Boutique The Park Pod
Aptly located on Chennai&rsquos fashion street, this 40-room hotel has been designed by Vikram Phadke and makes a statement of style every-where. From Philippe Starck chairs and Antonio Lupi closets to Thomas Keller dinnerware. The rooms have murals of classic Chennai motifs like Rajinikanth and the evergreen postman. Apple TVs in the rooms and an excellent Italian restaurant add to the appeal. Tariff From 9,000 Contact 044-42955555, theparkhotels.com
Luxury Taj Coromandel
What makes this 35-year-old reign in this category It can&rsquot just be the facilities because, really, money can buy that. So let&rsquos not describe Prego, Chennai&rsquos most expensive restaurant with a wine cellar to die for or the ultra-luxury suites. Rather, it&rsquos the book on Coorg gifted to a guest wanting to travel there, or the hot tea sent up to your room when you&rsquore heard sneezing. Gestures that make you feel like royalty. Tariff From Rs 17,000 Contact 66002827, tajhotels.com
Nostalgia New Woodlands
If we were playing word games, I would say Madras, Music Season, Masala Dosa and you would immediately say Woodlands. Set up in 1951, this is an intimate piece of the city. Posh it&rsquos not. Endearing it is. Where else would Parle G biscuits grace your tea tray The rooms are clean and functional, and the staff knows the whims of its guests, most of whom have been returning for decades. Tariff From Rs 1,500 (single), Contact 28113111, newwoodlands.com
Bed & Breakfast Footprints
The two-year-old Footprint is perfect for tourists looking for a low-cost yet classy stay in Chennai. Rucha Gupta has converted three flats in adjoining floors to B&Bs. That&rsquos nine double rooms with attached bath and tea/coffee makers. The airy apartments are well appointed, with books and balconies, music and Man Fridays, free wi-fi and TV. While breakfast is served in a common dining area, guests are free to use the kitchens. Tariff Rs 3,000 Contact 9840037483, footprint.in
Getaway Radisson Temple Bay
My first glimpse of Mahabalipuram&rsquos Shore Temple silhouetted against a yellow moon had me hooked to Temple Bay. Sprawling lawns dotted with cottages and hammocks, balconies with endless sea views and the sense of space and solitude make it special. The waterfront Wharf with its open kitchen and grill is a favourite weekend haunt for most Chennaiites. But mostly, it&rsquos just 42 acres of beach side bliss. Tariff From Rs 10,000 Contact 27443636, grthotels.com
Spa experience Asiana Hotel
Asiana Hotel on Chennai&rsquos IT corridor has one of the city&rsquos best-kept secrets &mdash the Prana spa. It is one big reason why you should book a room here. An oasis of hedonism, its gracious Thai masseuses transport you to a world where everything is hushed and healing. I have been moved to speechless submission by their Royal Thaiand Reflexology sessions too. Spend a weekend here just for their beauty therapies. Tariff From Rs 10,500 Contact 67411000, asianahotels.com
