When this 5 start hotel came up in Chennai near the Kathipara junction towards the start of the century, it was a fascination for Chennai-ites. Each of us would want to get a glimpse of its interior at some point of time. When the opportunity did come when corporate scene of Chennai changed with IT blooming and companies could afford to treat us with a meal in Le Royal Meridien, the majestic hotel did live up to the expectation.
With the Kathipara fly-over coming up as the most popular butterfly fly-over, Le Royal Meridien got tucked inside and lost the earlier prominence in that junction.
Recently with the covid situation, the hospitality sector has taken severe beating, this iconic hotel of Chennai was no special case. A take away restaurant that came in our neighbourhood was a start up by an ex-chef from Le Royal Meridien. He was pushed to go for his own venture due to the current situation the hotel is in. The Chef spoke to us about the hotel proudly and was sad that hotel is not like the old times anymore. This conversation inspired us to make a visit to the hotel.
On a weekend we went to Le Royal Meridien for lunch buffet. The lobby and reception area where empty. We could see very meagre hotel staff in the vicinity. Only one restaurant was open, the other were all closed due to no patrons. The lunch was a simple one with just one waiter catering to 3 tables. The food option were nothing to what the hotel used to offer when in full glory. When we paid the bill of Rs.3000 for two persons and came out of the restaurant, could not help going around the hotel and clicking pics. The marble flooring and the interior designs were still attractive.
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