Chennai's Chicest Escape: Boulevard By Design Hotel Unveiled!
Chennai's Chicest Escape: Boulevard By Design Hotel Unveiled!
Chennai's Chicest Escape: Boulevard By Design Hotel Unveiled! - A Hot Mess Review (and a Plea to Book!)
Okay, okay, let's cut through the travel brochure fluff and talk real about the Boulevard By Design Hotel in Chennai. I’ve just emerged, a slightly rumpled but ultimately transformed traveler, and I'm here to spill the tea (or maybe the masala chai – we'll get to that). This isn't your typical review; it's a chaotic, honest, and hopefully helpful look at what this "Chic Escape" actually is.
First Impressions: The Glam and the Glitch (and the Elevator's Mysterious Ways)
Forget that sterile "luxury hotel" vibe. Boulevard By Design feels…well, designed. It’s all sleek lines, pops of color, and a general air of "we know you're fancy." The access is a breeze! Getting there was easy, (big plus for tired travellers like myself)
Right off the bat, the elevator… well, it had a mind of its own. Sometimes it swooped you up like a rocket, other times, it dawdled like a bored teenager. But hey, it's part of the charm, right? (Maybe pack a book). Also, shoutout to the doorman, always ready with a smile, even when I fumbled with my luggage like a clumsy penguin.
Living the Suite Life (or at least, in a Super Comfy Room)
Let's talk about the rooms. They’re spotless. Really spotless. And, thank the travel gods, proper air conditioning. I'm talking, arctic-blast AC, perfect for those Chennai heat waves. I snagged one with a view (thank you, desk!) and it was genuinely lovely, the kind of space where you can actually unwind. The bed? Cloud-like. I sunk in, and poof, all my travel stresses vanished.
Plus: complimentary tea! And a proper coffee maker! Essential after a long flight or a chaotic day of sightseeing. There was also a safe, which I promptly forgot to use… (oops).
This hotel really understands things, not just the look but the feeling. It really caters to me.
Accessibility - A Big Win (and a Small Hiccup)
This is important, and the Boulevard mostly delivers. Wheelchair accessible rooms and facilities are mentioned, which is a fantastic start! The hotel seems well-equipped to help guests with disabilities.
Dining, Drinking, & Devouring (My Personal Highlight - Twice Over!)
Okay. Let's talk food. This is where the Boulevard truly shines.
The Restaurant(s) & Lounges: Forget "hotel food" stereotypes. We're talking serious quality here. The Asian breakfast was a revelation – fluffy idlis, fragrant sambar, and the best filter coffee I’ve had in ages. They had things like a Vegetarian menu! So a big win there.
The Coffee shop was my lifesaver. And the poolside bar was something special, it was the perfect end to the day.
Room Service: Available 24/7. Absolute bliss. My stomach was grumbling at 3 AM (jet lag is a beast), and a delicious curry arrived within minutes. I'll tell you, it's worth it!
Hygiene & Safety: Let's face it, travel has changed. The Boulevard gets it. They have hand sanitizers everywhere, the staff are trained in safety protocols, and the rooms are sanitized. And for the germophobes (like me, sometimes!), they offer room sanitization opt-out.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – I’m Officially a Spa Convert
This is honestly the best bit and the most disorganized. I'll be real, I usually skip the spa stuff. But, after a particularly hectic day dodging auto-rickshaws, the Boulevard's Spa… well, changed my life.
The Spa Experience: I went for a Body Scrub, and Body Wrap with some amazing essential oils. The masseuse was a total pro - she knew exactly where my knots were hiding. It was blissful. The Sauna and Steamroom was lovely and warm and that view from the relaxing area I have no words. The Spa is a MUST. Don't skip it. Actually, book a treatment before you get there. You're welcome.
The Pool: A beautiful Pool with a View (another personal favorite!), and I'l admit to spending a shameful amount of time there, sipping cocktails and pretending to read.
Fitness Center: I peeked. It looked…intimidating. But hey, if you're into that, it's there.
The Bits & Bobs – Stuff You Might Need to Know
- Internet: Free Wi-Fi in all Rooms – absolutely essential! The internet speeds were pretty decent.
- Airport Transfer: Available. Honestly, book it. You’ll thank me later.
- Business Facilities: They have meeting rooms and all the usual business stuff like faxing and printing.
- Conveniences: Cashless payment, daily housekeeping, laundry, and concierge services all available at a moment's notice. It's a great place to be!
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Perfection is Boring)
- The Elevator: (Still a thing. Embrace it.)
- Lost a Shoe: I swear, one of my shoes vanished into thin air at the pool. (No idea where it went!)
- The Noise: Whilst the soundproof rooms did their best, with the building work nearby, the was some noise.
Overall Verdict: Chennai's Chicest Escape? Absolutely.
Look, the Boulevard By Design isn't perfect. No place is. But it's damn close. It's stylish, comfortable, and the food alone is worth the price. More importantly, it feels… humane. It's a place where you can relax, recharge, and actually enjoy Chennai.
My Emotional Verdict: I'm already planning my return.
