My stay at the Residency in August 2007 was not bad at all. On the one hand, the rooms are fantastic (better than $200/night rooms I’ve stayed in in Mumba) and the bathrooms, also, are fantastic. Clean, prompt, friendly service adds a bonus to the experiece.
On the other hand, there is a bar that blasts bass-pumping music so LOUD that I can hear it quite strongly (as if it’s next door to my room, not three FLOORS DOWN) into the night on Saturday nights, so be ready for that.
The food is good, though be prepared to clarify explicitly how spicy you want things -- this is South India, people like their food HOT HOT HOT, so if you’re a fan of mild food like me, make clear that you want absolutely no hot spices in your food (to get something mild). Had a bit of a mixup with that, but I realized that I was in a part of the world that has a strong appreciation for the flavor of spice.
Everyone is EXTREMELY helpful, rooms include blowdryers, combs, toothbrushes, safes, etc.Wish it had even a small gym, but I can manage. Also, it’s in the city -- about a half hour from the airport, so not bad for shopping and sightseeing. The beaches are about a half hour away.
Otherwise, though, just be patient to encounter some kinks like this, and considering the value for the facilities (I went through travelguru.com) -- it’s worth some minor flaws.
In more detail below:
Pros:
Extremely clean building and rooms --- newly renovated with modern design. Buffet breakfast/lunch/dinner good value, lots of variety for all palates (330INR/person)Higher floors have great view of Chennai city on city-side of hotel. Extremely kind staff, hotel manager, etc.Travel desk and drivers very helpful – not just a driver, also a tour guide and knows the area well – doesn’t rip you off like other taxi agencies. Room Service is great!!!!! (fast, good food, good quantity, etc – except desserts, which are extremely overpriced (half scoop of ice cream for 75 INR? Seriously?
On a dinner plate? Half melted? ....sent that back, the manager showed up, told him if he’s going to overcharge, he better deliver a decent item. Period. Hopefully it shouldn’t be an issue for any of you.)Will accommodate anything and everything! Extremely polite staff, you almost feel bad saying you’re not satisfied --- maybe a little bit more training or experience will improve any kinks. Managers are accessible if you have any issues and will do their best to make your stay better.
Cons:
Loud music from bar reaches rooms as high as third floor every night til 11:30pm (switched rooms twice to get some sleep!) – make sure to request rooms on the higher floors (8 floors total)Renovation noise from outside throughout the dayHousekeeping is poorly trained --- will try to enter your room to clean even if your
“Do Not Disturb” light is on, usually early in the morning (8am, 9am, etc.) --- if you’re trying to sleep in, it might not happen at this hotel;even if you request for extra towels or toiletries (they only give two towels for two people and one small handsoap, etc.), you have to make the request over and over and over each day you stay.. (you get the idea); also what really irked me was that the tea bags were not sealed but from a larger package and the housekeeping staff would clean your room and your bathrooms, and then handle the open tea bags without washing their hands --- disgusting! Be prepared to encounter cleaning staff that is very polite but extremely poorly trained and lacking basic common sense in terms of cleaning (like, replacement glasses should be covered in plastic wrap, otherwise I have no idea if the class is clean or where its from or where your hands have been that are touching it!)Fridgesare actually minbars and not meant for storing food --- just drinks.
Don’t store leftovers, they will go bad.Chin Chin is overrated --- better off going to China Town which has better food for a better price and it’s only a 5 minute drive away24 coffee shop is also overrated --- good during lunch/dinner but if you want a snack in between those meal times, literally be prepared for only traditional spicy HOT South Indian dishes --- if that’s okay with you then
The coffee shop isn’t too bad --- for international customers not used to the level of spice in South Indian cuisine, this could be problematic (was for me)Wireless is ineffective, though hotel will provide complimentary cable lines to connect your computer to LAN --- just be prepared to call and wait a while for the whole thing to get setup (it’s not as simple as the advertised plug and go) – internet connection is also pretty expensive at 100INR/hour or 450INR/day – if you’re planning on a longer stay, the fees add up. Also the business center charges extra for use of their computers. There’s a sify across the street, if it’s not too much of a hassle, go use their internet for 25INR/hour.
Finally,
If you’re not on the city-side of the hotel, expect a room with painted over frosted windows and lots of renovation work outside. I switched rooms to avoid this as I prefer sunlight. Last time I checked I wasn’t a vampire.