India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [296]
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
No matter which way you look at it, if you want to see both the Sri Rangathaswamy and Brihadishwara temples, you’ll have to make do with a hotel in either Trichy or Thanjavur—a pity, because neither has exciting accommodations. Of the two, Thanjavur has the better option in the Ideal River View Resort (see below). Alternatively, skip one of the temples and head directly to Visalam in Kanadukathan (Chettinad) one of our favorite lodgings and locations in south India. If you need to have lunch in Trichy, the Sangam’s Chembian (see below) serves an excellent lunchtime South Indian thali for just over Rs 100; in Thanjavur, head for the Ideal Resort.
Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)
Breeze Residency Having enjoyed a thorough remodel when it was taken over by new management in 2008, this is now our first choice in Trichy, and with rooms starting at Rs 2,700 it should be yours if you’re watching your budget. Like nearby Sangam, Breeze Residency (formerly known as Jennys) enjoys a typical downtown location, surrounded by ugly buildings and busy roads within walking distance of the bus and train station. While rooms remain bland motel style they are clean and reasonably neat, with new albeit cheap fittings in bathrooms. The restaurant isn’t as good as Sangam’s however. Overall an acceptable choice if you have to spend the night in Trichy.
3/14 McDonald’s Rd, Trichy 620 001. 0431/241-4414. Fax 0431/246-1451. www.breezehotel.com. 123 units. Rs 2,700 double; Rs 3,200–Rs 4,500 suite. Extra person Rs 600. Rates exclude taxes; include breakfast. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; airport pickup (Rs 310); pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 221/12 hr. and Rs 338/day).
Hotel Sangam Tiruchirappalli Long considered the best lodging option in Trichy, Breeze Residency is certainly giving the Sangam in Tiruchirappalli a run for its money. Sangam remains clean and reasonably comfortable but is definitely showing the patina of age; bathrooms in particular need an update, and as such it’s a rather depressing place to find yourself on a hard-earned vacation. It has adequate facilities, including one of the best Indian restaurants in town, and while service can be slow it is well meaning. But you’d be far better off—if at all possible—pushing on through to the similarly priced but far better Ideal Resort in Thanjavur or, preferable still, spending your time and (just a little more) money at Visalam in Chettinad region.
Collector’s Office Rd, Trichy 620 001. 0431/241-4700 or 0431/424-4555. Fax 0431/241-5779. www.hotelsangam.com. 54 units. Rs 4,000–Rs 4,750 double; Rs 7,500 suite. Extra person Rs 1,000. Rates exclude taxes; include breakfast. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; coffee shop; airport transfer (Rs 300); gym; pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV, minibar (soft drinks), Wi-Fi (Rs120/30 min.; Rs 400/day).
Thanjavur
We like Ideal Resort both as a luncheon and overnight stop because of its tranquil rural atmosphere, but if you want to be in the heart of Thanjavur, the best option in town is the 50-room Hotel Parisutham ( 0436/223-1801;www.hotelparisutham.com; around Rs 8,000 double). It’s been refurbished from top to bottom and rooms are looking spotless, the pool area is pretty and sparkling clean, and it’s a mere 5-minute walk to the temple and another 5 minutes to the bus and train stations. However, we think it’s overpriced given that the hotel is essentially an unattractive 70s monstrosity, and amenities offer nothing particularly superior—though it’s been