The Raintree, St. Mary’s Road

Location: The hotel is located in a prime area, offering convenient access to shopping and cultural sites in Chennai.(based on 5 reviews)

Returning to this location after eight years, I was hoping for the same 5star experience I once enjoyed. Unfortunately, it’s not quite what it used to be, and the property is beginning to show its age. On a positive note, the staff were warm and courteous throughout—from the reception to the restaurant team. Their professionalism and friendliness was a highlight of the stay. The restaurant manager Nazim was helpful. However, the room was disappointing. Upon entering, there was a strong musty odor. When I mentioned this to the front desk, I was told all the rooms have this smell and that it would dissipate in about 10 minutes—but unfortunately, it lingered. It seems guests may simply become accustomed to it over time. Not me.. lol. The Colony restaurant offered a decent breakfast, though dinner not that much. It felt overcrowded and cramped, and the buffet menu was not the greatest, with food quality was just average. The key strengths of this location remain its convenient setting, friendly staff, and ample parking. With some updates and improvements, it could once again live up to its former reputation.

1) Immediately on booking, was asked by the Hotel to do an online check in providing KYC docs - so that on arrival at hotel, room allocation will be smooth and speedy Sadly, Mr. Dhanush at the FO insisted that we go through the whole KYC formalities once again - when asked what happened to the on-line check in, he had no reply. All he was interested in doing was to peer into his computer screen, muttering something under his breath. The scanner that he was trying to use to get a copy of our KYC docs was not working - more delay. His colleague standing next to him was most reluctant to help him out. Took us all of 20 + minutes to get a room allotted. 2) The room was booked for 2 adults. Only 1 bath towel + 1 hand towel was provided. The bath towel had an ugly red stain in one corner - obviously either unwashed and recycled or improperly washed. The shampoo and bath gel containers were EMPTY. Other toiletries normally found in bathrooms were missing. Had to complain few times to Housekeeping and Front Office with little effect. Only a threat of a GOOGLE review of the pathetic state of affairs in the hotel brought instant redressal of the various shortcomings. The lady looking after Housekeeping has an excuse for every shortcoming - laundry is outsourced, room boys not diligent in doing their jobs, blah blah blah 3) The swimming pool, that was to open at 6am, required a complaint to the FO before an unwilling staff came to open the pool. The tap to operate the shower was dysfunctional. No towels are provided. No bath gel to wash off the pool water chemicals was provided. WHAT A COME DOWN FOR A HOTEL THAT ONCE BOASTED OF SUPERIOR FACILITIES THAT ATUALLY WORKED!!!!