Suriya International: India's Hidden Gem Hotel (Luxury Awaits!)
Suriya International: India's Hidden Gem - Luxury Awaits! (Or Does It? My Honest Take)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just survived (and mostly thrived) at Suriya International. The tagline? "Luxury Awaits!" Let's just say, the reality is slightly more nuanced. But before you run screaming for the hills, let’s break it down, warts and all cause, honestly, that's the only way I do things.
First Impressions & Getting There: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
Finding Suriya International wasn't an epic quest, thankfully. The airport transfer was a godsend after that long flight, and the driver thankfully knew where he was going. Valet parking made a grand entrance feel effortless. The elevator was a lifesaver in a hurry (because, let's be real, who wants to lug suitcases after a flight?) and the whole place felt… well, established. You could even see the CCTV outside the property - a good sign when you're a nervous traveler like myself! The exterior corridor had something of an older feel to it, and I couldn’t help but wonder if there were hidden stories in those walls.
Accessibility & Convenience: A Mixed Bag
Okay, this is where things get a little…complicated. The hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't actually see any specific details about which areas were accessible, or accessible rooms or what, beyond the elevator. It’s important to do your homework if that's a priority. On the plus side, the concierge was genuinely helpful, and the cash withdrawal machine was incredibly convenient. The contactless check-in/out was a bonus in these times - quick and simple. I was grateful there was a convenience store in the lobby because, let's face it, you ALWAYS forget something.
The Room: A Sanctuary (With Quirks)
My room? Decent size and generally clean. Let's be honest, I'm not super picky, I mostly care about a good shower and a comfy bed, and the separate shower/bathtub was definitely a winner. The air conditioning blasted out ice-cold air, which was heaven after the Indian heat. The blackout curtains were a dream. And… get this… the bathrobes? Plushy and fluffy! Like, I almost didn't leave the room all day. Some things, like the smoke detector, and the in-room safe box were also welcome additions. The soundproofing was great, but there were still small noises coming in from the hallway that were a tiny bit annoying. The desk was adequate, but the laptop workspace wasn't exactly ergonomic. The complimentary tea? Bless. The mini bar was there, though I only glanced at it, since my main concern was the complimentary bottle of water
Internet & Tech: Functionality
Yes, they shout about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and I concur, the Wi-Fi [free] was indeed free… and mostly worked! I wouldn't have relied on it for a video conference, but for checking emails and browsing, it did the job! The Internet access – LAN was there if you are looking though. I tested the Internet access – wireless for a while, too, and it did the trick.
Cleanliness & Safety: Reassuring
This is where Suriya International shines. The anti-viral cleaning products and the daily disinfection in common areas definitely put my mind at ease. The staff clearly cared about cleanliness. I spied the professional-grade sanitizing services. The room sanitization opt-out was cool, but honestly? I was happy to have it. They even had individually-wrapped food options and the staff had been trained in safety protocol. There was also a doctor/nurse on call, which you hope you don’t need, but it's comforting to know they're there. The fire extinguisher and smoke alarms were present, thank goodness.
Dining & Drinking: A Foodie Adventure (Sort Of)
Okay, the food. Where do I begin? Let's start with the breakfast [buffet]. It was a whole thing. The Asian breakfast, with its dosas and idlis, was a revelation. As was the Western breakfast, with the eggs-and-bacon. There are restaurants catering Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant. The coffee shop was perfect for that morning caffeine boost. There was even a poolside bar - I could not miss that! The Room service [24-hour] was a life saver, for those midnight hunger pangs. The thing I remember the most? The soup. The soup in restaurant was amazing, and the desserts in restaurant were a sweet treat. The a la carte in restaurant was there for ordering.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day (Mostly)
The swimming pool [outdoor] was lovely, for a refreshing dip! And, of course, the Spa. Oh, the spa! That's where the magic happened. I opted for a Body scrub - pure bliss. And a Massage - even better! The Sauna was a welcome addition as was the Spa/sauna. They had a pool with view, but it was a bit far from the outdoor pool. The Gym/fitness was a nice touch for workout freaks.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Extras
The daily housekeeping kept everything spick and span. They even had a dry cleaning and laundry service - perfect for those of us who pack light (or have a tendency to spill curry on everything). The luggage storage was a convenience. The car park [free of charge] was a blessing. I also noticed essential condiments in the room, and the mirror was great. There was a terrace and a shrine for a nice place to be!
