The first time I visited the Orchid Hotel was 2 years ago when my fiancée (now my husband) was trying his best to impress me in our courtship. He knew I loved flavored coffee and at that time the concept of coffee bars was not yet introduced in Mumbai. He proudly mentioned to me that he had discovered this amazing place which has a coffee bar boasting of atleast 20-25 flavored coffees. I was so impressed!!!! And to add to that he even stressed on the point that The Orchid is India’s first Ecotel hotel.. Not that I knew the meaning of the word ecotel at that time, I pretended to be doubly impressed by that.
The Orchid Hotel is situated right in the midst of a collage of hotels near the domestic airport ( approx 5-10 mins) in Mumbai. My first impression on entering the lobby was “wow! Now that’s what I call a waterfall!!”. It has this huge waterfall (man made though) right in the middle of the lobby which just takes your breadth away and is surrounded by the most beautiful orchids. I actually stood staring at it for a few minutes. As we entered the coffee bar (and that’s what it’s actually called) what impressed me was the casual seating with huge bar chairs surrounding the serving counter. Additionally all around there are these little tables with chairs which give you enough privacy if you need it. And of course a huge TV where you can watch your favorite music channel or cricket match while sipping delicious coffee.
The menu definitely boasts of a wide range of hot and cold coffees both plain and flavored. And they are all delicious!!!!! We have by now practically tried out all the flavors. Of course, the laced coffees are for those with a penchant for strong flavors. I would highly recommend the coffee black forest , the cappuccino and the irish coffee……if you are willing to experiment. (But the strangest thing being that after trying all the different coffees I always bring the evening to an end by polishing off a hot cup of our good old South Indian Coffee).
The first time we ordered our coffees we were delighted to find a platter of assorted cookies and chocolates to accompany it. But the second time we went we had to ask for it. So when you go be sure to mention it. They too are delicious. The prices range from Rs 50/- onwards. The Coffee bar is right now “our place” with our special seats being in the corner, diagonally in front of the T.V. where we have spent many evenings sipping some of the best coffees, getting to know each other at first to arguing endlessly on which color should the walls of our home be. It’s definitely a place to visit. ( we have even tried the mid-night buffet there...it’s not bad too)