Lonely Planet Review

Being the only hostel in town, the Red Shield Hostel always pulls in a crowd. Staff are friendly and there's usually an interesting selection of people in the common room. You have a choice of dorms or private rooms but rates include basic vegetarian meals, so the rooms aren't the cheapest in town.

International backpackers mingle with Indian families at the only truly cheap option in downtown Mumbai. It's slightly austere, but the dorms are always packed with travellers and the genders are strictly segregated. The hostel also offers large fan-cooled rooms with private (though not always attached) bathrooms, which are fine in the cool season, but hot and sticky just before the monsoon. There's a night watchman who acts as a go-between for Bollywood movie studios who are looking for extras. Dorm rates include breakfast while room rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner (sadly, there's no discount if you don't take lunch and dinner). Lockers are provided (bring your own padlock) and there's an Internet centre, drinks counter and guest phone. Note that check out is at 09.00 and you can only stay a maximum of one week.