UPAR Hotels Nungambakkam: Chennai's Hidden Gem? Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
UPAR Hotels Nungambakkam: Chennai's Hidden Gem? (Or Just a Really Good Hotel?) - My Honest Review!
Okay, people, let's talk Chennai's Hidden Gem… UPAR Hotels Nungambakkam. They say "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!"…and, look, I've seen a thing or two in my travels. I’ve stayed in places that promised the moon and delivered a… well, a slightly lumpy cheese. So, I went in with a healthy dose of skepticism. But, UPAR? Buckle up, because this might be the real deal.
First Impressions – The Accessibility Angle (Because We Care!)
Right off the bat, I gotta give a thumbs up for Accessibility. They've got an elevator, which is a HUGE win. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, and that's always a good sign. I didn't personally need those services, but the very presence of it makes me feel like they're actually thinking about all kinds of guests. I'm also a huge fan of the car park [free of charge] - parking in Chennai is a nightmare! And there's even a car power charging station - smart!
Getting Connected (Because, Let's Be Real, We All Need It)
Internet access is key, right? They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - and, thankfully, it actually works. I’m talking solid, reliable Wi-Fi. No more frantic trips to the lobby to find a signal. They also offer Internet [LAN] if you're old-school (guilty!), so double points for that versatility. Wi-Fi in public areas is also a thing, as is Internet services – so, yeah, you're covered.
Cleanliness and Safety – Pandemic-Era Essentials
Okay, this is where UPAR REALLY shines. In this crazy, post-pandemic world, Cleanliness and safety are non-negotiable. I'm prone to anxiety when I travel these days, so I pay extra close attention to this stuff. They've got it sorted. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services… it's all there. Makes a germaphobe like me feel like I can actually breathe. There’s Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. And the really great thing? Room sanitization opt-out available. You know, if you’re feelin' brave. They also have Rooms sanitized between stays, and staff is trained in safety protocol. I mean, it's actually reassuring. I'm not sure I've ever felt this safe in a hotel before. The first aid kit is just a nice touch.
Dining – A Culinary Adventure (Mostly!)
This is where things get interesting. Let’s get messy! They have a ton of Dining, drinking, and snacking options. Restaurants galore! Specifically… Restaurants. Plural! They have an Asian breakfast, which is amazing, and a Western breakfast, too, which is a nice touch. I personally love the Soup in restaurant and the Salad in restaurant, which are both fresh and tasty. and there's a Vegetarian restaurant which is super thoughtful. There is also a Coffee shop and the Poolside bar is nice for evening drinks. They offer Room service [24-hour], which is a lifesaver after a long day of sightseeing. However, and here’s where the imperfection comes in, the Happy hour was… Well it wasn't happy. It wasn’t unhappy mind you, it was just… there. I'm not sure I noticed it, in all honesty.
Spa & Relaxation - My Ultimate Indulgence
Okay, if you need to de-stress, LOOK NO FURTHER! This is a MAJOR selling point. They have a full Spa. And when I say full, I mean FULL! They have a Pool with view, a Sauna, a Steamroom, and they've got a Spa/sauna. They also have a Foot bath, and Massage options. Oh, and a Body scrub and Body wrap. I dove headfirst into the spa experience. It was heavenly. I spent three hours in the spa one afternoon. The masseuse? AMAZING. I didn't want to leave. I felt like a new person when I emerged. It was the kind of luxurious experience that makes you feel like royalty. The Fitness center is also there, for those who like more physical relaxation. I didn't go to the gym… I was enjoying the spa too much, but I peeped in, looked well-equipped! The Swimming pool is also really nicely designed, and is Swimming pool [outdoor], so you can soak up the Chennai sun.
The Room – My Personal Sanctuary
The rooms are fantastic. They are actually as luxurious as they claim. They include Air conditioning, which is essential in Chennai's heat. They’re Non-smoking, which I appreciate. They have Blackout curtains, so you can sleep in. I loved the Bathtub. Honestly, the Bathrobes were the best. And of course, the Free Wi-Fi, so you can stream your shows. The Daily housekeeping? Spotless. I was genuinely impressed by the rooms, the amount of space, the sheer comfort. It was bliss. They also offer things like a Coffee/tea maker, and Complimentary tea - for those who need a caffeine fix.
