India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (170 page)

72 Sardar Patel Rd., Guindy, Chennai 600 018.
044/4423-2323.
Fax 044/4423-2121.
www.lemontreehotels.com
. [email protected]. 108 units. Rs 2,900 standard (single occupancy only); Rs 4,400 double superior; Rs 6,500 double executive; Rs 7,500 studio. Rates include breakfast. MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant; lounge with pool table, PlayStation, and other games; airport transfers (Rs750); fitness center; outdoor pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 80/30 min.).

The Park
The Park
(not to be confused with the
ITC Park Sheraton and Towers
on TTK Rd.) is the place to mainline straight into Chennai’s nightlife. Once the trendiest hotel in town, some of the effects are looking a little dated, and the reception area is showing a little wear and tear (as do bathroom fittings), which is why we prefer Raintree. But there’s no doubting its place in the hearts of Chennai movers and groovers, who flock here to dine at the 24-hour eatery off the lobby,
Six-O-One (601),
recommended for its unusual, varied menu (and one of the best
masala dosas
in the city), as well as to the
Leather Bar
and
Pasha,
two of
the city’s most popular after-hours hangouts (see below).
Having covered Chennai’s social scene (being a guest here gives you free access), you can retreat to your extremely comfortable “pod,” and sleep off events on one very comfortable mattress. The Park’s other celebrated feature is its terrific rooftop: a sparkling pool surrounded by
diwans
(Indian recliner sofas), shaded by white cotton drapes that billow in the breeze. The snazzy Ispahani shopping center is within walking distance.

601 Anna Salai, Chennai 600 006.
044/4214-4000.
Fax 044/4214-4100.
www.theparkhotels.com
. 214 units. Rs 11,500 deluxe double; Rs 13,500 luxury double; Rs 15,000–Rs 40,000 suites. Extra bed Rs 2,000. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities:
3 restaurants; bar; nightclub; doctor-on-call; fitness center; rooftop pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer; minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs TK).

Raintree
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
. [email protected]. 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
. [email protected]. 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).