"One of the originals of the Leela group, The Leela Palace Chennai is spot-on for so many reasons. For starters, it nails the location. Set in nearly five acres of prime seafront in the heart of the city, the hotel offers proximity to business and leisure destinations as well as the feeling of being away at a seaside resort. The designers have made every use of the setting and provided a significant number of sea-facing rooms. Restaurants China XO and Jamavar—the former serving Cantonese-focused fare and the latter dishes from India’s north and south—are easily among Chennai’s best. Even if gold isn’t your color and over-the-top opulence not your style, you’ll still love the thoughtful and impeccable butler service that has me returning time and time again."