Clarion Chennai

The Clarion's sleek glass exterior gives the hotel a corporate appearance, while interiors are contemporary, with minimalist furnishings and decor. Many business travelers stay here, but it's also popular with tourists due to its close proximity to the seafront. Style isn't secondary here, which isn't always the case in Chennai's upmarket hotels. The high-ceilinged lobby is bright and airy, with marble floors, wood-paneled walls, and a seating area with curved black leather armchairs. A large sketched artwork hangs above the front desk, while flowers and plants add freshness and color. The 18 Degrees North restaurant is tricked out with vibrant artwork and wall carvings depicting Indian culture, and all dining and drinking venues are attractive. The hotel has a chic vibe and relaxed atmosphere, with many guests gathering in the bar in the evenings. The outdoor pool is popular with families, especially those with young children. 

The Clarion is located in central Chennai, formerly known as Madras, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai is the bustling cultural capital of the region, filled with ancient Hindu temples, golden beaches, monuments, museums, and theaters. The hotel is situated on Radhakrishnan Salai, a busy main road that leads to Marina Beach, which is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Plenty of shops, restaurants, and important corporate buildings are within walking distance as well, and Chennai Citi Center Mall is a five-minute walk down the road. Parthasarathy Temple and Kapaleeswarar Temple are a 10-minute drive away, while Santhome Cathedral is a 20-minute walk. It's easy to get taxis and rickshaws around the hotel, and CMBT Train Station is a 50-minute drive from the hotel. Chennai International Airport is a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic.

Like the rest of the hotel, all 129 rooms have modern, minimalist decor. They're spacious and quiet, with neutral color schemes and polished hardwood floors. Big windows allow in plenty of natural light, and some rooms offer great city views. Furniture is kept simple, with dark wood work desks, spacious closets, armchairs for lounging, and double or single beds with plain white bedding. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, phones, safes, and electric kettles, and free bottled water. Some Executive Rooms and Suites add extra living space, free robes, and deep-soaking bathtubs. Bathrooms are on the small side, with sharp white-marble accents, rainfall showers, and toiletries. It's worth noting that many guests have complained of problematic maintenance in the bathrooms, from slow drains to faulty hardware.

Facilities at the Clarion are geared toward a wide swath of travelers. A small outdoor swimming pool is located on the second-floor, surrounded by tables and chairs offering great city views. The 18 Degrees North restaurant serves authentic Indian cuisine, while Twenty Fifth Hour serves buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast buffet is free, and consists of varied continental and local dishes, plus hot tea and fresh juices. The Purple Room Bar has ornate decor and plays classic rock n' roll and pop music, creating a lively, social atmosphere. The hotel has a fitness center, but it's tiny and has limited equipment. There's also a business center with modern meeting rooms, and a spacious banquet hall for events. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, concierge, laundry, and free valet parking. Wi-Fi costs extra, which is disappointing for a four-pearl property.