Watson's Hotel (Esplanade Mansion) Mumbai
About
Watson's Hotel is one of the oldest surviving cast-iron buildings in the world. This five-story structure with its ornate iron framework was once Mumbai's grandest hotel, hosting distinguished guests from around the world.
Basic Information
Timings
Viewable externally 24 hours (building not open to public)
Entry Fee
Free (exterior viewing only)
Best Time to Visit
October to March
Place Type
Heritage
How to Reach
Located on Mahatma Gandhi Road (Esplanade) near Kala Ghoda. Walk from CST (10 min) or Churchgate (10 min).
By Metro:
The nearest metro station is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (0.5 km away) on the Line 3.
By Local Train:
The nearest local train station is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (0.4 km away) on the Central Line, Harbour Line.
Nearby Metro Stations
Metro stations within 5 km of Watson's Hotel (Esplanade Mansion)
Nearby Local Train Stations
Local train stations within 3 km of Watson's Hotel (Esplanade Mansion)
History
Built in 1869 by John Watson using prefabricated cast-iron components shipped from England. It hosted the Lumière Brothers' first film screening in India on July 7, 1896. The hotel later became Esplanade Mansion and is now a Grade I heritage structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Opening Hours
Viewable externally 24 hours (building not open to public)
Entry Fee
Free (exterior viewing only)
Type
Heritage
Best Time to Visit
October to March
How to Reach
Accessible via local trains to Malad station, short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride
Site of India's first film screening by the Lumière Brothers in 1896
One of the last remaining prefabricated cast-iron buildings in the world
The entire iron framework was manufactured in England and assembled in Mumbai
View from the outside only; the building is in a state of disrepair
Best appreciated as part of a Fort heritage walk
Photography from across the street gives the best perspective
Nearby Attractions
Other popular places to visit near Watson's Hotel (Esplanade Mansion)
Watson's Hotel (Esplanade Mansion)
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Mumbai Dabbawalas Experience
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Fort Precinct Heritage Walk
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Watson's Hotel (Esplanade Mansion), Kala Ghoda
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BMC Heritage Building
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Sports