Lansdowne House, a slim building in the heart of Colaba, was once the home of Baghdadi Jewish merchant and philanthropist David Sassoon in the early 20th century. A hundred years later, its quarters are still full of life and chatter, thanks to Abode Bombay—a boutique hotel housed in the building—and the visitors it draws. The hotel is living out its second life after being a guesthouse for three decades. The 25-room establishment has been defined by a personal touch since its revamp in 2013.

Particularly noteworthy is Abode Bombay’s curation of events over the last seven years, ranging from secret suppers and vinyl listening sessions, to discussions on heritage and design. “Our goal is to provide a glimpse into the unique character of Mumbai,” says Abedin Sham, owner of the Abode line of hotels, which also has outposts in Sri Lanka. “We understand that a city is shaped by its history, people, and creative expressions, and we aim to deepen our guests’ understanding beyond the typical tourist attractions.”