SEO (Because Apparently That's Important):
Keywords: Chennai hotel, luxury hotel Chennai, Boulevard By Design Hotel, Chennai accommodation, spa Chennai, pool Chennai, accessible hotel Chennai, best restaurants Chennai, Wi-Fi Chennai, free breakfast Chennai, business hotel Chennai.
Call to Action/The Offer (Because You're Still Reading, Right?)
Book your escape now! Experience the Boulevard By Design Hotel for yourself. We're offering a special deal: Book now and get a free spa treatment (choose your poison!), plus a complimentary bottle of wine in your room. Plus, a guaranteed upgrade (subject to availability) for any booking made this week! Seriously, don't miss out. You deserve this. Go. Now!!
(P.S.: Please, someone check under the pool chairs for my missing shoe.)
Escape to Paradise: Baan Maihorm Guesthouse, Chiang Rai
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Chennai adventure, a stay at the oh-so-stylish Boulevard By Design Hotel. This ain't your perfectly curated Insta-feed – welcome to the real, messy, and sometimes slightly sweaty world of travel!
Day 1: Arrival and Tamil Nadu Tango (or, My First Madras Mess-Up)
- 10:00 AM: Touchdown at Chennai International Airport. "Oh, joy," I muttered, squinting against the unforgiving sun. Seriously, the heat hit me like a truck the second I stepped out. Taxi to the Boulevard? Sorted. Or so I thought. Turns out, my carefully downloaded offline maps decided to go on strike. Cue the panicked flailing for Wi-Fi, the exasperated sighs from the taxi driver, and my general feeling of "I'm going to get lost and die of dehydration." (Dramatic, I know, but true at that moment).
- 11:30 AM: Finally, finally, the Boulevard By Design. And wow. The lobby? Stunning. That's the first word came in my mind, with a vibrant and unique blend of modern design and traditional Indian touches. I can deal with being lost, especially after a warm welcome from the hotel staff. Check-in was smooth, and I was off to my room and it was the right choice.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel's restaurant, the restaurant was not my best choice so far. The ambiance? Great. The food? Not great. I ordered a biryani, expecting fluffy rice and tender chicken. Instead, I got something that looked suspiciously familiar to the airplane food. I ate it anyway, 'cause I was starving.
- 3:00 PM: A wander around the neighborhood. It's Chennai, people! There's chaos and the smells, oh, the smells! Incense, spices, and diesel fumes – a symphony for the senses, but also a little overwhelming for a newbie like me. I tried to be brave, but I was too scared to cross some streets!
- 6:00 PM: Back at the hotel, the hotel's rooftop pool, took a dip. It was an oasis! The water cool, the view of the city sprawling out before me. I'd found my happy place. I think I stayed there for like 1 or 2 hours, not even wanting to leave.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a recommended restaurant, a genuine roadside eatery. I ate a dosa. It's crispy and delicious.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and Tiny Tantrums (aka, the Day I Almost Lost It)
- 9:00 AM: Awoke, the thought of the day ahead filled me with mixed feelings. Today, I had planned to visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
- 10:00 AM: Kapaleeshwarar Temple. This place was absolutely incredible! The vibrant colors, the intricate carvings, the sheer energy of the place – it was totally overwhelming in the best possible way. I spent what felt like hours just wandering around, mesmerized.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a tiny canteen near the temple. I had a thali, which was a platter of various curries, rice, and other delights. It was spicy and delicious.
- 2:30 PM: Next stop, a tea shop. I have been craving a traditional cup, and it didn't disappoint.
- 4:00 PM: I felt a bit tired with the heat and the crowd when suddenly, my phone died. This was my lifeline! I was lost. I started to panic. Where to go and what to do?
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I'm still a bit shaken, but at least I'm safe. And you know what? I'm going to order some room service, and I'm going to watch some trashy TV. Because that' what I needed, right now.
- 7.00 PM: More room service, maybe I'll order dessert…
Day 3: Beach Bliss and Bazaar Bargains (and a Surprisingly Nice Goodbye)
- 9:00 AM: A hearty breakfast at the hotel, and the food was so delicious.
- 10:00 AM: Head to the beach. Yes, the beach! Marina Beach. The ocean's waves were crashing, the people were cheering, and the food vendors were peddling their wares. I spent a couple of hours just walking along the sand, breathing in the sea air, and watching the world go by. It was pure bliss.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local eatery, and I ate some fresh seafood.
- 2:30 PM: Shopping in a local bazaar. The chaos of the market was overwhelming, but in a way, it was exhilarating. I haggled for a few souvenirs, got slightly ripped off (probably), and laughed a lot. The lady looked at me with a smile, and I was smiling back at her.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a quick freshen up.
- 6:00 PM: Final dinner and I ordered a big, indulgent meal.
- 8:00 PM: Packing. Farewell to Chennai, even though it was a roller coaster of emotions, I'll miss it.
- 10:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. Bye Chennai!
Final Thoughts:
Chennai, you were a journey. A chaotic, beautiful, frustrating, and ultimately unforgettable journey. The Boulevard By Design Hotel was a haven, a stylish oasis in the midst of the madness. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I go back? You bet your bottom dollar. I'm already dreaming of the next adventure, bumps, and all!
