The Xanadu-Birkenhead

The views and neat bedrooms were the main strengths, and Mr. Basanta was kind and attentive to our needs. The location was excellent, the kids enjoyed the books, carroms, and badminton, and we had a nice, comfortable family stay. Still, the price felt high compared with Sterling, which offers more facilities for the same cost. Service needs work. Staff didn’t clean the dining table properly after meals, and freshly washed glasses weren’t ready before breakfast or lunch. We had to ask twice for drinking glasses, and used tea cups and tissues were left with flies around them. They also seemed not to understand Hindi well. The manager himself was good. The bedroom furnishings need maintenance. Staff had taken up half the wardrobe with plates and kitchen utensils, leaving me to use the remaining space. The cabinet door wouldn’t latch, so I had to keep my luggage on the floor. Guests should have access to the whole wardrobe. Power kept fluctuating, and there was no automatic diesel generator backup. We repeatedly asked the staff to switch on the generator so we could use the hot water geyser, but they didn’t respond helpfully. They could have called the manager. I had to reach him by WhatsApp, and he switched on the DG right away. There’s no mobile signal at the resort. Breakfast choices were very limited, and caretakers served small portions, especially of chutney and sambar, so we had to ask for more. The stay was pleasant overall, and I’d recommend it to families, but these service issues need attention.

We felt relaxed and well looked after at The Xanadu, Kodaikanal. The rooms were comfortable and clean, the food was delicious, and the staff were kind, supportive, and very polite. It was an excellent stay.

A lovely garden surrounds the place, set between the mountains with beautiful views. It made for a really scenic stay.

Xanadu gave us a peaceful stay with lovely views, and the location and ambience suited our vacation well. The property contacted us two days ahead to confirm our check-in time and explain the road work happening there, which was helpful. We felt the price was fair, and breakfast was good. We hadn’t been told that the room we booked had a kitchen where staff cooked for guests, including people from the adjacent property. It would have helped to know before or at check-in, so we were prepared to find strangers there. The staff did give us privacy when we asked. Their attitude also seemed different at check-in and checkout, and service could have been better. The heater wasn’t enough for the room.