Services & Conveniences – Above and Beyond
UPAR's commitment to service is evident. The Concierge was incredibly helpful with suggestions and arrangements. They have Daily housekeeping of course. There's Laundry service - which is a godsend. Cash withdrawal is available, which is always useful. They provide Essential condiments, which is super smart. It also has Facilities for disabled guests. They have an Elevator. They also offered Doctor/nurse on call, and you can pay via Cashless payment service. They have Front desk [24-hour], so someone is always there. The Luggage storage is also a plus. They're just thinking of EVERYTHING.
For The Kids
I don't have kids, but I did see some families there. They have some Kids facilities, and a Babysitting service, along with Family/child friendly options. Seems like a good place for families.
Safety & Security Matters
Feels like this hotel is super secure. There's CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, and Security [24-hour]. They have a Fire extinguisher in the hall and Smoke alarms.
Getting Around
They offer Airport transfer, which is a huge relief. Car park [on-site] and Valet parking make life easy. They even have Taxi service.
The Quirks & The Imperfections
Okay, so I promised HONESTY. This ain't a perfect place, no place is. One teeny-tiny, almost insignificant, minor flaw: the elevator could be slightly faster. Seriously, though, everything else was so good that it’s hardly a complaint.
The Verdict?
UPAR Hotels Nungambakkam isn't just a "hidden gem," it's a fully-fledged DIAMOND. It ticked all the boxes for me: luxurious surroundings, impeccable service, robust safety protocols, accessibility, and delicious food – and, most importantly, it left me feeling relaxed and pampered.
My Unsolicited, Stream-of-Consciousness, Honest Recommendation!
Book this hotel. Seriously, Just do it! It is worth every penny. The quality of food, the comfort of the rooms, the amazing staff, the spa…it's truly a luxury experience. If you are looking for a relaxing, luxurious getaway in Chennai, then UPAR Hotels Nungambakkam is your place. This is for you.
Here's my crazy-good offer idea:
"Escape to Unbelievable Luxury: Book Your Chennai Oasis at UPAR Hotels Nungambakkam!"
Headline: Escape the Ordinary: Experience Unforgettable Luxury at UPAR Hotels, Nungambakkam!
Body: Tired of the same old routine? Yearning for a getaway that truly pampers you? UPAR Hotels Nungambakkam, Chennai's hidden gem, awaits! Step into a world of unparalleled luxury, where every detail is crafted for your comfort and enjoyment.
Here's what makes UPAR irresistible:
- Impeccable Safety: Relax knowing we prioritize your well-being with rigorous hygiene protocols and a dedicated staff.
- Luxurious Retreat: Indulge in spacious, beautifully appointed rooms with free Wi-Fi, plush bedding, and all the amenities you could dream of.
- Culinary Delights: Savor exquisite cuisine at our restaurants, offering a diverse range of flavors to tantalize your taste buds.
- Spa Sanctuary: Melt your stress away at our world-class spa, featuring rejuvenating treatments and tranquil surroundings.
- Effortless Convenience: Enjoy seamless service, from our attentive
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my epic journey through the glorious chaos that is UPAR Hotels in Nungambakkam, Chennai, and trust me, it's gonna be a rollercoaster. Consider this less a schedule, and more a vague, semi-coherent map of my sanity's disintegration… in the best possible way.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Search for Decent Coffee (and maybe a dosa)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Chennai Airport. The air hits you like a warm, spiced hug (or a suffocating swarm of humidity, depending on your mood and/or how much sleep you've gotten). Immediately, panic sets in. Did I remember to pack deodorant? Did I print the correct visa? Did I accidentally leave my brain back in London? The answers, as it turns out, are no, no, and probably yes.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi ride to UPAR. The traffic? Poetry in motion. Or, more accurately, a relentless ballet of honking, lane-hopping, and the constant feeling of impending doom. Our driver, bless his heart, seems utterly unfazed by the near-misses. I, on the other hand, am clinging to the seat like a limpet.