Escape to Paradise: Orion Retreat, Darjeeling's Hidden Gem
Okay, spill it. Is Boulevard By Design REALLY as swanky as the Instagram hype makes it seem?
Alright, alright, you want the truth? Fine. Let's just say... yeah. It's pretty darn swanky. But like, *swanky* swanky. Think minimalist chic with a splash of Chennai charm. I walked in wanting to hate it (because who has time for perfect, right?), but then BAM! That lobby? Totally got me. The lighting, the smell (some kind of exotic incense, I think), and the sheer *space*... I legit spent fifteen minutes just wandering around, mouth agape. It's not just about the "look", though.
Okay, here's my *minor* gripe. The first time I tried to check in, it took FOREVER. Like, they were *really* busy, and the guy at the desk seemed a little… flustered. He definitely could have used a coffee. I'm talking more of a "first world problems" thing, like, "oh no, I had to wait a tiny bit for my luxury experience." But honestly, it's a bit of a pain if you are tired and hungry and you can't get to your room.
But still… yeah, swanky. Just prepare for that "wow" moment. And maybe bring a snack.
What's the deal with the "design" part? Is it just fancy furniture?
Oh, honey, it's way more than fancy furniture. It's a whole *vibe*. Think carefully curated art, thoughtful lighting (Seriously, the lighting!), and clever use of space. Every little detail feels considered. I mean, even the *soap* had a designer scent. I might have, uh, "accidentally" taken a few extra, but don't tell anyone. 😉
Also, I'm not an art snob AT ALL. I'm more of a "I know what I like" kind of person. But even I was impressed. There was this one painting... abstract, all blues and greens... that totally drew me in. I stared at it for like, ten minutes. And then, I had to go to the bathroom. But still, it was cool.
The point is, they *care* about the design. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience. And, okay, fine, maybe it's a *slightly* pretentious experience, but one you'll enjoy.
The food! Is it worth the hype (and the price)?
Oh, the food. Okay, full disclosure: I'm a foodie. I live for good food. And the restaurant at Boulevard… *sighs dreamily*. It's called "The Avenue" and its actually a really nice restaurant.
I had the butter chicken. YES. Just... yes. The flavors were EXPLODING in my mouth. And the naan? Fluffy, pillowy perfection. My only regret? Not ordering two portions. I'm not kidding. I would go back *just* for that butter chicken. It’s a religious experience.
Was it expensive? Yeah, a little. But worth it? Absolutely. Treat yourself. You deserve it. Just... don’t go every night, unless you're suddenly a millionaire. My bank account would seriously hate that.
Okay, let's talk rooms. Are they actually comfortable? Or just pretty to look at?
Right, comfort. Because what's the point of a gorgeous room if you can't actually, you know, *sleep* in it? The rooms are wonderful. The design is well planned. The bed was a cloud. Like, seriously, I sank into that bed and almost didn't get up for three days. I would say, "get out of bed", but honestly, I have no advice when it comes to that.
The bathroom was also amazing. Huge rainfall shower. Plus, amazing toiletries. If the shampoo and conditioner were also available to purchase, I'd have bought them.
My only small issue? The walls are a little thin. I could hear the people next door. It was a tiny bit awkward, especially with the... let's just say, "passionate" couple on one side of my room. I wished to escape into the bliss of my cloud bed and the wonderful food below, right away.
Do they have a pool? And is it Instagrammable? Because, well, priorities.
Yes! They do have a pool. And YES, it is *ridiculously* Instagrammable. Think sleek lines, turquoise water, and probably a flock of fashion bloggers posing. It all seems to be there mostly for the photo opportunities. I'm not judging.
Here's the thing, though. It's a nice pool. It's clean and well-maintained. But... it’s not huge. It’s the kind of pool where you don’t want to do laps. You want to recline on a sun lounger, order a cocktail, and look fabulous. It’s about the posing. And the cocktails. Let's be honest.
Oh, and the cocktails? Pretty good. So, yes, bring your swimsuit. Bring your phone. Prepare to have your Instagram game elevated. Then, spend some time actually *enjoying* the pool. And the cocktails. Just don't expect to train for the Olympics.
What's the service like? Are the staff friendly?
Okay, this is where Boulevard really shines. The staff. They're genuinely lovely. Friendly, helpful, eager to please... even when I was being (admittedly) a bit demanding. I'm not always the easiest person to deal with, especially when I'm hangry.
They're attentive without being intrusive. They anticipate your needs. I asked for extra pillows and they were delivered within minutes. And the concierge? Super helpful with recommendations and bookings. They really do take care of you.
I did have one slightly cringey moment when I accidentally locked myself out of my room (don't ask). The maintenance guy was SO polite and sorted everything with a smile, even though I was mortified. So yeah, the service is top-notch. It’s like they've been trained in the art of anticipating your every whim. And they did it with charm. A big win in my book!
Would you go back? Be honest!
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Even if I have to sell a kidney to afford it. Okay, maybe not the kidney. But yes, I would totally go back. I’m already plotting my next visitOcean By H10 Hotels
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