A Picturesque AirBnB in Royal Palms, Goregaon East

My scepticism about Airbnb as an individual from an older generation, who was switching from paper to digital, was abolished after my first experience! With all the frequent visits to Mumbai, I noticed my hotel bills skyrocketing. I thought to myself, ‘comfort and hygiene don’t come cheap! But then I noticed something quite intriguing on my Facebook and Instagram feeds – they were littered with homestay pictures that were way better than most of the 3-star hotels in India. And that’s when I knew I had to give Airbnb a go!

I was captivated by the mesmerising pictures I saw on social media, so I decided to give Airbnb a shot for my upcoming extended travels to Mumbai. It was an easy process: I registered for a free account and spent the next few hours scrolling through the plethora of properties listed online. It was a delightful experience the first time around, but after a couple of more visits, the charm started to wear off. I finally settled on Goregaon East as my preferred destination – and for good reason! After living in Mumbai for the past 20 years, I knew the city’s roads and busiest routes like the back of my hand. What’s more, most of my itinerary involved either visiting Navi Mumbai or downtown South Bombay.

After what felt like a never-ending search on the Airbnb App, I eventually stumbled upon this Royal Room in Royal Palms – a place that had all the charm, style and elegance I was looking for. Some may think that Royal Palms is not very accessible – but let me tell you, the transportation options are just great! An Uber or an Ola cab were easy to get, and all I had to do was call for one 15 minutes in advance.

From this Lake View apartment, the Western Express Highway was only a 15-minute drive away and the Eastern Express Highway was a 25-minute drive away. What more could I ask for? If you time your departure just right, you can experience the sheer joy of driving along the Aarey Colony Road in Mumbai! It’s one of the least-trafficked roads in the city, and its lush green beauty is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable journey. I certainly had a great time travelling back and forth, and I’m sure you will too!

This 3BHK furnished apartment located in the majestic Lake-View Building at Royal Palms, just a stone’s throw from Powai, offers one of the most spectacular views of Vihar Lake. On the third floor, you can witness mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, while being enveloped in the lushness of the surrounding forest. To ensure your safety, the building has a secure security system. In fact, when I first arrived, the watchman called the owner to make sure she was expecting a guest, before unlocking the glass gate and guiding me to the elevator! The enclosed lift with its small glass panel slowly creeps through a repetitious pattern of floor-wall-floor. But the mundane sequence takes a jazzy twist with a mellow instrumental playing in the background, until it abruptly stops as you reach your destination floor.

As soon as you step off the elevator, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful sight: wall art that will lead you to the door of Pooja’s Airbnb! Open the door and you’ll be welcomed by Morocco, the cutest Shih Tzu pup. What a sight! Step inside and you’ll be amazed by the grandiose living room. From the exquisite sofa to the elegant wooden chairs, you’ll be surrounded by luxury. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and explore! 

As I took in this L-shaped living space that extended into an open kitchen on the right, with a bedroom to the left and a compact balcony, two bedrooms, and an open kitchen to the right, I was struck by just how spacious it was – a rarity in the bustling city of Mumbai. Even more impressive was the fact that one of those bedrooms offered a stunning view of Vihar Lake. All the while, Pooja, the apartment’s owner, quietly observed me with an inquisitive gaze.

With a milky complexion hidden beneath her masculine physique, Pooja, who had rocked a short haircut, stood near the dinner table, puffing on a weed joint, and filling her stein with a frosty beer. I knew right then that it was the perfect opportunity to break the ice! I was delighted to find such a chill accommodation, run by an even chillier host. Without wasting any more time, Pooja showed me the room I was about to stay in! This great room, with an attached bedroom, had a large, queen-size bed, a wooden wardrobe, a fancy LED TV, air conditioning, several charging points and complimentary toiletries.

Gazing into the floor-to-ceiling french windows of the Western wall, I was mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty that my eyes beheld. For the following two weeks, I was blessed with a picturesque view that I awoke and fell asleep to. Along with this, I had the pleasure of getting to know my Airbnb host, Pooja, a passionate and caring person who started this business to share her corner of the world with kindred spirits.

Pooja isn’t just a side-hustler; she uses Airbnb as a means to reinvent herself, connecting with new people and experiencing life to its fullest. Rather than being motivated by profits, she is an incredible host and a warm-hearted soul who cherishes the opportunity to share her life with the world. Conversing with her opened my eyes to new outlooks and possibilities. During my stay, we would often find ourselves in fits of laughter or deep conversation, or simply admiring the serenity of Aarey – Mumbai’s beloved wildlife sanctuary – from the comfort of the balcony.

As I soaked in the beauty of my surroundings, I felt a sense of inner peace. Pooja has carefully listed all three different rooms separately on Airbnb, so you’ll have to read the description closely if you’re looking to book the lake facing room. However, I would recommend any one of the rooms: the stunning views from each will leave you in awe no matter which one you choose!

Even though breakfast/lunch and dinner weren’t part of the package, Pooja was an absolute life-saver by hooking me up with a delicious morning meal! Whenever I was at home, I’d order take-out from the nearby restaurants and luckily, I had the help of Zomato and Swiggy to help me get all the necessary info. But that’s not all – the best part about Pooja is that she’s always willing to go the extra mile for newcomers to the city, providing advice and guidance when it comes to food and sightseeing. Talk about hospitality! She owns another 3BHK on the 2nd-floor, where she can host up to 6-10 guests at a time. Now that’s what I call service!

When I set off to stay at Pooja’s Airbnb, I had no idea what an incredible experience was in store for me! By the time I left, it had become my second home. I think I finally understand what Pooja meant when she said she loves to share her world with people. If you’re lucky enough to be able to stay here, make sure you don’t miss out on the breathtaking Mahakali Caves, a unique landmark that is near and dear to the Mumbai locals.

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