions during this time, and the weather is mild and sunny.
Weather & packing
Mumbai's climate is characterized by high humidity and sudden rain showers, so it's essential to pack lightweight, breathable clothing that can be easily dried. Don't forget to bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho to keep you dry in case of unexpected rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Mumbai
- The Mumbai Metro has expanded its services, making it easier to get around the city without the traffic. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) museum has reopened its revamped premises, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's history and art. The city's street food scene is evolving, with many new food trucks and stalls popping up in popular areas like Colaba and Bandra.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Forrest Hostels, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
On the higher floors, such as 10-15, you'll have a better chance of avoiding street noise from the busy Mumbai roads. Request a room on the south side of the floor for a view of the city skyline, although keep in mind the views may be partially obstructed by the building's layout.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance on the ground floor or near the lift on any floor, as this area tends to be noisier due to staff activity and occasional deliveries.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Mumbai means that the views from the rooms are largely obstructed by surrounding buildings. You may catch glimpses of the city skyline, but it's not a guarantee.
Quietest floors
Floors 10-15 are likely to be quieter, given the hotel's layout and the fact that they're higher up. You may still hear some noise from the lift, but it's generally less than on lower floors.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the busy Mumbai roads and the constant hum of the city can be heard throughout the hotel, but it's more pronounced on lower floors. Be prepared for some background noise from the hotel's own operations, such as the lift and service entrance.
Insider tips
Request a room with a balcony, as this will give you some fresh air and a slightly better view of the surrounding area. If you're sensitive to noise, consider asking for a room with a window on the north side of the floor, as this may be slightly quieter due to the hotel's orientation.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Forrest Hostels
Free Wi-Fi throughout, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but some stairs-only sections in the heritage wing
Free PressReader access on all devices, no physical papers available
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 14:00, ₹ 500 fee
Available 24/7, ₹ 100 per bag per 24 hours
Step-free access, wheelchair-accessible entrances, but some rooms have structural limitations
On-site parking available, ₹ 500 per night, nearest public car park is ₹ 300 per night, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ₹ 150 per night (mandatory)
Deposit & card hold: ₹ 500 advance deposit + ₹ 1,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: St. Joseph the Worker Church (513 m · ~6 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Sitla Mata Mandir (736 m · ~9 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Shiv Mandir (777 m · ~10 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Shree Radha Krishna Mandir (821 m · ~10 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Jio World Drive — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
Joggers Park — 283 m · ~4 min walk
Nature Education Centre — 2.5 km · ~31 min walk
Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir — 2.3 km · ~28 min walk
Shivaji Garden — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 571 m · ~7 min walk
Bhatia Clinic — 482 m · ~6 min walk
Deepak General Store — 788 m · ~10 min walk
Bandra Colony — 470 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
You can exchange currency at airports or banks, but rates are often poor. Try using ATMs or mobile wallets for better rates.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Contactless payments and mobile wallets like Paytm or Google Pay are also popular.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 10-20 rupees for small services is considered polite.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of tea or filter coffee costs around 20-30 rupees at a local chai stall.
A plate of vada pav or pani puri from a street vendor costs around 50-70 rupees.
A thali meal at a local restaurant costs around 150-200 rupees.
Street food areas to try are in Chowpatty Beach, Mohammed Ali Road, and near Crawford Market.
Local supermarkets like Reliance Fresh and Spencer's Retail are common in this area.
Affordable shopping options are available at street markets like Chor Bazaar and Linking Road.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local buses, which cost 5-10 rupees per ride. A day pass for the metro costs 60 rupees.
Buy snacks and drinks from street vendors to save money. Negotiate prices at markets and shops. Avoid using taxis and opt for local transportation instead.
Good to know — Mumbai
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹95.44 · INR
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Mumbai, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Forrest Hostels
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 571 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Bhatia Clinic — 482 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Domestic Airport Station → Andheri Station (Line 1)
💡 Most economical option for locals. Metro connects to Andheri Station; hotel is 1.5 km walk or short auto-rickshaw ride from station.
Airport Junction / Various city points → Andheri West / MIDC Area
💡 Cheapest option but crowded during peak hours. AC buses available (higher fare). Use Citymapper app for route planning.
Any Mumbai location → Radisson Hotel Mumbai Andheri MIDC
💡 Contact hotel concierge for pre-booked transfers - slightly pricier but guaranteed availability and comfort. Useful for late arrivals.
Indira Gandhi International Airport / Domestic Terminal → Radisson Hotel Mumbai Andheri MIDC
💡 Use Ola or Uber for airport transfers - safer and more reliable than street taxis. Surge pricing applies during peak hours (7-10 AM, 6-9 PM).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Forrest Hostels?
On the higher floors, such as 10-15, you'll have a better chance of avoiding street noise from the busy Mumbai roads. Request a room on the south side of the floor for a view of the city skyline, although keep in mind the views may be partially obstructed by the building's layout.
Which rooms should I avoid at Forrest Hostels?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance on the ground floor or near the lift on any floor, as this area tends to be noisier due to staff activity and occasional deliveries.
Is Forrest Hostels noisy?
Street noise from the busy Mumbai roads and the constant hum of the city can be heard throughout the hotel, but it's more pronounced on lower floors. Be prepared for some background noise from the hotel's own operations, such as the lift and service entrance.
Which rooms have the best views at Forrest Hostels?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Mumbai means that the views from the rooms are largely obstructed by surrounding buildings. You may catch glimpses of the city skyline, but it's not a guarantee.
What are insider tips for staying at Forrest Hostels?
Request a room with a balcony, as this will give you some fresh air and a slightly better view of the surrounding area. If you're sensitive to noise, consider asking for a room with a window on the north side of the floor, as this may be slightly quieter due to the hotel's orientation.
What time is check-in at Forrest Hostels?
Check-in at Forrest Hostels is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Forrest Hostels have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Forrest Hostels?
₹ 150 per night (mandatory)
Where can I eat cheaply near Forrest Hostels?
A plate of vada pav or pani puri from a street vendor costs around 50-70 rupees.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Forrest Hostels?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local buses, which cost 5-10 rupees per ride. A day pass for the metro costs 60 rupees.
When is the best time to visit Mumbai?
The best months to visit Mumbai are October and November, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are manageable. The summer months can be unbearably hot, and the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, so it's best to avoid them. Between December and February, the weather is mild and cool, but it's peak tourist season, and prices for accommodations and tourist attractions are higher.
Top Attractions in Mumbai
💡 Go early morning (6-8 AM) to avoid tourist crowds and street vendors; you'll see fishermen and ferries.
💡 Come at sunset for the best light; the stretch near Nariman Point is quieter on weekdays.
💡 Visit in late afternoon for cooler air and fewer people; the nearby Kamala Nehru Park has a giant shoe structure for kids.
💡 Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds; the garden café is a quiet spot for chai.
💡 The museum's café serves affordable snacks; check for free guided tours on Sunday mornings.