6-Bed Mixed Dorm
- 1 Bunk bed
- Shower
- Air conditioning
Hostel · Mumbai · Maharashtra
Backpacker Cowies
A well-rated hostel in Colaba, Mumbai, close to the Gateway of India and other sights, with a strong emphasis on social spaces and helpful staff.
- Central Colaba location near attractions
- Rooftop and lounge areas for socializing
- Highly rated staff and service
8
Great
1419 reviews
Booking.com 8 · 1419 reviews
About
Backpacker Cowies
Backpacker Cowies is a 2-star hostel on Walton Road in Colaba, Mumbai's lively heritage district. It sits about 3.1 km from Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai and within easy walking distance of landmarks like the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace. The hostel is adults-only, with 24-hour reception and security, and provides Wi-Fi in public areas.
The property blends a vintage house look with modern conveniences: air-conditioned dorms and private rooms, shared kitchen, a TV lounge, board games, and a rooftop terrace with garden furniture. Housekeeping and laundry services are available, and the front desk can help with local tips, tours, and SIM cards. Guests consistently highlight the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the relaxed, social atmosphere.
- Non-smoking rooms
- Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Adults only
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
5 reasons to book- Excellent location in Colaba — Guests repeatedly mention the hostel's central position, within walking distance of the Gateway of India, Colaba markets, and the Taj Mahal Palace, and close to public transport and dining options.
- Friendly and helpful staff — Many reviews single out the front desk and housekeeping teams for their warmth, local knowledge, and practical assistance, from tour bookings to SIM card setup.
- Clean, comfortable rooms — Guests note clean bathrooms, comfortable beds with linen and pillows, and modern rooms with AC. Housekeeping is consistently mentioned as thorough.
- Great social and chill-out spaces — The rooftop terrace, 4th-floor lounge, and common areas are frequently cited as highlights, with a cozy, relaxed vibe and a vintage yet contemporary look.
- Strong overall value — With competitive prices and consistently positive feedback, guests feel they get good value for money, especially considering the location and amenities.
–
Worth weighing
5 to weigh- Adults-only policy — The hostel does not accept children, which may not suit travelers with families.
- No pets allowed — Guests traveling with pets will need to look elsewhere.
- No on-site parking listed — Parking is not mentioned in the provided data, so guests relying on a car may need to find alternative arrangements.
- Shared bathrooms in most rooms — Most dormitory and even some private rooms list only a shower, implying shared facilities, though the Superior Private Room includes a bathtub.
- Check-in window ends at midnight — Check-in is strictly from 14:00 to 23:59, so late-night arrivals may not be accommodated.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Deluxe Double Room
- 1 Double bed
- Shower
- Air conditioning
Superior Private Room
- 1 Double bed
- Shower
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Bed 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- 1 Bunk bed
- Shower
- Air conditioning
Bed 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- 1 Bunk bed
- Shower
- Air conditioning
Bed 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- 1 Bunk bed
- Shower
- Air conditioning
Bed 8 Bed Female Dormitory Room
- 1 Bunk bed
- Shower
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Bed 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- 1 Bunk bed
- Shower
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- 24-hour security
- Adults only
- Luggage storage
- Lift
- Air conditioning
Food & Drink
- Shared kitchen
- Electric kettle
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
Entertainment
- Leisure/ TV room
- Flat-screen TV
- Board games
- Game room
Services
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Fax/Photocopying
Safety & Security
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
- Key access
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 8/10 from 1,419 reviews
Booking.com · 8 · 1419 reviews
8Verified guest“The location is central and great for seeing the sights around Colaba. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, offering useful tips about the city. The bathrooms are modern, rooms are comfortable with AC and cable TV, and the Wi-Fi is fast.”
8Verified guest“My stay exceeded expectations. Comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, and staff who gave excellent advice. Chill-out spaces and good Wi-Fi, I highly recommend it.”
8Verified guest“Fantastic stay. Perfect location, with the Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace, and Colaba markets just a short walk away. Staff were incredibly helpful and friendly, and the affordable guided tour was a bonus. Dorms were clean and cozy, with lights and sockets at each bed. Filtered water and a kitchenette, plus help getting a local SIM card.”
8Verified guest“Great location in Colaba. Comfortable bed, with charger point, light, and locker in the dorm. Clean common areas and a well-equipped kitchen. Easy access to the metro and nearby sights like the Gateway of India. Staff, including Poorva and Amish, were friendly and helpful, with good eating-out suggestions. A relaxed, pleasant atmosphere where you can meet people from different walks of life.”
8Verified guest“Extremely clean facilities in a lively but not overwhelming area. Taxis to the station are cheap, and there are plenty of good, affordable food options. The atmosphere is cozy and calm, with a vintage yet contemporary look. The rooftop and 4th-floor hangouts are great, and instructions for guests are helpful.”
8Verified guest“The location is excellent, near tourist attractions and eateries. Rooms are clean and well-equipped. Staff are friendly and helpful, offering services like laundry and parking. The chill-out area and rooftop are nice spots to relax with a view.”
04 — Location
Getting around Mumbai
The property sits in Mumbai.
Colaba: The hostel sits in the heart of Colaba, a historic neighborhood known for its bustling markets, cafés, and colonial architecture. Guests can walk to the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace in minutes, with plenty of food options nearby.
15, Walton Road, Colaba, Mumbai, 400 001, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400001, India
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 14:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 11:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 45 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:59, and check-out is at 11:00.
Are children allowed at the hostel?
No, Backpacker Cowies is adults-only, so children are not accommodated.
Are pets permitted?
Pets are not allowed at the property.
Does the hostel offer parking?
Parking is not listed among the amenities or policies, so it's best to contact the hostel directly to arrange any parking needs.
What room types are available?
The hostel offers a range of dormitory rooms (mixed and female-only, in 4- to 8-bed configurations) as well as private rooms, including a Deluxe Double and a Superior Private Room with a bathtub.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and guests often mention good connectivity.
The bottom line
Backpacker Cowies is a standout choice for budget-conscious solo travelers and groups looking for a social, well-run hostel in the heart of Colaba. Its fantastic location, helpful staff, and clean, comfortable rooms are consistently praised by guests, making it a safe bet for a Mumbai stay. The main drawbacks—adults-only policy, no pets, and limited late check-in—are clear trade-offs for the value and community feel.
8Best for solo travelers and duos who want a friendly base in Colaba.
Ready to book Backpacker Cowies?
Tap through and we’ll open our booking partner’s site, with live prices and availability for your exact dates.
No payment on this site — you complete the booking on our partner’s site.