For the Kids & Families:
I didn’t personally use the babysitting service or the Kids facilities, but it's a definite plus for families.
My Verdict: Worth It?
Look, Suriya International isn't perfect. It has its quirks. But the positives largely outweigh the negatives. The cleanliness, the attentive service, the superb spa, plus the overall experience? Definitely worth it.
Here's Why You Should Book (and Why You Might Hesitate):
Reasons to Book:
- Cleanliness & Safety: If you're a germaphobe (like me), you'll love the attention to detail here.
- The Spa!: Seriously, book a massage. You won't regret it.
- The Staff: Friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to care.
- Location: Easy access to the airport and the city.
- The Little Extras: Complimentary water, bathrobes, etc., add to the overall experience.
Reasons to Think Twice:
- Accessibility Queries: If you have specific accessibility needs, double-check the details before booking,
- The Older Vibe: Some areas of the hotel feel a little dated.
- Internet Speed: The Wi-Fi could be better in some areas.
- Food Consistency: While generally good, the food occasionally had an off-day.
Final Thought: Suriya International is a solid choice. It’s not the flashiest hotel, but it’s a comfortable, clean, and well-run establishment that offers good value for your money, and a great spa experience.
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Okay, strap in, buttercups, because this ain't your sterile hotel brochure itinerary. This is me at Suriya International Hotel, India. Buckle up, because this is gonna get… real.
Suriya International Hotel Itinerary: An Emotional Rollercoaster (and Hopefully, a Decent Curry)
Day 1: Arrival – Jet Lag Bites Back (and Holy Cow, It’s Hot)
- 9:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Chennai Airport. Honestly? I’m a mess. Three connecting flights, a toddler screaming in my ear for hours, and my luggage feels like it's packed with bricks. The air hits me like a humid, mosquito-filled hug. I already miss the lukewarm air conditioning on the plane.
- 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Taxi ride to Suriya International. The driver (bless his soul, seriously, I'd be lost without him) is weaving through traffic that resembles a chaotic ballet. Cows casually stroll across the road, buses cough out thick black smoke, and horns are blaring a symphony of pure, unadulterated India. My head is reeling. And I think I saw a monkey on a scooter. Maybe the jet lag's already kicking in.
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Check-in. The hotel lobby is beautiful, all polished marble and fragrant jasmine garlands. The air conditioning is a blessed relief. The reception staff is incredibly polite, almost too polite, like they're used to dealing with the perpetually flustered. I'm already regretting not packing deodorant.
- 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance. My room is… okay. Clean, thankfully. The bed looks inviting, but I'm too wired from the travel to even think about sleeping. The view? A bustling street filled with more of that delightful chaos. The shower, though? Let's just say the water pressure is more of a suggestion than a reality. Already plotting a hot bath.
- 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. The menu is a glorious, overwhelming tapestry of Indian cuisine. I'm hopelessly out of my depth, so I order the chicken biryani, because, hey, it sounds familiar. It’s… good. Really good. Maybe the best biryani I've ever had. Wait, no. It’s definitely the best biryani I’ve ever had. I shove it in quickly, my stomach is yelling and I have a lot of catching up to do.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Attempted nap. Yeah. Jet lag decided to be a jerk. I laid in bed, but my brain was still in a state of high alert, plotting, planning, and desperately trying to remember if I locked the front door.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Explore the hotel. The pool is tempting, but frankly, I'm terrified of ending up looking like a lobster. I discover a little courtyard with a fountain and find my happy place with a ginger tea, just for a bit.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner! Back to the restaurant. I bravely venture into the unknown and order a spicy vegetable curry, and I swear, the spice almost cleared my sinuses. I was sweating, but the flavors were incredible. Definitely worth the face-burning sensation.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Collapse. Bed. Sleep? Hope.