- 11:30 AM: Check-in at UPAR. The lobby is… well, it’s a lobby. Cleanish. Air conditioning doing its valiant, if slightly pathetic, best. The front desk staff is friendly, despite the fact that I’m probably radiating a potent aura of travel-induced stress. Deep breaths. I can do this.
- 12:00 PM: Room exploration. The room is… adequate. Cleanish, again, but a little… beige. Beige is the colour of lost dreams, I decide. The bathroom is a surprisingly clean and modern space. This is a win.
- 12:30 PM: Time for coffee. The need for caffeine is a primal scream echoing within my soul. The hotel's in-house restaurant has… well, they call it coffee. I approach with trepidation. It's… passable. Just barely.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch! I'm starving. I bravely venture out to find a dosa. This leads me to a little street-side place around the corner. The dosa? Divine. Crispy, slightly spicy, a perfect symphony of flavour. This, my friends, is why I travel. This is living!
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel to fight off the sudden urge to nap.
- 3:00 PM: Post-dosa coma. Sleep. Glorious, blessed sleep.
Day 2: The Temple Trail, Traffic Trials and a Spicy Reckoning
- 8:00 AM: I wake up early, for a change, and actually energized. I skipped the hotel-coffee today, and I feel good about that, which is rare. I'm ready to dive headfirst into the chaos that is Chennai.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast: I've decided the hotel breakfast is a safe bet, and I'm ready to try again. The same coffee is offered. My brain is telling me, "Stick to the tea!", but my body is screaming for caffeine. In a moment of weakness, I give in.
- 10:00 AM: We're off to Mylapore! I have to see the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. We hop in an auto-rickshaw, which is a death trap on three wheels, but also pure, unadulterated fun. The driver, a master of weaving through the traffic, delivers us to the temple unscathed.
- 10:30 AM: The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is… breathtaking. The vibrant colours, the intricate carvings, the sheer energy of the place… it’s overwhelming in the best possible way. I have to take about a million pictures.
- 11:30 AM: I get lost in the maze of market stalls outside the temple. I barter for some souvenirs, fail miserably, and end up paying far too much. But hey, it's all part of the experience.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. I try a new restaurant that's raved about on Google reviews. It's a spicy explosion in my mouth. My eyes water, my nose runs, and I'm pretty sure I'm glowing. The waiter, bless his heart, brings me a glass of water with a knowing smile. This is the moment when I realize I am not, in fact, a spice master.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel to recover from the spicy meal.
- 3:00 PM: Take a long afternoon nap.
- 5:00 PM: Feeling better, but still tired. Decide to walk to a local park. I'm now convinced that walking is the the best way to understand a city, and it's true, but I feel I'm in a movie.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner, I decide to remain in the hotel, for simplicity. I order from the restaurant.
Day 3: Farewell (and a Deep Breath)
- 7:00 AM: Last breakfast in the hotel. I steel myself for the coffee… and the coffee is still barely passable. But hey, at least the bread is good.
- 8:00 AM: Start packing my bags. I realize I've bought way too many souvenirs.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. The reception staff are still friendly. I give them a small tip. A gesture of thanks for surviving my chaotic presence.
- 10:30 AM: Taxi to the airport. More manic traffic. More near-death experiences. I hold my breath, not just from the pollution, but from the lingering stress.
- 12:00 PM: Security. The process is long and stressful. I try to stay calm.
- 1:00 PM: Boarding. Finally, the end is near.
- 2:00 PM: Take off. My head is a jumble of colours, smells, tastes, and fleeting memories. I close my eyes. I'm already planning my next trip back to Chennai. This place has gotten under my skin.
And that, my friends, is the (slightly) messy, (mostly) truthful, and (hopefully) somewhat entertaining chronicle of my time at UPAR Hotels. It wasn't perfect. It was chaotic. It was often overwhelming. But it was also incredible. And that, in the end, is all that matters. Now if you'll excuse me, I need a very large, very strong, very non-hotel-brand coffee.
Escape to Paradise: Hostal Mar de Frente, Los Caños de Meca!
UPAR Hotels Nungambakkam: Chennai's Hidden Gem? (My Brain's Currently Somewhere Between 'WOW' and 'Where's My Wallet?')
