How to get there
Jet AirwaysThe Indian airline, which has one of the world's newest fleets and offers some of the lowest fares on the market, operates one flight a day to Mumbai from Brussels, using a two-class Airbus A330-200. This service to the Indian city is code-shared with Thalys, so passengers can be picked up directly from Paris Gare du Nord to their final destination, Bombay, but also Delhi and Chennai, which are also linked by direct flights. Thalys stops at Brussels airport, offering excellent connections with Jet Airways flights. From Bombay, the airline offers several connecting domestic destinations, including Bangalore, served seven times a day by B737-700 and B737-800 two-class aircraft.
Tel.: 01 49 52 41 15
Internet : www.jetairways.com
Air France operates six direct flights a week between Paris and Bombay, as well as six services a week to Bangalore. All these services are operated by Airbus A330-200 four-class aircraft.
Tel.: 0820 320 820
Internet: www.airfrance.com
Air India offers seven direct flights a week between Paris and New Delhi, currently operated by three-class Boeing B777-300s which will be replaced in 2013 by brand-new Boeing B787 Dreamliners. From Delhi, there are connections to Bombay and Bangalore.
Tel.: 08 00 90 30 77
Internet : www.airindia.fr
Lufthansa flies daily to Bangalore via Frankfurt with Boeing B747-8 tri-class aircraft, including a first... A flight nicknamed the "Bangalore Express and used almost exclusively by business travellers.
Tel.: 08 92 23 16 90
Internet: www.lufthansa.com
Emirates operates twice-daily services between Paris and Dubai in three-class Airbus A380s, offering connecting flights to Bombay and Bangalore, which are served by five and three flights a day respectively.
Tel.: 01 57 32 49 99
Internet: www.emirates.com
BOMBAY
Four Seasons Mumbai
Opened in 2008, this sumptuous 202-room hotel took the gamble of establishing itself in Worli, in the north of the city. Proof of the success of this fast-changing business district: this is also where the future Shangri-La is due to open shortly. People frequent the Four Seasons not only for its unmistakable luxury, but also for the terrace bar Aer, with its magnificent view over the city, the sea and the Mahalaxmi racecourse. Bombay takes on a whole new meaning, even when you're nibbling on sushi, whose fish comes straight from Japan.
114 Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli
Phone: +91 22 2481 8000
Internet: www.fourseasons.com/mumbai
Taj Lands End Mumbai
Located in the north of the city, this luxurious jewel of the Taj line is the haunt of Bollywood stars who come to take a dip in the ultra-large swimming pool. But its 460 rooms will also welcome the business traveller, who will be able to get to his appointments easily, both in Bandra Kurla and in the south of the peninsula, thanks to the new Sea Link bridge, from which the views from certain suites are quite spectacular.
Band Stand, Bandra West
Tel.: +91 226 6681234
E-mail : landsend.mumbai@tajhotels.com
Internet : www.tajhotels.com
JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai
Guests come here first and foremost for its infinity pool overlooking the famous Juhu beach... But also for its 326 rooms offering the standard we are all familiar with, as well as its 12 meeting rooms spread over 1300 m2.
Juhu Tara Road
Phone: +91 22 669 330 00
Internet: www.marriott.com
The Trident Nariman Point
A neighbour of the luxurious Oberoi, of which it is the more business-oriented counterpart, the Trident is a large 555-room business hotel on Marina Drive, facing the Arabian Sea.
Nariman Point
Tel.: +91 22 6632 4343
E-mail : reservations@tridenthotels.com
Internet : www.tridenthotels.com
Other major business hotels
Westin Mumbai Garden City
International Business Park, Oberoi Garden City, Goregaon East
Phone: +91 22 6147 0000
E-mail : westin.mumbaigardencity@westin.com
Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com
Intercontinental Marine Drive
135 Marine Drive
Phone: +91 22 3987 9999
E-mail :marinedrive@ihg.com
Internet: www.ichotelsgroup.com
Vivanta President Mumbai By Taj
90 Cuffe Parade
Phone: + 91 22 6665 0808
Internet : www.vivantabytaj.com
Hilton Mumbai Airport
Sahar Airport Road, Andheri East
Phone: +91 22 2838 0000
E-mail : bomap.info2@hilton.com
Internet: www3.hilton.com
Budget hotels
Hotel Novotel Juhu Beach
This safe bet is located in Juhu, near the Bandra business district and just a few minutes from the international airport.
