NRI Visiting Mumbai? Why a Serviced Apartment Beats a Hotel or Staying with Relatives

Many NRIs come home to Mumbai for a few weeks at a time: for weddings, family visits, property work, medical check-ups or simply to spend time with ageing parents. Staying with relatives is lovely for a few days, but for longer visits many families now prefer a place of their own nearby. A serviced apartment is often the easiest answer.

Why not stay with relatives?

There is nothing wrong with it, but a long stay can stretch everyone. Space is often tight in Mumbai homes, routines clash, and with jet lag you may be awake when everyone else is asleep. Your own apartment, close to family, gives everyone breathing room.

Why not a hotel?

A hotel works for a few nights. For two or three weeks, a hotel room feels small, there is no kitchen, and eating out every day gets tiring. A serviced apartment gives you a home with a kitchen, a living area and housekeeping.

What NRIs usually need

• Space for the family: a one-bedroom, or a larger apartment for four.
• A kitchen: to cook familiar food and host relatives for tea.
• Fast Wi-Fi and a desk: to keep working in your home time zone.
• Self check-in: international flights often land at night. Read how self check-in works.
• Flexible dates: plans change when family is involved.

Choosing the right area

Stay close to the family you will see most. If your family is in the western suburbs, Khar West is central: Bandra is 10 to 12 minutes away, BKC 12 to 15 minutes and the airport 20 to 25 minutes. Read where to stay in Mumbai to compare areas.

Before you land

1. Switch on international roaming or plan to buy a local SIM.
2. Set up a UPI-enabled bank account or wallet if you have one, or carry a card that works in India.
3. Save your accommodation’s address and phone number offline.
4. Plan your airport transfer.

Combining your visit with medical check-ups

Many NRIs use their trip for health check-ups or treatment for themselves or their parents. Lilavati, Holy Family and Hinduja (Khar) hospitals are all close to Khar West. See our medical treatment checklist.

Staying for a month or more

For long visits, ask for a monthly rate. Rudraya Homes offers furnished studios and one-bedroom apartments in Khar West for stays from one night to several months. See monthly stays.

Questions for NRIs visiting Mumbai