Residency Hotel is housed in a four-story building that's situated at the apex of two tree-lined roads. The sidewalk entrance leads to the lobby, which features marble and granite floors, finely upholstered armchairs and sofas with elegant, curved wooden legs, and a striking circular mirror. Guests gather in the colorful lobby lounge to watch TV, and in the all-day cafe, which has traditional Indian art on the walls, and large windows overlooking the street. The hotel tends to draw couples and other leisure travelers looking for an affordable stay that's central, with a handful of added perks. 

Residency Hotel has an excellent location in the heart of the Borabazar Precinct on busy DN Road. The surrounding area has a movie theater, shops, restaurants, bars, and numerous British Colonial buildings. Public transportation is convenient, with Hutatma Chowk bus stop just a five-minute walk away, and Churchgate train station, roughly a 10-minute walk. The 19th-century Gothic Revival Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station, once known as Victoria Terminus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and about seven minutes from the hotel on foot.  

As for other sights, the 280-foot Rajabai Clock Tower is just east of the green expanse of Oval Maidan Park, 10 minutes on foot from the hotel. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum), housed in an Indo-Saracenic building, is about a 15-minute walk. The Gateway of India monument and Elephanta-Mumbai ferry on the harbor are about 12 minutes via public transit, while Taraporewala Aquarium and Chowpatty Beach are about a 23-minute ride. It's roughly a 60-minute drive to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, or more with traffic. 

Guest rooms at the Residency are tidy and comfortable, with modern, eye-pleasing decor. Soft, all-white linens don beds that are accented with shimmery shams and runners in shades like gold or plum. Light-wood paneling and colorful, framed prints on walls give the look further dimension. Rooms get ample natural light from sizable windows, which are dressed with Roman shades. 

All units are well-equipped with flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, china cups, free instant tea and coffee, mini-fridges, safes, hairdryers, and free Wi-Fi. Club Residency rooms add stereos. Bathrooms are sleek, with distinctive square- or cylinder-shaped sinks, and there are stall showers with rainfall showerheads. Rooms look out to the street, and some guests complain of noise. Also, some units are quite small, although they're not excessively so by Mumbai hotel standards.

Guests give Residency Hotel's free hot buffet breakfast a big thumbs up. It offers a range of items, including eggs cooked to order, dosas, cereal, toast, fruit, and other Indian and Western fare. There's also a cafe that's open all day, and serves Indian and continental cuisine, plus tea, coffee, and baked goods. The lobby lounge has a flat-screen TV, magazines, and a foot massage chair that's free for guests to use. Other amenities include 24-hour room service, with light snacks and beverages available, and a 24-hour front desk with tourist assistance. Wi-Fi throughout and on-site parking are free. Airport transfers can be arranged for an extra charge.