Celebrating Chennai.... Grandeur

December of 2012 has been a month that had the most positives and a few negatives as well. The highest point was a bit of Self indulgence, something I've not done ever and something am not really comfortable doing... 

So, what did I do? I used the vouchers I won during the Indiblogger meet held in Oct'12.   I had won a 1N/2D stay and also had a Lunch for 2 at Madras Pavilion... Got back from Ooty, checked the vouchers, gasped upon reading they expire on 31st Dec, called and made reservations for 29th and off i went... 

ITC Grand Chola true to its name, is Grand. From the foyer to the rooms, the swimming pool to the lobby, everything is just grand. The little touches, the Veena, the Brahadeeswara temple like architecture, the majestic chandeliers all make it a magical experience. Wandering through the corridors, I allowed myself to float away to la la land, letting go of any inhibitions i had, yes, it did feel weird being there, feeling like a Queen, but i told myself that i had earned it and that helped soak in the experience.

This is the lobby on the floor my room was in, the 20th Floor, called EVA. And no, you cannot just hop into the elevator and get here.. You need access, either a room card or one of the staff to guide you.. A floor dedicated to Single women travellers. How cool is that?

The next morning while heading for breakfast, i watched a team of about 3guys put together this massive flower arrangement. They finished on one side of the staircase before moving over to the other. Phew...

Was fascinated by this piece on the center table near the Ottimo restaurant on the 1st floor. It was beautiful, elegant and artistic..

This is the new hotel in Chennai and looks like it is changing the hospitality industry.. Giving people a surreal experience, and altering the way we look at hotels and restaurants!!!

Skywatch friday- In the laps of Luxury,Madras

Last evening, while walking down Pondy Bazar after visiting the Blackberry Service center, i noticed the sky was dark grey, and clouds were all over, as if they were brimming to the edge. Alas, rains happened only later in the night, albeit crazy rains.... 

This is the Hotel Residency Towers, that sits majestic at the junction, and looked like the hotel was literally blocking the clouds' path....  The hotel has become quite the landmark in Chennai, with the multitude of restaurants, banquet halls and ofcourse the infamous Bikes & Barrels- the pub.... There is also a beautiful Roof top restaurant called The Crown, that offfers both indoor and outdoor seating... From the outdoor area, one can practically get a 360degree panoramic view of the city below...oh, not to forget the infinity waterfall that seems to stretch right into the city skyline....

Its simply beautiful, on a cool dark night...

For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

[Wordless Wednesday] Serene

This was shot at Hotel Harrisons, Chennai, near the entrance...Always captures my heart!!
It was taken on my  Blackberry!! :)

For more Wordless wednesday shots, click here