Balraj Sahani Marg, Juhu Beach
Phone: +91 22 6693 4444
E-mail : h6926-re@accor.com
Internet : www.novotel.com
Four Points By Sheraton Mumbai
Admittedly a little out of the way on the edge of the metropolis, in the Navi Mumbai business district, the Four Points is a hotel designed to meet the needs of the business traveller. It offers 150 rooms and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.
Plot 39/1, 6 To 15, Sector 30A. Vashi. Navi
Tel.: +91 22 615 87777
E-mail : reservations@fourpointsvashi.com
Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com
Hotel Residences
Taj Wellington Mews Luxury Residences
33 Nathalal Perekh Marg (Colaba)
Phone: + 91 22 6656 9494
Internet: www.tajhotels.com
Grand Residency
24th Road off Turner Road (Bandra)
Tel: + 91 22 67106000
Internet : www.grandresidency.com
Oakwood Premier Mumbai
29/1 JR Mhatre Road (Juhu)
Phone: + 91-22 6623 8888
Internet : www.oakwood.com
Restaurants
Tote on The Turf
Even though it's only three years old, this place is already a Bombay legend. Housed in the former betting hall of the Mahalaxmi racecourse, it is a must for design lovers. Its sleek trunk-shaped metal structure, designed by London architects Serie, evokes the hundred-year-old trees that still line the racecourse. People also come here for the contemporary-inspired Nawabi (Muslim minority) cuisine, or to enjoy a cocktail upstairs...
Mahalaxmi Race Course, Opp. Gate 5 & 6, Keshva Rao Khadye Marg
Tel.: +91 22 6157 7777
Internet : www.thetote.in
Olive Restaurant
This Mediterranean restaurant, with its fine wine list, may have a wiser décor than its neighbour Tote, but it too is inspired by the unusual setting of the Bombay racecourse. Here, diners sit on sofas facing a bay window that looks directly out onto the stables.
Amateurs Riders Club, Mahalaxmi Race Course, Gate # 8, K. Khadye Marg
Phone: +91 22 4085 9595
Internet: www.olivebarandkitchen.com
Jyran
In the heart of the Bandra Kurla business district, you can indulge in local flavours in this magnificent, intimate restaurant with a lovely terrace. Where you can taste some incredible Chardonnay... made in India.
C-57, Bandra Kurla Complex , Bandra (East)
Tel.: +91 22 611 750 00
E-mail : h6451@sofitel.com
Internet : sofitel.accor.com
The Pantry
This bright, immaculate, brand new place quickly became the canteen for business people and other bobos in the Kala Godha district. In this almost Brooklyn-style setting, fresh fruit juices from a local farm, teas from a farm in Karnataka and hams from Bangalore are served.
Yeshwant Chambers, Ground Floor, Military Square Lane
Phone: +91 22 9820 640 695
Internet: www.thepantry.in
Soma
In Sanskrit, this word means
"moon". It serves North Indian cuisine and succulent tandoori meats...
Off Western Express Highway, Santa Cruz
Tel.: +91 22 6676 1149
Email : restaurantreservations.ghmumbai@hyatt.com
Internet : www.mumbai.grand.hyatt.com
Pali Hill Village Café
A haven of bobo-tude in the heart of Pali Hill, a district populated by old, slightly dilapidated British mansions, but whose charm is not lost on Bollywood stars. In a post-industrial setting of concrete walls and iron folding chairs, behind a pretty frosted glass roof, you can eat European-style and feel like you're in New York.
