The 2012-opened Leela Palace Chennai is an opulent property spanning 4.8 acres (1.9 hectares). Collaboration between American designers and the chain's in-house Head of Design, Madhu Nair, leaves distinctly Chettinad imprints amid Louis XVI extravagance, which some may find overdone. Stone archways and diamond-patterned flooring at the entrance lead to geometric marbles in the vast lobby, where crushed velvets and golds shimmer under crystal chandeliers, although chiseled woods feel more traditional. Idol statues adorn trellis walkways, which lead to the sleek outdoor pool lined by well-manicured shrubbery. Three restaurants have fabrics as rich as menus, and mood-lit bar spaces have flashy reflective ceilings. Although most guests tend to be business travelers, families and couples are still frequent visitors. 

The Adyar River's confluence with the Indian Ocean makes for tranquil settings here, and travelers choose this MCR Nagar area for its temples and Marina Beach. The hotel lies at the shore's southern tip, although sands themselves are a 10-minute drive, and waters here aren't safe for swimming. The nearest suitable alternative is Kovalam Beach (an hour's drive). All within a 20-minute drive, multiple temples include the Vishnu-dedicated Parthasarathy and Shiva-dedicated Kapaleeswarar Temples, plus the 16th-century Santhome Basilica. Chennai's business districts are a similar distance, although it's twice that for T Nagar's shopping. Chennai Central Station is 30 minutes by car, while Chennai International Airport is about an hour away.

Starting at 538 square feet (50 square meters), huge rooms in golden or jewel tones are regal from brocades, leaf motifs, hardwood floors with sumptuous rugs, and colonial accents in carved furnishings. Glass-topped night stands and desks have intricate or geometric patterns offsetting classic lamps, and oversized headboards in diamond prints complement neutral or bold colors in seating areas. Facing the sea and estuary in upgraded categories, or the city (which can include unattractive vistas), rooms have balconies, but locked floor-to-ceiling windows render them inaccessible. Palatial bathrooms are outfitted in honey marble tile, double vanities, glass-paneled showers, deep soaking tubs, scales, hotel-branded toiletries, fluffy robes, and slippers.

Suites with living rooms and walk-in closets span 807 to 1614 square feet (75 to 150 square meters). Higher categories offer kitchenettes, studies, in-room gyms, or limousine and butler services. Phones, HD TVs with DVD players, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, yoga mats come standard, alongside safes, ironing facilities, and AC. Unfortunately, in-room Wi-Fi is at a fee. Rooms can be fitted with cribs.

All the expected luxury features are on offer here. Three restaurants offer varied dining alongside the Lobby Bar, a patisserie-style cake shop, and mood-lit Library Bar. Blue glass flooring and walls in the latter are ambient amid rattan suitcase and painted idol decor, but there's nothing shabby about its elegant furnishings and premium liquors. The 24-hour Spectra's light floors and rubies are more laid-back, and buffets here include lavish breakfasts, themed dinners, and brunches. Fine-dining Jamavar's serves North and South Indian specialities, while Szechuan and dim sum fare at the lantern- and silk-decorated China XO are popular. 

The large outdoor pool is serene and surrounded by spacious terraces with loungers and parasols, and adjacent semi-outdoor lounging spaces have colorful cushioned seating. There is no kids' club on-site, however. ESPA Spa's 12 treatment rooms offer Abhyanga massages and pampering treatments alongside a glossy hair salon, and the facility's vitality pools, sauna, and steam rooms have demure elegance. Hardwood floors in the 24-hour, fully equipped gym are just as smart, plus it offers yoga. Alongside seven meeting rooms, the hotel has two ballrooms, a business center, souvenir shop, and full concierge. Pets are not permitted. On-site parking is free, as is Wi-Fi in common areas.