The Raintree Hotel Anna Salai

Sleek decor and a sense of space here offer respite from traffic-packed streets outside, and contemporary Zeiler & Lim-designed interiors are stylish amid discreet Asian accents. Paneled glass in the atrium-style lobby supports circular lamps in paper-effect oranges, and they overlook trendy white and cream leather seating atop honey-toned marble floors. A dominating white color scheme continues in spacious bar and restaurant areas, where backlighting is modern, and plums, mauves, and bright oranges pop against muted grays. Al fresco terraces at the rooftop restaurant and bar afford panoramic city views, as does the adjacent pool, although loungers here are sparse. There isn't much for kids (who are prohibited from the roof terrace for security reasons), but relaxed vibes here mean they can use the pool. The hotel largely attracts domestic and international business travelers. Unfortunately, there's little management can do to combat traffic noise or the property's thin walls.

The hotel sits on the Anna Salai Road, which is one of Chennai's busiest. While this translates to noisy rooms, its central positioning is excellent. Congested streets here often steer guests into tuk-tuks or taxis, although roads can be navigated on foot. T. Nagar's shopping and street food are a 10-minute drive away, as is the US Consulate. Guindy National Park and Marina Beach are a 16-minute drive, but strong currents here mean swimming is ill-advised. The 16th-century Santhome Basilica is the same distance, with the Kapaleeshwarar Temple three minutes closer. Phoenix Market City Mall is a 23-minute drive. Chennai Central Train Station is a similar distance. Busses run to all of the above from near the hotel. Chennai International Airport is 36 minutes by car, without traffic.

Starting at 294 square feet (27 square meters), rooms are contemporary, albeit a bit generic, decorated with backlighting, hardwood floors, light- or dark-wood furniture, and pistachio, blue, or mauve accents in walls and drapes. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide lovely Chennai city views. Cream leathers are found in recliner seating areas, office chairs, and headboards, while beds have circle-motif throw pillows and bed runners. Phones, desks, cable flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, and bottled water come standard, as do minibars, ironing facilities, safes, and AC. Helpful in-room information booklets are a nice touch for a business hotel. Studios with kitchenettes are available, as are Suites with living rooms that start at 650 square feet (60 square meters). A little small, but adorned in marble, cream bathrooms have walk-in showers and/or shower/tub combos with rainfall heads in upgraded rooms. A good supply of toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. Note, many rooms are subject to road noise, and some suffer thin walls.

For a primarily business-centric property, The Raintree Hotel offers a varied list of leisure amenities. Perhaps most enticing is the rooftop area, where visitors will find a rooftop infinity pool flanked on one side by a handful of wicker loungers under shades. Also on this level is a deck with fun, futuristic furniture in silvers and oranges and DJs occasionally perform here. Up North restaurant and High Sky Bar are scenic spots to grab a drink or food, although the space is evening-only. Other dining options include the 24-hour Kitchen Restaurant, a cheerful buffets serving Indian and international fare. Decorated with purple accents, Madras' South Indian fare provides traditional live music. Available to Club Room guests, The White Lounge offers free breakfast and happy hour drinks.  Tattva Spa's earth-toned venue offers treatments and massages, alongside hair and nail treatments. The bright gym's tablet-integrated cardio machines accompany resistance equipment and free weights, and personal training is available. Three banquet halls hold 1200 people, plus the party Terrace accommodates 60 people. The business center is free-to-use. On-site valet parking is free. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but it can be slow and there's a fee to upgrade.