Great — here are Mumbai hotels that consistently get called out for the best “social” atmosphere (rooftop bars, lively lobbies, poolside scenes, local crowds). Short reason + what they’re best for and one citation per pick so you can check details.

• Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai — Aer (34th‑floor rooftop bar). Best for dramatic sunset skyline views and a lively rooftop crowd. (fourseasons.com)
• The St. Regis Mumbai — ASILO (high‑floor rooftop lounge). Best for a glamorous rooftop party/dining vibe and skyline views; popular with Mumbai’s nightlife crowd. (therooftopguide.com)
• InterContinental (Marine Drive) — Dome. Best for classic Marine Drive/“Queen’s Necklace” sunset views and a relaxed, romantic rooftop lounge. (Arrive early at sunset; it gets busy.) (businesstraveller.com)
• The Taj Mahal Palace (Colaba) — Harbour Bar / Sea Lounge (high tea & lobby scene). Best for iconic, historic atmosphere, high tea by the sea and tourist‑friendly social spaces. (tajhotels.com)
• Taj Lands End (Bandra) — lively atrium/lounge + poolside bar. Best for Bandra’s celebrity/bollywood crowd, big lobby energy and a buzzy pool terrace. (tajhotels.com)
• JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu — beachfront pools & pool bars. Best for a beachy, resorty social scene (good for day parties, pool hangs and Juhu nightlife access). (marriott.com)
• Trident, Nariman Point — sea‑view bars and lobby (Marine Drive). Best for dramatic harbour views from a classic Marine Drive address and steady evening crowd. (tridenthotels.com)
• The Leela Mumbai — poolside bars, late‑night bars and event nights. Best for hotel‑scale nightlife, big events and an upscale party/restaurant scene. (telegraph.co.uk)
• Abode Bombay (Colaba boutique) — cosy, design‑driven boutique with café/lounge. Best if you want a small, friendly, culturally local hangout in South Mumbai (near Gateway of India). (ethicalescapes.org)

Quick practical tips

• Rooftop bars and sky lounges are