The Accord Metropolitan

The Accord Metropolitan bills itself as one of Chennai's higher-end properties, and that's certainly the impression in the bright, lavish lobby. Gold leaf and Italian marbles here fill a vast space with a floral centerpiece, with yet more gold and glass from chandelier-adorned ceilings and a statement floor clock. Seating areas in earthy leathers sit near a gold-accented staircase, and there are also elevators to shuttle guests. Most areas are attractively classic in style, but blue hallway rugs and wood paneling are dated. Making the most of nearby shopping and corporate activity, international guests here mostly spend their days out, although many return for spa treatments and well-regarded and varied dining. This translates to a fair bit of overcrowding, especially at breakfast, but efficient staff handle the load well, and fortunately, the lobby isn't short on space. Note, the rooftop Pergola is closed for renovations through 2017.

The hotel sits amid the busy streets of T. Nagar, with numerous shops, malls, silk vendors, and restaurants within a 15-minute walk. The U.S. Consulate is a similar distance, and Singapore's Embassy is nine minutes away on foot. Streets here are fine to wander, but they're congested, and many guests opt for readily available taxis or tuk-tuks. Movies at AGS Cinemas are a four-minute walk, and for some greenery, landscaped gardens at Panagal Park are 10 minutes farther. Chennai's beautiful temples are a short drive, while Marina Beach is a 13-minute drive. Chennai Central Train Station is 15 minutes away by car and Chennai International Airport is 22 minutes without traffic. 

Starting at 326 square feet (30 square meters), business-like rooms are outfitted in traditional decor that guests will either find classically elegant or dated. Mostly neutral-tone rooms have light walls (some with wood paneling), hard-wood floors, and accents of teal, mauve, or russet in drapes, throw pillows, and bed runners. Satin effects in the latter are upscale, but floral art above beds looks cheap. Premier Rooms are larger and come with free fruit baskets, while Suites measure 645 square feet (60 square meters) and have kitchens, living rooms, and dining tables. Studio Apartments are available for longer-term stays.

Chennai city views can be impressive, but rooms often suffer traffic noise. Wood-accented marble bathrooms have unimpressive shower/tub combos in lower-category rooms, but walk-in showers and separate tubs in upgraded units. Dual-line phones with personalized voicemail and glass-topped desks with office chairs and data ports come standard, as do cable flat-screen TVs, minibars, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, free newspapers, and ironing facilities. All rooms have seating areas, safes, AC, slippers, robes, toiletries, and hairdryers. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. Smoking rooms are available on two floors. 

There are a long list of amenities here, with dining being a standout. The 24-hour Brick Oven's buffets with live cooking stations are popular, serving Indian, American, and continental breakfasts. Exposed brick and hanging lamps are apt for its wood-fired pizzas, while Indian murals give a nod to the eatery's tandoori dishes. The Royal Indianaa's crystal chandeliers, carvings, and traditional art are atmospheric, and vegetarian buffets here champion South Indian cuisine. With rooftop and ground-level seating, popular Sora Jima serves refined Japanese fare. The rooftop Pergola is due to re-open in 2018, following renovations. Weekend music livens up restaurants, although beats are nightly at The Zodiac Bar, an American-style sports bar. 

The small pool occupies a semi-outdoor space on the roof, but chilly waters here are shallow, and terrace loungers are worn. The adjacent spa has a sauna, whirlpool, and steam room, plus simple treatment rooms, where guests receive discounts. The 24-hour gym is bright and modern, with Precor cardio, resistance, and weights equipment. A dedicated meeting floor with three function rooms holds 1000 people, and the business center is free to use. On-site valet parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free.