Day 2: Temples, Tuk-Tuks, and Tempered Expectations
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up. The sun streams in. The noise of the city begins to do its thing, I'm going to have to learn to adjust my brain to that. Breakfast. The hotel buffet is a revelation. Dosas, idlis, fruit I can't even name. It's a sensory overload, in the best possible way.
- 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM: A temple visit! The guide is a bit dry, and I'm battling the urge to just wander off and explore on my own. The intricate carvings, the vibrant colors, the overwhelming crowds – it's an assault on the senses in the best possible way. I manage to get lost in the bustling markets outside, and discover an amazing little fruit stand.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Tuk-tuk ride! The driver, a cheerful, toothless guy named Raju, is a maniac. We weave through traffic at breakneck speed, narrowly avoiding collisions, and I'm laughing and screaming simultaneously. This ride is more exciting than the rollercoasters, I swear.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Finding a tiny, local restaurant. The food is insanely cheap and absolutely delicious. I have the samosas, then another, and another, because why not?
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore. Stumbling upon a quiet park, reading a book. The perfect contrast to the earlier noise.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: A proper cup of coffee after being awake for such a long time.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: A short swim.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Trying something new, scared, but it was worth it.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Get ready for bed.
Day 3: The Beach! (and Maybe a Stomach Ache – Oops)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The buffet is a familiar friend by now. I'm starting to get the hang of the dosa-flipping technique. My stomach is still a bit angry from last night, though. Maybe those spicy roadside snacks weren't the best idea.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Taxi to the beach. The ocean is exactly how I imagined: a beautiful, glittering expanse of water. The beach is crowded and sandy, and the smell of salt and sunscreen is pure bliss. I dip my toes in the water, find a spot in the sand, and just… breathe.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Seafood by the beach. The fish is fresh, though my stomach is slightly rebellious.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Beach bliss. Sunbathing, swimming, people-watching.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Shopping. I love a good market, but I'm not great at bargaining.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Grab a quick bite.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Staying simple, just to be safe.
- 8:00 PM: Trying to watch some programs, but passing out instead.
Day 4: Farewell (and a Few Regrets)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. A final, glorious feast. I buy some of the breakfast fruit, because it has been heaven.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. I end up buying a ridiculous, over-priced silk scarf at the airport.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out. Saying goodbye to the lovely staff.
- 11:30 AM: Taxi the airport.
- 1:30 PM: Flight.
Reflection:
India. It's a lot. It's beautiful, frustrating, overwhelming, and utterly captivating. I left with a full stomach, a slightly lighter purse, and a head full of memories. Would I go back? Absolutely. Will I pack more deodorant next time? You bet your bottom dollar.
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So, Suriya International… Sounds fancy. Is it *actually* fancy?
Okay, let's get this out of the way: "fancy" is a loaded word. Like, does it have a butler who'll pick your nose for you while reciting Shakespeare? No. Does it rival a Four Seasons in Parisian pomp? Probably not. But *damn* if it isn't a step above everything else I've experienced in terms of Indian hotels. Think a beautifully carved wooden door that actually *works* (a rarity, trust me), rooms that don't smell faintly of mildew (another rarity!), and a view that makes you actually *want* to wake up in the morning. It's understated luxury. Elegant. Worth the splurge, in my humble opinion.
What's the food like? Because, let's be honest, Indian food is the *real* reason we're all here.
