Hotel Ganpat Grand, Palani

The rooms need updating. The mattresses have sunk and are uncomfortable, the bed linen needs a full replacement, and the air in the rooms didn’t seem great. Bathrooms weren’t very convenient, and the water was only lukewarm. There was no help moving luggage, so it’s self-service. The location is great, about five minutes from the temple entrance. Parking is good, common areas and amenities are well maintained, reception staff were very helpful, and the restaurant was decent. A mixed stay.

The staff were excellent, and we enjoyed our one night here. It’s a nice, luxurious hotel very close to the base area of Palani Murugan temple, including the rope car station, steps, and winch station. Across the road, the temple organization runs buggy service. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, and there are two elevators and a restaurant.

The people were friendly, but that doesn’t make up for how much the quality has fallen since my visit two years ago. The rooms were dusty, glasses and the kettle weren’t cleaned properly, there was nowhere to put towels, and the hairdryer didn’t work. The restaurant doesn’t open until 7:30, so there are no morning drinks available. Coffee in the room was very bad, and the food was poor and served cold. Breakfast and dinner had little variety beyond idli, dosa, parota, or chapathi. We didn’t have lunch there. With the infrastructure deteriorating, the friendliness doesn’t help.

The location is amazing, right in front of where the temple steps start, and parking is good. There’s a decent restaurant on the ground floor. Hotel hygiene needs a lot of improvement, though. The bedspreads and towels really weren’t usable.