The Residency

The Residency sits next to a busy intersection with lots of traffic, making the area around the hotel feel hectic and noisy. On the inside though, the hotel is surprisingly quiet and has a relaxed ambience (though the front desk can get busy during check-in and check-out times). Most guests are business travelers, but many tourists also stay here due to its T. Nagar location and reliably up-to-date style. Interiors are modern, if not exactly exciting, and the lobby is spacious and bright, with sleek marble floors and pillars. Soft lighting and comfortable seating areas add a cozy feel, with convenient tucked-away spots for breaks or intimate meetings. The dining areas are attractive, if not exactly bright and breezy, with contemporary Chinese-inspired decor in the Chin Chin restaurant. The hotel is usually busy with business travelers during the week, and tourists on the weekend. Children are welcome at the hotel, but facilities for them are limited. 

This hotel's big selling point is its location. Situated next to one of Chennai's busiest intersections, it's within easy walking to distance to numerous shops and restaurants. A cinema is located just down the road, and there are numerous silk shops in the area. Pothy's Boutique is right next door, which is a huge silk emporium selling exclusive saris from all over the country. Most attractions are within a 20-minute drive from the property, like Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral, Phoenix Market City Mall, and Guindy National Park. The hotel is also close to the Central Business District, making it a popular choice for business travelers. Central Rail Station is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, while Chennai International Airport is a 30-minute drive. Traffic in Chennai can be horrible, though, so budget some flexibility into all drive times. 

All 112 rooms at The Residency are pleasantly modern, if simple and business-like when it comes to style. Expect to see neutral tones, wood-effect tile floors, cozy seating areas, and amply sized work desks. Double or twin beds are dressed in crisp white linens, with warm tone pillows adding a homey touch. Superior Rooms are on the smaller side, with Executive Rooms and Suites adding extra living space. None of the rooms have balconies, but higher floors have nice city views (and also benefit from reduced traffic noise -- lower floors are likely to hear some). There are plenty of modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, electric kettles, safes, and phones. Wi-Fi is free, but can be spotty and is limited to three devices. Upgraded rooms add extras like massage chairs, rainfall showers, and deep-soaking bath tubs. Otherwise, all bathrooms are clean and modern, with tiled walls, walk-in showers, hairdryers, and free toiletries. 

The Residency is geared toward business travelers rather than tourists, so family-friendly and leisure facilities are somewhat lacking. The hotel has a (tiny) fitness center with basic equipment, and there is no pool or spa. On-site dining options are plentiful, with three modern restaurants and a bar that has live music some evenings. Spice Jar is a spacious multi-cuisine restaurant that's open all-day, serving a simple yet varied breakfast buffet for a fee. Chin Chin is a well-liked Chinese restaurant, and The Right Place serves contemporary Indian and international a la carte cuisine. Room service is available, but hours are limited. The hotel has a modern business center for corporate guests, with elegant banquet halls and high-tech meeting rooms. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, laundry, dry cleaning, car rentals, airport transfers for a fee, and free self-parking. There is no extra charge for Wi-Fi, though it's limited to three devices.