Hotel Taj — Hotel in Madurai

We were unfortunate that our stay coincided with President Modi’s visit to the City and his one night stay at the Taj. ||Security was immense with at least 300 police in and around the hotel itself. On the night before he arrived we weren’t allowed out of the hotel in the evening. On the day of his arrival we had to be back in the hotel by 3pm. ||On that day and morning whilst he was there we were escorted from our room to the restaurant and back by police. We shared the restaurant that evening with a few other guests and many heavily armed police officers. Quite an experience.||Our stay has to be judged in that context. We were unable to use some facilities like the pool as it was being “guarded” by at least 20 police officers. The staff were understandably distracted but we felt that the standard of cleaning in our large comfortable room had been neglected particularly the bathroom. ||The outstanding area for us was the restaurant which despite the distractions served up some excellent food of great variety and retained standard and quality. The staff were remarkably attentive and very efficient.||We were here 17 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Despite President Modi though sadly the Taj Madurai is showing its age with little sign of much investment since our last visit. The visible signs are there and obvious. Shingles hanging loose above windows, paint peeling off windows, rotten frames etc.||This lovely “old lady” is in need of some TLC. Something I am sure that was not lost on the Taj| Group’s Executive Vice President who was present to meet...

Pros

Located at the heart of the city and easily accessible from Periyar Bus Terminal

The room has a large mirror facing your bed

24 Hours check out

Cons

No safety for your belongings as the door has a lock in a very insecure way.

2.The bedsheet on the bed is so dirty. You need to beg the room service to change the sheet. Still they don't change as they may cover up with some other sheets

Intercom is not working to call reception. You will be asked to use your personal mobile to call reception.

They don't provide remote control for the A/C in rooms

A water mug or jar is not there to keep drinking water as they provide some water in a used water bottle. That was used by someone.

Bath towel is provided only on demand

No bathing kit in the bathroom ( paste, brush, lotion etc..)

Bad smell (Cigrette) in the bedroom

I never recommend this...

This Taj hotel isn’t nearly as good as others in the chain. Though the situation is pleasant, it’s a long way from anywhere.|For us, a major downside was that the hotel is on the side of a hill so there are stairs everywhere – not too funny in 36C (there are buggies to transport guests, but they are very few and far between).|The room wasn’t bad, though it was quite tired (and had geckos). The outside was in dire need of maintenance with paint falling from window frames.|Facilities weren’t great: the bar wasn’t open and the snooker table had a strange mix of balls (see picture).|Staff were helpful, though frankly not very competent. Food I the restaurant was OK.|I wouldn’t choose to stay here again and I think the Taj chain should examine how this...