E Hotel, Chennai

We really enjoyed our stay at E Hotel Chennai. The location is great, with easy access to the mall. Mr. Srinil was especially helpful and always greeted us with a genuine smile. When I couldn’t use the app and had no cash, he even paid my taxi fare through GPay. I truly appreciated it. He’s a real asset to the hotel and helped make our stay so enjoyable.

The staff were helpful and courteous, and the interiors were clean, well kept, and had a nice feel. It’s easy to find since the hotel is a known landmark. Being attached to the mall makes it convenient for shopping, food, and hanging out, and valet parking is available. They also have spacious, well maintained halls for functions. A solid, comfortable choice, and I’d stay again.

The location is the one standout feature: EHotel connects through its lobby straight to Express Avenue Mall, with plenty of places to eat and shop. The rest didn’t feel like a four star stay. We were three, so they added an extra bed, but the blanket was so thin I shivered all night. The room was dated and the toiletries were badly rusted. Dental kits and similar items are only provided on request. No one offered to help with our luggage, just watched while we carried it. We arrived at 11:30 am, but when I asked if they could arrange early check-in before the 2 pm start, they simply told me to come back at 2. The vegetarian buffet breakfast was another con. I stayed at four Chennai hotels, EHotel, The Leela Palace, The Belstead and Taj Coromandel, and that influenced my opinion. For value, I’d choose The Bestead. For premium service, The Leela Palace or Taj. Avoid this hotel.

The safe deposit box didn’t work, and the small gym only has an elliptical and a few weights. Still, you get a lot for your rupees here. By Indian standards it’s a four star hotel, but the food and service feel five star. The breakfast buffet looked better than some of the best Indian restaurants in Taiwan or the US. The room was clean and big, and the AC can be adjusted, since it gets too cold for sleeping. It’s right by Express Avenue Mall, which has that 80s and 90s mall rat feel and is full of people.