The Leela Palace Chennai - Seaside Modern Palace Hotel — Hotel in Zone 13 Adyar

The Perfect Grand Finale – A Royal Experience at The Leela Palace Chennai

As someone who planned this trip through South India for my wife and in-laws, I really wanted to end it on a high, somewhere luxurious, relaxing, and memorable for the whole family. The Leela Palace Chennai absolutely delivered on every front and then some. It was the perfect send-off to a beautiful journey.

We stayed in the Royal Club sea-facing rooms, and honestly, they were breathtaking. Watching the sun rise over the Bay of Bengal from our balcony each morning felt surreal, calm, peaceful, and something we’ll never forget. The rooms were beautifully appointed with every detail carefully thought out plush bedding (a pillow menu), luxurious bathrooms, and that view... just wow.

One of the best parts of the stay was access to the Royal Club Lounge* Each afternoon we’d make our way down for their high tea service, which had the perfect mix of savoury bites, sweets, and warm service. Then in the evening, it was time for cocktail hour, which quickly became our little daily ritual. Special shoutout to Esther, who took incredible care of us every single day. She remembered our preferences, always had a smile, and genuinely made us feel so welcome. Her kindness didn’t go unnoticed.

Breakfast every morning was another highlight. The buffet was extensive, from South Indian classics like dosas and idlis to international favourites like pancakes and made-to-order eggs. The staff were incredibly attentive, always making sure our table had what we needed, topping up coffee without being asked, and checking in to see if we were enjoying ourselves.

We also spent an evening at Library Blu, the hotel’s signature bar, and were seriously impressed. The space is beautifully designed, and the cocktails were out of this world, inventive, unique, and packed with flavour. The bartenders clearly take pride in their craft, and every drink was a work of art. We ended up trying a few different options just because everything was so good.

But what truly made this stay so exceptional was the people. I can’t thank Shomali, the manager, and Karthik, the butler services supervisor, enough. From pre-arrival coordination to last-minute requests, they made sure every little detail was handled seamlessly. They were always available, incredibly responsive, and genuinely cared about our experience. It honestly felt like we were staying in a palace, but being looked after by family, that’s the kind of warmth and service they provided.

As the person who organised this trip, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end it. My in-laws were glowing with joy, my wife was relaxed and happy, and I got to sit back knowing we were all in the best hands possible. The Leela Palace Chennai exceeded every expectation.

Even the transport to the airport at the end of the trip was a delight, both our drivers went above and beyond to ensure a seamless and relaxing drive to get on our flights, only to be met at the airport by David who took care of our entire check in process.

If you’re looking for luxury that doesn’t feel stiff or impersonal, somewhere where the service is heartfelt, the food is incredible, and the setting is pure elegance, this is where...

Having recently completed a week-long stay at The Leela Palace Chennai, I can confidently say this property redefines the standard for Indian luxury hospitality. Nestled along the serene Adyar estuary and overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the hotel is not just a place to stay—it is an immersive experience in refined grandeur, Southern tradition, and world-class service.

From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of regal splendor. The architectural elegance of the palace is striking, blending classical South Indian elements with contemporary luxury. High domes, ornate carvings, vast courtyards, and water features create an ambiance of timeless opulence. The check-in process was seamless and discreet, with warm traditional welcomes, refreshing towels, and jasmine garlands—a gesture that immediately set the tone for the days ahead.

I stayed in a Premier Sea View Room, and waking up to the stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal was a highlight every morning. The room was spacious, tastefully furnished, and equipped with every imaginable amenity—plush bedding, a marble bathroom with a soaking tub, high-speed Wi-Fi, mood lighting, and a smart entertainment system. Turndown service was prompt and thoughtful, with personalized touches like hand-written notes and local sweets.

Dining at The Leela Palace is nothing short of a gastronomic journey. Spectra, the all-day dining restaurant, offered a global buffet with live counters and impeccable service. Jamavar, their Indian fine-dining restaurant, delivered an exquisite culinary exploration of regional Indian flavors. The chefs were more than willing to customize dishes to my preferences, and the sommelier curated excellent wine pairings with each course. Milled coffee and homemade dosas for breakfast became a daily ritual that I’ll truly miss.

One of the greatest strengths of this property is its people. Every staff member—from housekeeping to butlers, spa attendants to restaurant servers—radiated professionalism, warmth, and a deep pride in the Leela legacy. Service was anticipatory without being intrusive, and their attention to detail was flawless.

The spa deserves special mention. The ESPA therapies, tranquil setting, and seasoned therapists created a sanctuary of relaxation. I also used the pool and fitness center daily, both of which are beautifully maintained and offer calming views of the sea.

Security was unobtrusive yet reassuring, ideal for business leaders, celebrities, and international dignitaries who frequent the property. The concierge team was exceptional in organizing meetings, shopping experiences, and guided city tours tailored to my interests.

After a week at The Leela Palace Chennai, it’s clear why this hotel remains the gold standard for luxury in South India. It’s not merely the architecture or amenities that make it special, but the harmony of cultural authenticity, heartfelt hospitality, and attention to detail. Whether you’re a discerning traveler, a corporate guest, or a family seeking refined indulgence, The Leela Palace Chennai is an experience that will linger long after you’ve...

We stayed for 2 nights while in Chennai. There was a wedding at the resort and their guests were checking in at the same time we arrived. The check in space was quite chaotic. We reserved 2 nights (1night was in sea facing room and the other was in executive suite) We requested for an upgrade for day1 but we're told that all the rooms are booked. We had a full board option on day 1. The lunch (Indian menu-Veg) was cold and not a great experience. We had booked Abhyanga therapy which was extremely good! The spa area had a spacious changing area with lockers for personal belongings from where the therepist would guide to the therapy room. The massage was extremely good!

We were expecting a better food experience in the evening when we realised it was some seafood special at the same restaurant (Friday) and it was a complete chaos yet again! The sea food spread was extremely vast and the veg food items were kept right next to them so cruising through the restaurant was a real pain (from the extreme right corner to the extreme left). The staff was accomodating enough to provide us with the option to be seated in the lobby lounge or to experience in room dining. We went ahead and had the food in the lobby lounge.

Day 2 breakfast had a lot of guests (usually guests from private events are provided a separate area) but it was very noisy. The live counter option for vegetarians was dosa which took considerably long time to arrive. Idlis dint look appealing, the parathas were average. Fruits/Juices/baked item spread was good.

Day 2 we headed out for shopping around 11 am and requested at the reception to keep the suite ready and the luggage moved before 5pm. When we arrived at 6:30pm, this was not done. While the room allocation was done promptly, the luggage was sent in shortly after we reached.

We had dinner at Jamavar which is their North Indian food speciality restaurant. The ambience is absolutely mesmerizing, food options decent. They seemed short on staff since all the tables were unclean and one had to be cleaned up before we could occupy it. The food was served in 20 mins and was way better than what was available at Spectra!

The hotel has amazing view of the Bay of Bengal and definately among the best spa that I have experienced among luxury hotels! Unfortunately we could not experience the pool due to Govt regulations, the area was kept shut. I strongly suggest that guests from wedding are managed better especially during meals and vegetarian spread is...