602 Ambedkar Rd, Pali Naka, Bandra
Phone: +91 22 2605 0401
Out Of the Blue
A rendezvous for Bandra's golden youth, this is a wildly colourful Italian restaurant. Bonus: a large outdoor area for al fresco dining.
14 Union Park, Khar
Tel: + 91 26 00 3000
Internet: www.outoftheblue.in
Information
Economic mission - UbiFrance in Bombay
Wockhardt Towers East Wing, 5th Floor, Bandra Kurla Complex
Phone: +91 22666940 00
E-mail : inde@ubifrance.fr
Internet: www.ubifrance.fr/inde
Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry
French Bank Building 4th Floor, 62 Homji Street
Phone: + 91 22 6747 9764
E-mail : contact@ifcci.org.in
Internet : www.ifcci.org.in
Bombay chamber of commerce and industry
Mackinnon Mackenzie Building,
3rd Floor, 4, Shoorji Vallabhdas Road
Email : bcci@bombaychamber.com
Internet: www.bombaychamber.com
Business centres
Regus Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex
G/F & 1/F, Trade Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E)
Tel.: +91 22 4070 0700
Internet : www.regus.co.in
Vibgyor Towers
Level 7 and 8 Vibgyor Towers G Block C62 Bandra Kurla Complex
Phone: +91 22 4090 7000
Internet: www.servcorp.net
Bangalore
Hotels
Le Méridien
This flagship business hotel has been in Bangalore for many years, just a few minutes from the city palace and a vast golf course. The hotel has 197 rooms and suites as well as 13 meeting rooms, including a 600 m² function room.
28 Sankey Road
Tel.: +91 80 2226 2233
E-mail : leme@lemeridien-bangalore.com
Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com
Oberoi
Ideally located on MG Road, one of the city's main thoroughfares, the hotel has 160 rooms in a leafy setting. A special highlight is Le Jardin, a French-style restaurant much appreciated by business travellers.
37-39, Mahatma Gandhi Road
Tel.: +91 80 2558 5858
E-mail : reservations@oberoigroup.com
Internet : www.oberoihotels.com
Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway
After Le Méridien, the Starwood group's other mainstay in Bangalore is rising in a district undergoing major change, linked by a footbridge to both the World Trade Centre and the Orion shopping centre, the largest in the city. In all, 230 rooms and suites, plus an infinity pool overlooking the Iskcon temple. The hotel has eleven meeting rooms in addition to six restaurants and bar lounges.
26/1 Dr. Rajkumar Road,
Malleswaram-Rajajinagar
Tel.: +91 80 4252 1000
E-mail : sheraton.bangalore@sheraton.com
Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com
The Park
A pioneer of the boutique-hotel concept in Bangalore and a member of Design Hotels, the hotel opened its doors in 2000 and offers 84 rooms and 21 residential flats.
14/7 Mahatma Gandhi Road
Phone: +91 (0)80 2559 4666
E-mail : resv.blr@theparkhotels.com
Internet : www.theparkhotels.com
Ramada - Royal Orchid
This business hotel has carried the Ramada name since 2006, when the Wyndham Group signed a marketing agreement with Indian hotel operator Royal Orchid. It has 83 modern rooms, all with WiFi.
#11, Park Road, Near Indian Express
Tel.: +91 80 2286 5566
E-mail : info@ramadabangalore.com
Internet: www.ramadabangalore.com
in and around Whitefield
Alila
Inaugurated in 2011 in Whitefield, Bangalore's technology park, this business centre was designed by the London firm Allies and Morrison. Wood, glass and metal create a warm, designer atmosphere. In addition to its residential facilities, the hotel offers 101 rooms and 12 suites, as well as a recently renovated spa.
100/6, HAL - Varthur Main Road
Tel.: +91 80 2854 4444
E-mail : bangalore@alilahotels.com
Internet : www.alilahotels.com
Vivanta by Taj Whitefield
Once again, design and more design for this hotel, which marks the entrance to the ITPB technopark? In addition to its 179 rooms and 20 suites, the hotel boasts state-of-the-art facilities for MICE and business meetings.
