Gateway Madurai

Good colonial style rooms. Good for those looking for peace and quiet

The hotel sadly as and is a big let down. We arrived to find rooms were not ready so they sat us in the restaurant expecting you to order food and drinks whilst you waited. It was a considerable amount of time for them to bring a tea and coffee for the two of us, wasn't sure if this was because we didn't order food. The restaurant was very clean and presentable so no faults there but reiterating the service was unbearably slow. All the staff couldn't be anymore helpful or pleasant so no faults there. Our room however wasn't up to a great standard. The air-conditioning made the room smell extremely musty and unpleasant. The windows had been painted over so you couldn't see out nor could you open them. We ended up having to prop the door wide open to try air the room. Water was pouring out of the light fitting just outside the entrance of our room and it must be noted it wasn't raining outside. I personally found the room bearable aesthetically if you didn't look too closely at anything. The rest of the hotel and grounds I have to be honest are a disgrace. Filthy, neglected, and extremely run down are the words worthy of honest opinion. We sat outside the restaurant for a drink as this was the only place to go at 3pm we were told, Relaxing this was not. The chairs extremely filthy and the atmosphere horrendous. Work was been carried out on the floors above the restaurant and the noise was continuous and loud. We did have a peacock come and join us which was a pleasant surprise. Mini bar in our room had a can of tonic a bottle of fizzy water and a toblerone bar. Drinks however extremely overpriced the dearest in all the hotels we have stopped in whilst travelling around India. The food was acceptable but again not as enjoyable as other hotels that we experienced on our travels. Would we come back here most probably not sad to say as the building and grounds could be absolutely stunning a big let down. The pictures say it all

Stay was wonderful. Huge room, excellent view of city and Meenakshi Amman Temple Gopurams. Also surrounded by trees and nature on the other sides. Saw Peacocks, Myna, Squirrel, parrot etc. Food spread and taste were very good. South Indian foods like Idly, Vada, Sambar, Chutneys and Adai were excellent. The Coffee machine in the room upgraded the experience. Yet to experience your swimming pool and SPA. Service levels of the team made us feel special, will surely visit again.