Right?! Hear, hear! Okay, the food… The food is… *chef's kiss*… mostly. The rooftop restaurant is an experience in itself. Picture this: the sun setting over the… actually, I can't even explain the view. It's just… there. Breathtakingly beautiful. And then, the food. They have this butter chicken… oh my god. I swear I dream about it. I ordered it three nights in a row. My stomach didn't thank me, but my soul? My soul was doing a Bollywood dance party. There was one evening the service was a *little* slow, maybe because I had a very specific request for a green chutney made a certain way, but hey, things happen. It wouldn't be India without a little bit of a wait, you know? And the staff were kind enough to take care of it, and the chutney…worth it. They also *attempt* Italian, and while it's not *Italian* Italian (you're in India, people!), it's a decent enough pizza to quell those craving pangs.
About the staff... Are they friendly? Because nobody wants to be stuck with surly service after a long day of sightseeing.
Oh, the staff. Prepare to be charmed. Honestly, they're *too* friendly. I'm a cynical New Yorker, so I'm naturally suspicious of overwhelming kindness. But these guys… they're genuine. They'd remember your name (even after I'd forgotten theirs multiple times... sorry, guys!), ask about your day, and offer unsolicited advice on where to find the best chai. One time, I locked myself out of my room (mortifying, I know), and the concierge, bless his cotton socks, arrived with the master key and a concerned look that made me feel like a complete idiot, but in a way where I immediately felt better too? It sounds ridiculous, but the warmth is incredible. They are not perfect. There was a little miscommunication on my airport transfer when I was leaving, but they immediately fixed it and apologized profusely. They genuinely care. It’s a cliché, but it's true.
Okay, let's talk about the location. Is it in the middle of all the action, or am I going to be stuck in a boring suburb?
Ah, location, location, location. It's… strategically placed. Not *smack dab* in the chaos, but close enough to be convenient. You're a short tuk-tuk ride from… everything, really. The bustling markets, the temples, the… well, all those things you go to India for. It’s not a secluded paradise, but it's a calm oasis amidst the beautiful madness. I could walk to the nearest markets, but I was too lazy. I didn't mind the tuk-tuk or the occasional traffic, it's part of the charm, right? And after a day of… *experiencing* India, it’s utterly blissful.
What about the rooms? Clean? Spacious? Do they have… hot water? (A crucial question).
Okay, let's talk about the *real* necessities: hot water, air conditioning, and a bed that doesn't feel like you're sleeping on a concrete slab. The answer is: YES! Yes to all of the above! My room was… look, I'm not a minimalist by any stretch, so I was THRILLED with the space. Comfortable, with a small balcony overlooking… well, it's better than it sounds. The bathroom? Clean, modern, and with a hot water system that actually functions! I took so many showers. The AC was a lifesaver after a day sweating in the heat. And the bed… *chef's kiss* again. I practically lived on that bed. Slept like a baby. It was that comfortable. I will say, the wifi was a *little* spotty one day, which was a huge annoyance because I was absolutely not meant to be working at all, but it's India. You roll with it. And the next day it was fine.
Are there any downsides? Because every place has *something.* Come on, spill the tea!
Alright, alright, you twisted my arm. Yes, there are *minor* things. The gym is… well, it exists. It's not exactly a state-of-the-art fitness center, but it'll do in a pinch if you *absolutely* cannot miss your workout. If you want an upscale spa, it's better to just avoid it altogether. They *offer* spa treatments, but I swear, whatever they used on my face for the facial made my skin *feel* amazing for all of 40 seconds, then it went back to normal. And the noise levels… well, you're in India. Expect street noise. It's part of the experience.
Would you go back? Seriously, after all the… *details*?
Would I? In a heartbeat. Even with my nitpicks and my occasional bouts of cynicism. Suriya International… it’s got something special. That blend of understated elegance, genuine warmth, and delicious butter chicken? It's addictive. It’s a place I'd feel comfortable staying for weeks. I'd go back just to sit on that rooftop and watch the sunset again. And to have that butter chicken. Don't tell my doctor! The imperfections? They’re part of what makes it so… real. So, yes. Absolutely, yes. Book it. And if you like butter chicken, get extra for me.