International Technology Park Bangalore
Tel. : +91 80 6693 3333
E-mail : vivanta.whitefield@tajhotels.com
Internet : www.vivantabytaj.com
Novotel Bangalore techpark
Inaugurated in April 2012 and coupled with a state-of-the-art Ibis establishment, the 215-room Novotel Bangalore Techpark is resolutely modern, based on the brand's quality standards.
Opposite RMZ Ecospace Business Park. Marathahalli - Sarjapur Outer Ring Road
Tel.: +91 80 66705000
E-mail : h6453-re@accor.com
Internet: www.novotelbengalurutechpark.com
Hotel residences
Citadines Richmond Bangalore
No 1 Langford Gardens, Richmond Road
Phone: +91 80 7100 0001
E-mail : enquiry.bangalore@the-ascott.com
Internet : www.citadines.com
Oakwood Premier Prestige Bangalore
#24, UB City, Vittal Mallya Road
Tel.: +91 80 2234 8888
Internet: www.oakwoodasia.com
Restaurants
Samarkand
A rich and tasty cuisine, highlighting the gastronomy of the north-west of the country, has forged the reputation of this restaurant which has become a must in Bangalore. A speciality of the house, the kebabs are a sure bet for a business lunch or dinner in Infantry Road, the city's chic thoroughfare.
Gem Plaza, 66, Infantry Road, Tasker Town, Shivaji Nagar
Tel: + 91 80 41113366
Internet : www.bjngroup.in
Shiro
Among the various restaurants in UB City, a luxury shopping centre that attracts Bangalore's trendy young people, Shiro is particularly noteworthy for its meticulous, relaxing Oriental decor. On the terrace or under the high ceilings of a room decorated with bamboo and monumental statues, lulled by the murmur of gentle streams of water, you can sample Chinese, Korean and, above all, Japanese specialities. A quality address right in the heart of the city.
#222,3rd Floor, UB City 'Comet', Vittal Mallya Road
Tel.: +91 80 4174 7008
Internet: shiro.co.in
Toscano
Another culinary option available at the foot of the UB City tower, this Italian restaurant has become a popular meeting point for business people who love Mediterranean flavours. Pizzas of course, but also specialities such as caprese ravioli and an extensive wine list. Toscano now has a branch in Whitefield.
The Collection - U.B. City, Level II, Concord Block, 24 Vittal Mallya Road
Tel.: +91 080 4173 8800
E-mail : bruce_jansen@toscano.co.in
Internet : www.toscano.co.in
Olive Restaurant
This Bombay flagship also has a presence in Delhi and Bangalore, where chef Manu Chandra serves up excellent cuisine with a distinct Mediterranean flavour.
16, Wood Street, Ashok Nagar
Tel.: +91 80 4112 8400
E-mail : manu@olivebarandkitchen.com
Internet: www.olivebarandkitchen.com
Conference centres
Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC)
10th Mile, Tumkur Road Madavara Post
Phone: +91 80 6624 6600
E-mail : info@biec.in
Internet : www.biec.in
Karnataka Trade Promotion Organization (KTPO)
7th Road, Plot No. 121, Road No. 5, 2nd Phase EPIP, Next To SAP Labs (I) Pvt. Ltd.
Tel.: +91 80 2841 3463
E-mail : md@ktpo.org
Internet: http://www.ktpo.in/#
Business centre
Regus Bangalore Whitefield
2nd Floor, Prestige Omega, 104 EPIP Zone, Whitefield
Tel. : +91 80 4060 0600
Internet : www.regus.co.in
Information
Consulate General of France - UbiFrance
21 Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar
Tel.: +91 80 2214 1200
E-mail : inde@ubifrance.fr
Internet: ubifrance.fr
Practical guides
BOMBAY, Wallpaper, Phaïdon City Guide (2012)
SOUTH INDIA AND KERALALonely Planet (2012)
INDIAGuide Voir, Hachette (2012)
