Chennai has become greener than before. Its been 7 years since I last visited Chennai when it was called as Madras. When I checked in at Raintree, the first impression was of peace and tranquility. The hotel is about 45 minutes from the airport but I had the Hotel Staff with the placard to pick me up. On the way, I realised that Chennai has become a lot greener than before.
Raintree is right behind the Sheraton Towers and when I entered the hotel, I saw a big Buddha half-asleep amidst the fountain. It was such a lovely decor that one can not miss being enchanted with the scenic view.
Since I had been coming from Mumbai and had stayed at The Grand Intercontinental, I did not have high expectations from the hotel. But contrary to all my beliefs and expectations, the hotel staff was more cordial, helpful and the guest services were far better than my last hotel. Not only did the sales manager personally come in personally to ask if we are the first time guests, he also asked us about our plans for stay and where we would be moving henceforth. He also asked us about our plans to go out in the city and made arrangements accordingly.
The room service was par excellence. Since we had reached a little late than the lunch time, room service delighted us with excellent dosas. The kids were delighted with the taste of dosa and the wonderful room service who brought special chocolate milk exactly as they liked it(Intercontinental, Mumbai had disappointed us there).
Chennai weather was a little rainy when we visited the city and there was a wonderful cool breeze. All we could do was to sit at the terrace restaurant and enjoy the weather. The roof-top swimming pool was just what kids had been asking for. All the times, they had visited swimming pools in hotels in India or abroad, pools were either at the ground floor, basement or indoor pools. BUT A POOL ON THE ROOF TOP! My son could not be asking for more. They were ecstatic about it and ready to take a plunge with all the clothes on.right then, right there!(It took a team of wild horses to keep them away and they settled with a promise of buying a toy, phew!)
After little snacks, we went out on the tour to the city and how could I not shop at Kumaran’s and Nalli’s at TNagar(well, boys, like all other women, I love shopping too!)
When I was back at the hotel, we were again at the roof top restaurant but this time sitting inside as the weather had become a little hot. The food was just EXCELLENT.(Even if you are a localite in Chennai, go have a dinner at Raintree sometime, food is just WONDERFUL!. and I am talking about all vegeterian food.i am a pure veggie)
Well, all I can say is that starting from the check in to room service, hotel staff efficiency, ambience, decor all sum up to complete value for money at Raintree. I would definitely stay there when I go again to Chennai.