Astoria Hotels By Sparsa

We spent one night here with another couple. There's a safe place to park your car, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The rooms were nice too. Given how well located this property is for devotees and people arriving by bus or train, I feel it could be looked after a bit more. Staff need training in the cleanliness standards required. I would stay here again for the location when I visit Madurai.

Our breakfast was included, but we had to leave early, so at checkout around 5 am they gave us a sandwich and fruit for the journey. The manager and staff were very good, and there's a new building opposite with luxurious rooms. It was a very good experience, and I'm grateful for the help in an emergency in a new city for visitors from outside. Our child had a high fever at night, and the staff supported us and suggested a nearby hospital. One suggestion: the restaurant could offer some child-friendly dishes during its 12 hours of service. Snacks between 3 and 7 would also help guests delayed while travelling.

My only small gripe was the sound coming through from the hallway and stairwell. Several groups were using those spaces as an extension of their rooms, so the noise was quite audible inside. Apart from that, I had a very pleasant stay at the Astoria Hotel in Madurai. The staff were the highlight, very friendly, attentive, and professional, and made me feel welcome from arrival. My room was spacious and comfortable, and the air conditioning worked perfectly and quietly enough for a good night's sleep. Breakfast was fine, with a decent selection, well organized, and about what you'd expect from a hotel like this, even if it wasn't exceptional. A very nice hotel with excellent staff.

The location is close to both the bus stand and railway station, and the complimentary breakfast is pretty good. The reception staff are receptive, but they sprayed air freshener when we reported the bathroom smell, and it still lingered. I wish they'd checked the room before we arrived. Our room was very small, the towels were dirty, the elevator was small, and there were mosquitoes. The hotel kitchen has nothing available after 11. Maybe these wouldn't be major problems at a cheaper place, but for a 3-star hotel charging 4900 a night, it's dismal and not worth the money.