• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

By Root 2265 0

South India’s first five-star “Ecotel” (an international collection of vaguely environmentally responsible hotels) Raintree is in every respect a classy joint, with elegant rooms, excellent (though relatively pricey) restaurants, a hip bar-lounge, and great city views from the top floors and rooftop pool area (not quite as sexy as The Park’s, but views, rooms and atmosphere in the rest of the hotel are better). The deluxe category is small but adequate—do however try to book one on the fifth floor (sixth and seventh floors are reserved for club and suite category); not only for the views but noise (Havana, the basement lounge-bar is a popular party venue). The hotel’s location, in quiet, affluent Alwarpet, is also a bonus, with mature trees taking the edge off the concrete surroundings, yet near enough to the throbbing city chaos (just off TTK Road and a block from Chamiers). Personally, we think it’s a better bet (and value) than The Park.

120 St. Marys Rd, Alwarpet, Chennai 600 018. 044/2815-6363. Fax 044/2815-6969. www.theresidency.com. restowers@vsnl.net. 105 units. Rs 8,500 double deluxe; Rs 10,500 Club double; Rs 15,000 suite. Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 3 restaurants; lounge-bar w/dance floor; airport transfer (Rs 1,047 including taxes); doctor-on-call; fitness center and spa; rooftop pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV, DVD on request, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs125/30 min.).

The Residency Towers This comfortable hotel plays runner-up to Lemontree as the best-value hotel in town; it’s a little more pricey, but depending on what you want to do in the city, it’s downtown location is convenient (though personally I’d opt for the more personal Footprint B&B). Book a room on the 11th floor (the only nonsmoking floor, with standard rooms); book a Residency Club room and they’ll throw in a complimentary airport transfer (though you can get a taxi for a great deal less than the additional Rs 1,700 this will run you). Room decor is pretty bland and basic—clean and functional is what you’re paying for here. The pool area, surrounded by AstroTurf, is a little drab and unwelcoming but at least it’s there. Tip: Dining options here are not great; better to eat at the Copper Point, the in-house restaurant at neighboring hotel GRT Grand (the latter has slightly more luxurious rooms, by the way, with rates running at around Rs 3,000 higher; take a look at www.grtgrand.com); Copper Point offers great Indian fare at a buffet groaning with both South and North Indian dishes, and very good value at around Rs 300 per person. If you’re looking for a break from Indian, GRT Grand also has a new Mediterranean restaurant: Azulia has been receiving rave reviews and is packed with locals as well as hotel guests.

Sir Thyagaraya Rd., Chennai 600 018. 044/2815-6363. Fax 044/2815-6969. www.theresidency.com. restowers@vsnl.net. 174 units. Rs 5,200 double standard; Rs 6,900 Residency Club double; Rs 8,400–Rs 20,000 suite. Rates include breakfast. MC, V. Amenities: 3 restaurants; restaurant-pub; doctor-on-call; health club; outdoor pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 100/hr.; Rs 500/day).

Taj Connemara This is a real city oasis, our favorite Chennai hotel by far, with discreet, efficient service yet radiating an atmosphere of leisure in this otherwise strictly business city. Although the exterior is very unprepossessing, enter and you are transported into another era (it’s been here since 1891, albeit much changed), with grand, gracious public spaces, wide corridors, and high-ceilinged rooms, all tastefully and luxuriously decorated. Book a room that opens onto the delightful lush courtyard where comfortable loungers are arranged around a large sparkling pool (deluxe rooms 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37 or heritage rooms 80, 82, 84 or 86)—this is the perfect place to recover after a bout of shopping at next door Spencer Plaza (or the many other Chennai options; see “Shopping,” below). Facilities are top-notch (pillow menus and the like), staff superb and food delicious: a recipe for total comfort.

Binny