A Couples' Stay in Chennai: Where to Go and Which Room

The room

The Double Deluxe Room at Hotel Royal King has one comfort double bed, light wood panelling, a mirror and a wardrobe, plus air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The rate is Rs 2,000 per night for two guests (please reconfirm when you book). The hotel states it is family friendly and that couples are welcome. Standard check-in is at 1 PM and check-out at 11 AM, and the front desk runs 24 hours.

Rates should be reconfirmed when you book, including taxes. Booking directly with the hotel gets the best available rate.

The room is simply finished, with light wood and grey walls rather than anything flashy, and that suits couples who want a quiet, clean base. If you need extra privacy, ask for a room on an upper floor when you book, though room allocation depends on availability. The lift serves all floors.

A sunrise at Marina

Marina Beach is about 8 to 10 minutes from the hotel. Wikipedia describes it as 13 km long with a 6 km promenade. At sunrise it is quieter and cooler, and you can walk past the lighthouse and statues. Keep out of the water, because swimming is prohibited due to strong undercurrents and the lack of lifeguards.

Afterwards, have breakfast in Triplicane, where Ratna Cafe, opened in 1948, is known for its idli and sambar.

For a relaxed pace, treat the beach as a morning ritual and then rest. Many couples find the middle of the day best spent in the room, followed by an early evening outing when the heat drops. Carry a light shawl or scarf in case the sea breeze feels cooler than expected, and a small bag for your essentials.

Take a few photographs, but be patient with crowds, particularly on weekends and holidays when families gather. The promenade is wide, and you can walk in either direction from the lighthouse, with statues and memorials on the way. Keep your phone and wallet secure, and avoid carrying more than you need.

An evening in Mylapore

Mylapore is the cultural heart of this part of Chennai. The Kapaleeshwarar temple and its tank are lovely in the evening light, and the temple is reported to reopen around 4 PM. San Thome Basilica, with its neo-Gothic spire, is a short ride away. Dress modestly for both, and keep voices low inside.

Afterwards, walk the streets around the temple, where small eateries serve evening tiffin.

Inside the temple, follow the rules of the place, which include modest clothing and bare feet. Couples are welcome to visit, but displays of affection are not appropriate in religious spaces. In the evening the temple street becomes busy, and the flower sellers, small shops and tiffin places along the streets make a pleasant walk.

A dinner at Express Avenue

Express Avenue Mall is about 5 to 10 minutes from the hotel and is open from 10 AM to 10 PM. Its food court offers a wide range of cuisines, and the cinema is an easy way to end the evening. If you prefer something quieter, ask the front desk for suggestions nearby.

If you are looking for a different mood, Marina Beach at dusk is popular, though it is crowded at weekends. A quieter alternative is a walk around Royapettah and Mylapore after dinner, taking care on busy roads. Always use a reliable cab or auto to return, and keep a note of the hotel address.

Music season and cultural evenings

If you travel between mid-November and January, the Madras Music Season fills Chennai's sabhas with concerts. Wikipedia notes that evening concerts are ticketed, while many morning and afternoon sessions are free. It is a good plan for couples who enjoy music, although rooms and cabs are busier then.

A two-night stay in a Double Deluxe Room costs Rs 4,000 at the usual rate before taxes, and three nights Rs 6,000. This leaves room in a budget for good meals and a cab or two each day. Rates should be reconfirmed when you book.

Practical tips

Keep daytime outings short in summer. Use app cabs for evening returns, and keep valuables in the room. Carry ID for check-in. If you are travelling for an anniversary, tell the hotel in advance so they can tell you what is possible. Please ask the front desk about decorations or special arrangements before you arrive.

Message or call Hotel Royal King on +91 73973 96612 with your dates and number of guests. Rates are per room, per night, so please reconfirm the current rate and taxes when you book.

Travel light, and let the room be your base. Rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe and free Wi-Fi, so an afternoon in is comfortable. Carry a light jacket for strongly air-conditioned malls and cinemas. If you are visiting in the monsoon months, keep an umbrella ready, and check the forecast before planning an evening at the beach. Ask the front desk about the best way to get to each place on your list, and share your return time if you are out late.