The Leela Palace Chennai
"Why book? A slick urban hotel that’s centrally located in the city, but has the easy feel of a seaside escape. Set the scene One of the key factors when it comes to choosing a city hotel is location, and it doesn’t get much better than The Leela Palace Chennai. It’s situated in the upscale Adyar, so whether you’re in the city on business or leisure, chances are your destinations are not too far. With large banquet spaces, it’s a highly-sought after spot for conferences and weddings. On weekdays, Library Blu, the hotel’s bar, is packed with guests unwinding post-work, but weekends also bring in locals checking-in for a staycation. The backstory When the hotel opened its doors in 2013, it was one of the originals as imagined by the late Leela group founder, Captain CP Krishnan Nair. The group changed ownership in 2019 and is now managed by a private real estate fund backed by the Canadian multinational company Brookfield Asset Management. But even four years after the takeover, the essence and the experience remain unchanged. The abundant use of gold, the opulent chandeliers, the OTT flower arrangements and the impeccable service. In fact you’d never know there’s new management in the house. The rooms You know the kind of sea views, especially those seen from cosy beds, that make you feel like you’re on vacation, even if it’s just half an hour until your next meeting? You get that here, right in the middle of a heaving metropolis. More than half of the hotel’s 325 spacious rooms and suites have sweeping sea views thanks to its location on the Adyar seafront. The dominant aesthetic, whether in the rooms or in public areas, is what can only be described as India contemporary. A mix of influences – Chettinad-style pillars, the gold leaf and mirror work of Rajasthan, gilded frames showcasing Indian artists, and elaborate flower arrangements – come together to create a unique fingerprint that’s wholly the Leela’s own. While only the suites come with dedicated butler service, all room categories have walk-in closets and bathtubs. Those with back and neck issues will find the hotel’s pillow menu particularly helpful. Food and drink In a city with plenty of good standalone restaurants serving Asian fare, The Leela’s China XO holds its own. The Cantonese-focussed restaurant has an excellent selection of dim sums and offers set menus that make for convenient working lunches. Jamavar, the Indian speciality restaurant, is the other dining venue of note. Its north-of-the-Vindhyas offerings– such as the raan and the dal makhani – are possibly the best that Chennai has to offer. Those with specific dietary requirements will find the Aujasya menus highly satisfying (I know I did!). Created in consultation with nutritionist and food consultant Ankita Jalori, the dishes on offer use millets, whole grains, lean proteins like chicken and fish, and low-fat dairy options, such as goat milk. Try the pearl millet pesarattu at breakfast. It’s served with three different kinds of chutneys. For a light but satisfying dinner, try the chicken broth with 63-degree poached egg soup. The neighborhood/area The hotel is in a quiet, largely residential area called MRC Nagar, so it does feel cut-off from the hubbub of the city but in a good way. MRC, incidentally, stands for Mayor Ramanathan Chettiar, a former city leader and landed gent whose family ‘palace’ is visible from The Leela’s Royal Club. The Adayar Eco Park, a green lung that hugs an estuary, is nearby and worth a visit for its diverse flora and fauna. The service The Leela’s troop of butlers are quick on their feet without being overbearing. They are also well-informed. Mine, for instance, knew which band was playing at what city venue and where the crowd might be to my taste. For families Given the number of families one sees at breakfast, it's surprising that The Leela Palace Chennai doesn't have more in the form of child-friendly services beyond menus for kids. But the servers and butlers certainly step up and can be seen indulging young guests, giving parents the chance to dine uninterrupted. Accessibility Only one of the hotel's 325 rooms and suites, Room number 111, is designed for guests with mobility impairments, including lowered switches, thermostats, sinks, and mirrors; roll-in showers with grab bars and shower seats; and adjustable beds that make getting on and off a wheelchair easier. For those with visual difficulties, communication material is provided with larger font sizes. Eco effort The Leela Hotels and Resorts’ pivot towards being more sustainable is apparent right from the moment you enter the room and realize the temperature’s set to the environmentally sound 25 degrees Celsius. Nearly 90 per cent of the Platinum SEEM-rated hotel’s energy needs are met through their own green sources, including solar and windmills. Organic waste convertors and an in-house bottling plant for potable water are additional steps being employed at the hotel which is currently working on replacing single use plastic water bottles with glass ones. Another green measure is the recycling of soap bars through cleaning solutions company Diversy’s Soap for Hope program. The hotel has also invested in the local community by supporting social causes. For instance, they raise funds and help maintain the facilities of the animal welfare agency Blue Cross of India. Anything left to mention? While an Italian restaurant and a new members club are expected to open in 2024, the one spot that could do with an upgrade is the bar. The cocktails, at this point, are avoidable." - Prasad Ramamurthy
