I've always dreamt of visiting Chennai. Its beaches, temples, and vibrant culture have been calling to me for years. Finally, I made it happen, only to find joy not in checking all my boxes but in finding comfort in my hotel room and its facilities.
What a stay! I'd heard about The Leela Palace Chennai being a slice of Chettinad grandeur by the Bay of Bengal, but nothing prepared me for how it swept me away. Sprawled across 4.8 acres of land overlooking the sea, this 5-star gem blends marble corridors, chandelier-lit ceilings, and lush gardens into pure regal bliss. It's Indian hospitality at its finest. On my first trip to Chennai, I was so enchanted that I barely stepped out, even with Marina Beach just minutes away.
A Room With A View I Couldn't Get Enough Of
My sea-facing room was the stuff of dreams. The Bay of Bengal stretched out raw and mesmerising - old buildings, a dam, sandy shores, and flocks of birds evoking old-world charm from a modern haven. The spacious bathroom, complete with a bathtub framing that epic view, felt like my private sanctuary. Modern amenities and lightning-fast room service meant zero worries; I just soaked it all in.
Location That Keeps You Close To Everything
Even though it was my first time in Chennai, I often found myself staying in rather than heading out. The hotel had already created a world of its own.
But, when I did step out briefly, I realised how conveniently located the hotel is. Popular attractions like Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the bustling shopping hub of T. Nagar (especially for authentic Kanjeevaram sarees) are all easily accessible. And yet, returning to the calm of the palace always felt like coming back home.
But the real showstopper? The food.
Dining That Turned Into A Full Experience
If there's one thing that completely won me over, it was the food. Here, I want to applaud Executive Sous Chef Rupak Debnath for curating wonderful meals in all the restaurants.
At Spectra, the all-day dining restaurant with stunning sea views, I enjoyed an unforgettable Thai lunch. After a long flight, with a growling stomach, this meal was all I needed. It started off with a bang with MIANG KHAM - a Thai version of a paan platter but with refreshing citrusy and juicy Thai flavours. The Thai betel leaf platter looked good and tasted even better. And then began a trail of one amazing meal after another.
From Som Tam and Tom Yu, Goong to Phad Thai and Thai curry (with blue pea rice), everything was exceptional - full of flavours, made with precision and very authentic. Chef Rupak Debnath told me how they grew their own Thai herbs and used them in the meal, which resulted in the freshness that shone through each and every dish.
I was also lucky to experience a special Women's Day brunch celebration during my stay. The spread was indulgent and beautifully presented, ranging from sushi and biryani to intricately designed desserts shaped like luxury accessories. The Coach Bag cake looked too real to eat! It felt festive, thoughtful, and genuinely memorable.
Specta impressed me once again with its special Tamil tiffin meal. A typical traditional Tamil meal made my trip to the part of the country successful. Loved the South Indian chutneys, idli podi and everything that was served to me.
Dinner at China XO was another highlight. With its refined setting, the restaurant delivered bold flavours and perfect textures - from delicate dumplings to wok-fried lobster and Cantonese classics. And the black sesame Basque cheesecake? Easily one of the best desserts I've had.
I have been eagerly waiting to go to Jamavar, where the experience turned deeply nostalgic. Rich Indian flavours, comforting dishes, every bite felt indulgent yet familiar. Everything, from shorba and deconstructed raj kachori to kebabs and chaap, was exceptional. And that iconic Dal E Jamavar that truly deserves all the praise it gets. You cannot visit Jamavar and not have this dal.
Even the high tea at the lobby lounge turned into a slow, delightful affair, with scones, pastries, and one particularly memorable 70% dark chocolate sea salt cookie that stood out. The view while sipping on the tea and enjoying the nibbles is unmatched.
I got an opportunity to taste the special spread that is laid out for the Royal Club guests, who can also enjoy the amenities at the Club floor, including the Royal Club Rooms with views of the vibrant skyline of Chennai city. The meal was heavenly, comprising a variety of fruits, cheese, breads and pastries, and you can order your favourite dishes too. I got a healthy acai bowl, smoothie, avocado toast and more such healthy and delicious treats.
I had actually made plans to venture out in the city to try their iconic restaurants, but I just couldn't lose the opportunity to try all the food there was to offer here.
Evenings That Felt Almost Magical
One of the most unforgettable moments of my stay was the evening ritual. As dusk settled over the city, the lighting of lamps began, accompanied by live Carnatic music. There was something incredibly calming and immersive about it. It felt like a beautiful reminder of tradition and culture, woven seamlessly into a luxury experience.
Spa, Cocktails & Moments Of Pure Relaxation
The Leela Spa was another highlight I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I did. The space is large, tranquil and thoughtfully designed. I opted for a deep tissue massage, and it turned out to be one of the most effective and relaxing treatments I've experienced.
I had arrived with some body discomfort, and after the session, all my body aches were magically gone!
Evenings at the Library Blu bar added a completely different energy to the stay. Stylish interiors, a vibrant yet cosy atmosphere, and a cocktail menu inspired by the essence of Chennai made it a perfect place to unwind. Each drink is a creative interpretation of the city, and tastes good too.
Hospitality That Brings It All Together
What truly made the experience at The Leela Palace Chennai special is the hospitality. It was warm, intuitive, and consistently attentive without ever feeling intrusive.
Every detail, big or small, was taken care of with genuine care. Whether it was personalised service or thoughtful recommendations, the team ensured that the stay felt seamless and special.
Some places impress you for a moment. Others stay with you long after you've left.
This was definitely the latter.
And honestly, I'm already thinking about when I can go back.
