InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort
East Coast Rd Nemelli Village, Perur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603104
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Travel Month March, 2024
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Season Shoulder
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Stay Duration 2N
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Room Rathi Honeymoon Suite
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Package Bed & Breakfast (BB)
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Price / N 27,730 INR
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Final Bill 33,550.05 INR
– Upgraded from an East Coast Suite with Sea View to the Rathi Honeymoon Suite with Jacuzzi, thanks to InterContinental Ambassador perks.
– Redeemed the Ambassador complimentary weekend night
83.258 INR = 1 USD
* All prices are inclusive of taxes. The final bill includes any additional charges for incidentals such as food and activities.
IThe InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort is a serene beachfront property blending modern luxury with South Indian temple-inspired architecture. Designed by CV Sydney, a firm part of Kerry Hill in Singapore, the resort’s concrete design initially feels industrial and austere, but as the day transitions into night, the temple-like ambiance with water features and subtle lighting brings warmth to the setting. With 106 rooms and suites, it is one of the few InterContinental hotels in India and a great luxury option for those visiting nearby Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This was our second time staying at this resort, with our first visit being in December, 2021. This time, we visited in early March, which is just after the best travel season (November to February). We drove from Bangalore with our 6-month-old baby and had booked the East Coast Suite with Sea View. Thanks to our InterContinental Ambassador perks, we were upgraded to the Rathi Honeymoon Suite with a jacuzzi. Our stay lasted two nights, one of which was redeemed as part of the Ambassador complimentary weekend night. The overall experience was quite enjoyable, with just a few minor issues that, if addressed, would have enhanced our stay even further.
Booking and Pre Arrival Experience
Booking through the IHG website was smooth. However, securing the guaranteed upgrade under the InterContinental Ambassador program required a bit of follow-up with the IHG and hotel team, though they were helpful throughout the process.
Arrival and Check-In Experience
Upon arrival, the check-in process was quick and welcoming. We were greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and promptly escorted to our upgraded suite. The front desk staff was courteous, making sure we had everything we needed.
Accommodations
Our stay in the Rathi Honeymoon Suite with a Jacuzzi was delightful. The layout was unique, with the jacuzzi serving as the centerpiece of the suite. Upon entering, the living area was to the right, followed by the bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, sinks, and bathroom, all flowing naturally into one another. The jacuzzi could be accessed from the bathroom, making it a lovely addition for relaxation. Our baby enjoyed his first splash in the jacuzzi, adding to the memorable moments of our trip.
While the suite was spacious and naturally well-lit, we did face an issue with the crib. Despite requesting one during the booking, the staff had overlooked the request. The metal crib provided upon arrival wasn’t in great condition, so we opted to co-sleep with our little one instead, which worked out fine.
On our previous visit, we stayed in a Classic Room, which was also spacious. For those looking for more luxurious accommodations, the Vilasa Suite with a private pool is the most premium option at this property.
Resort Experience
InterContinental Chennai is well-maintained, with easy access to a peaceful, scenic beach. The beachfront KoKoMMo Tiki Shack is a lovely spot to enjoy the sound of the waves while dining. The lush greenery, traditional water features, and spacious layout create a serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Dining Experience
InterContinental Chennai has three dining options: Tao of Peng, The Melting Pot, and KoKoMMo Tiki Shack.
Tao of Peng A Chinese restaurant open for lunch and dinner only on weekends. (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
The Melting Pot a multi-cuisine restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
KoKoMMo Tiki Shack A beachfront restaurant serving seafood for lunch and dinner. I highly recommend the Calamari Fritters; they are tender and fresh, unlike the rubbery versions you often find elsewhere.
Traveling with an infant meant we had to plan our meals around nap schedules, which led us to rely heavily on in-room dining. We had been excited about Tao of Peng, a restaurant we loved from our previous visit. Although Tao of Peng dishes weren’t on the in-room dining menu, the chefs kindly made special arrangements to serve us our favorite dishes in the room. This gesture was highly appreciated.
The food at The Melting Pot was excellent. One standout dish was the Crispy Chilli Tofu, which was delightful during the weekend. Unfortunately, when we reordered the dish on Monday, it wasn’t the same, as the weekend chef was off-duty. The head chef, however, went out of his way to prepare the dish for us again, which we took on our journey to the next resort
Amenities and Activities
The resort offers limited activities, including morning yoga sessions and cultural entertainment in the evenings. The swimming pool, though not an infinity pool, is beautifully designed and evokes a temple tank with its central location and peaceful setting. The property’s overall design, inspired by South Indian temples, adds to the calm and relaxing atmosphere.
We didn’t participate in many activities due to traveling with an infant, but the staff’s accommodation for our needs made our stay very comfortable.
One of the highlights of the InterContinental Chennai is the Amrtam Spa, a luxurious facility that offers a variety of rejuvenating treatments. Specializing in both traditional Indian therapies and contemporary wellness practices, the spa provides a holistic approach to relaxation and well-being. Although we couldn’t indulge in the spa treatments during our recent stay, we enjoyed a relaxing therapy session during our previous visit.
Check-Out Experience
The check-out experience was smooth, and thanks to our InterContinental Ambassador membership, we were able to enjoy a late checkout at 4 PM. This allowed us to take our time before heading to our next stop, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa, located on the same East Coast Road.
Areas for Improvement
While the overall experience was enjoyable, there are a few areas for improvement:
- The staff missed our crib request during the booking, leading to a delay in providing one. The metal crib provided wasn’t in the best condition.
- The in-room dining menu could benefit from more variety, especially considering the resort’s beachfront location. Expanding seafood options would be a welcome enhancement.
- The resort lounge is delightful, but it was closed during our stay due to low guest traffic, even though it is meant to stay open until midnight. The duty manager kindly arranged for it to be opened for us and ensured we were served everything we desired, which we truly appreciated.
Overall Experience
Our stay at InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort was a wonderful coastal escape, offering a blend of luxury and South Indian charm. The thoughtful upgrade to the Rathi Honeymoon Suite, the staff’s warm hospitality, and the serene surroundings made our visit memorable. While there were minor hiccups, such as the crib situation and the inconsistency in food preparation, the overall experience was delightful. The resort remains one of our favorite destinations along the Coromandel Coast, perfect for those seeking a luxurious retreat near the cultural hub of Mahabalipuram.
