Royale Achaya

For a comfortable stay at a reasonable price, this place was completely worth it, even though it isn’t really a hotel. I only stayed briefly and booked at the last minute, but didn’t regret it. The room was pleasant and well kept. The owner took real care: he came outside to guide my cab when I was looking for the place, walked me up to the room, and even carried my luggage. I’d recommend it.

For a budget stay in a prime location, this works well, and the service was decent too. The rooms are well maintained. The AC and lighting could be better.

The room was a decent size, but the bathroom was awful. The shower was faulty, and the walls and faucets looked like they hadn’t been cleaned in ages. From evening, none of the power sockets worked. When I told the owner, he said one phase was out, but when I brought it up again the next morning, he checked and found a tripped line that he could have checked the night before. Power kept fluctuating overnight, making the AC switch on and off. Breakfast came on a tray with three idlis, sambar without chutney, and coffee. Checkout was 11:30, yet the owner was pushing us to leave from 10:45. I assume that’s why power to the AC and plugs was cut by 10. Avoid if you can.

It’s a homestay advertised misleadingly as a hotel, which it isn’t. Even setting that aside, it’s deep inside a residential area with no access to any kind of public transport. Getting food regularly is a hassle too. They charge INR 1500, while there are wonderful commercial hotels at that price right by Thiruvanmiyur Bus Stop.