So... UPAR Hotels Nungambakkam. Is it ACTUALLY a hidden gem, or just another hotel trying too hard to be fancy? (Because let's be honest, I've seen some *stuff*.)
Okay, first off, let's get this straight: I'm not easily impressed. Hotels? They're usually a necessary evil. A place to crash after you've seen too many temples or eaten too much… well, you get the idea. But UPAR? Hold on. It's… *different*. Think sleek, almost minimalist, but with this… this *atmosphere*. Like a high-end spa is hiding in plain sight. It's hidden, absolutely. Nungambakkam is a labyrinth of traffic and spice shops and then BAM! - this oasis. I'd say YES, GEM. Though my bank account might disagree.
What's the vibe *specifically*? Like, is it "stuffy business traveler" or "laid-back luxury with a hint of 'ooh, look what I can afford'?" (Asking for a friend… obviously.)
Okay, so, the vibe is… a blend. Like, initially, "Whoa, is this the right place? Am I underdressed?" (I was, slightly). But then, you're greeted with this… this *calm*. The staff? Seriously lovely. Not the overly-eager-to-please kind, just genuinely helpful. I’d say it's the luxury part is undeniable, but it doesn't make you feel like you *need* to wear a tie, ya know? It's more… "Well-heeled but chill." I definitely felt like I could relax, even though, let's be honest, I was still slightly intimidated by the sheer… *niceness* of everything.
Let's talk rooms. Spill the beans. Are they palatial, or cramped, but somehow manage to charge a fortune? The suspense is killing me!
Right, the money shot (or at least, the view from the room). My room… Oh, my room. I think I audibly gasped when I walked in. No, seriously. There was a distinct "Whoa" sound that escaped my lips that I immediately regretted. Spacious? Yes. Palatial? Perhaps a little… *pretentious*. Fine, I'll admit it, It was amazing. The bed was cloud-like. Like, *actual* cloud-like. The bathroom? More like a spa retreat. Double sinks (cue the "fancy" music!), a giant walk-in shower. The view? Not the best, to be honest. Another building, mostly. But honestly? I didn't care. I'd spent the whole day in traffic, breathing in car exhaust. This? This was *sanctuary*. I almost didn't leave. Almost. (I had a very important dinner to eat).
Any specific experiences that truly sold you on the place? (Beyond the bed of clouds, I mean.)
Okay, here's the *thing*. I arrived exhausted, stressed, and slightly hangry. (Chennai traffic, people, it's a beast.) I just wanted to collapse. But I also needed a coffee. And I HATE hotel coffee. It's usually weak, bitter, and generally disappointing. But the *coffee*… UPAR's coffee? Mind-blowing. Seriously. It wasn't an instant coffee situation, thank God. It was expertly prepared, rich, and smooth. And the *ambiance* of the cafe… it was so peaceful. I ended sitting there for two hours before I even checked in (I was fashionably late to the appointment). It's the little things, you know? The quality coffee, the quiet corners, the genuinely nice staff. It was the coffee that sold me. I'm a simple creature.
Okay, okay, so what about the drawbacks? Nothing's perfect, right? (Please tell me there's a catch!)
Alright, let's get real. Nothing's perfect. The price? Let's just say it's not budget-friendly. But Hey, I'm happy to give my money away. Traffic getting there and getting away from the hotel? Still a nightmare, but that's Chennai, not UPAR's fault. And, the noise from the road from my room was a bit noticeable. That's it! The rest was absolute heaven.
Food! Tell me about the food! (Because I'm always thinking about food.)
Oh, the food. Right. Well, I only had a small breakfast in their restaurant and I think I was still in a food-coma from the fancy coffee I had earlier, so I don't have a lot to say about it. I wanted to stay in my room all day. But if you are into fancy coffee and a decent hotel... absolutely recommend.
So, the final verdict? Would you recommend UPAR Hotels Nungambakkam to your worst enemy? (Just kidding… maybe.)
Haha! My worst enemy? Mmm, maybe. Actually, yes. I would, because even they deserve a little luxury sometimes. Look, if you're looking for a place to truly *relax*, to escape the chaos of Chennai, and you don't mind spending a little extra, then absolutely. It's a hidden gem. Go. Book. Just… save some coffee for me, okay?
