Hotel Green Parrot

My family and I had a lovely stay in Madurai two months ago. The staff were attentive and friendly, always ready to help with a smile, and the warm atmosphere made us feel welcome. Our room was spacious, comfortable, and clean, with the amenities all well maintained. We’d gladly come back. Five out of five from us.

After a 10 hour train ride from Kottayam, we arrived at Hotel Green Parrot. The area didn’t look great for staying, and the hotel is on a main road with few food options nearby. We paid around £17 a night, which is pretty cheap, but I’d have gladly paid more for a cleaner place. The rooms and towels need freshening up, and a deep clean would bring the hotel up to scratch. It looked grubby and nothing like the Booking.com photos. Our twin room, 204, wasn’t what we’d booked, which was a double, though I had a stinking cold and wasn’t too bothered. A double on the first floor was smaller, so we stayed put. The room had a kettle but no mugs or toilet paper, two greyish bath towels, a dusty floor mat, and old, worn bedding. We asked for toilet rolls, mugs, and extra coat hangers, and they brought them. After a meal at a grubby restaurant, we came back tired, but the bedding didn’t look clean. We asked reception for fresh sheets, and after a few minutes of debate about housekeeping, a staff member finally brought clean bottom sheets. The next morning the manager apologized and offered to clean the room. The beds were comfortable, and we slept well despite the nearby road. The staff were lovely and tried to help, so I couldn’t fault them. Check-in was quick and efficient. They couldn’t accept international cards, but the manager was relaxed about waiting until we had cash. We got around by tuk tuk, and it was easy to reach the centre and tourist attractions. There’s also a little café attached to the hotel selling fab kulfi ice cream.

The café next door is a nice extra, with a young woman serving in a very professional way. At the hotel, Mr Saravanan was attentive from check-in right through to check-out, and always polite and friendly. It was a quiet, clean hotel of a very high standard, and I noticed there were no mosquitoes. Highly recommended.

There was mould all over the washroom, the water gyser wasn’t working, and the air conditioning took two hours to cool the room. They charge the price of a 3 star for next to nothing. Don’t trust the ratings on booking apps.