Watson's Hotel

Watson's Hotel, now known as the Esplanade Mansion, is India's oldest surviving cast iron building.

Constructed in 1867 during the British Raj, it was originally conceived as a luxury hotel.

The hotel has been featured in several Bollywood films and is a significant part of Mumbai's cultural landscape.

Despite its historical significance, the building is currently in a state of disrepair and is not open to the public.

It is said that Jamsetji Tata decided to build the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel after being refused entry to Watson's Hotel due to his race.

Location: Mumbai City district

Inception: 1869

Architect: Rowland Mason Ordish

Official opening: 1869

Material: cast iron

Source: Wikimedia