The Leela Palace Chennai

The Leela Palace Chennai is the city's palace hotel, a sprawling seafront property in the Adyar area designed with grand arches, domes and fountains that evoke the royal architecture of southern India. It faces the Bay of Bengal and the Adyar estuary, and its position at the quieter southern end of the city gives it a resort-like air that most urban hotels cannot match. The interiors are rich in colour and detail, with carved wood, polished stone and lavish floral arrangements. Rooms and suites are large and plush, with generous bathrooms, sea or city views and a level of butler-style service typical of the brand. The hotel suits couples, honeymooners and travellers who value atmosphere and privacy, and the staff are well trained in looking after international guests. Evening turndown, attentive housekeeping and a calm lobby make it a pleasant place to return to after the heat of the city.

The hotel has a number of restaurants and bars serving Indian and international cuisines, and the dining rooms are among the more formal in the city. Breakfast is a leisurely affair with regional specialties, and afternoon tea in the lounge is a pleasant ritual. Check which restaurants are open on which nights, and book ahead for dinner, particularly at weekends, since the hotel is a favourite for celebrations and weddings.

Wellness facilities include a spa with traditional and contemporary treatments, a fitness centre and pools set among gardens. The grounds are an oasis of calm, and the proximity to the sea means breezes in the evening. Families are welcome, though the hotel's formal style suits older children and adults best. Because the property hosts events, check for weddings and conferences when booking if you want a quieter stay.

Timing and season shape a stay here. The cooler months from November to February are the most pleasant for strolling the gardens and watching the sea in the evening, while the northeast monsoon from October to December can bring heavy rain and strong winds. In the hot season, the pools and cool interiors come into their own. Ask about packages that include breakfast, spa credits or airport transfers, and consider a sea-view room if you want the full benefit of the setting, since views vary considerably between room categories.

The Adyar location is both a strength and a trade-off. The hotel is close to Kalakshetra, the Theosophical Society, Elliot's Beach and San Thome Basilica, so it works well if your interests lie in south Chennai's cultural sights. Fort St George, the Government Museum and George Town are further north, a drive of 30 to 50 minutes in normal traffic.

The concierge can arrange guides, dance performances and day trips along the East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry. If you want a romantic splurge with a sense of occasion, this is the hotel to choose.