Gateway Madurai

"Our experience was more than Overwhelming" at Gateway Madurai. It is a first time Stay in a TATA group of hotels for me and My Wife. Thanks to the Affordable price opportunity we got for our Two Nights stay at this property. Located on top of A small Hill, 15 minutes drive from the Madurai train junction. But far from Madurai airport. We as Senior in age, spend much time by walking All around the property relishing the Spectacular 360 degree Views of the city and the Immense Hospitality offered by every staff at the hotel.

The hotel sadly as and is a big let down. We arrived to find rooms were not ready so they sat us in the restaurant expecting you to order food and drinks whilst you waited. It was a considerable amount of time for them to bring a tea and coffee for the two of us, wasn't sure if this was because we didn't order food. The restaurant was very clean and presentable so no faults there but reiterating the service was unbearably slow. All the staff couldn't be anymore helpful or pleasant so no faults there. Our room however wasn't up to a great standard. The air-conditioning made the room smell extremely musty and unpleasant. The windows had been painted over so you couldn't see out nor could you open them. We ended up having to prop the door wide open to try air the room. Water was pouring out of the light fitting just outside the entrance of our room and it must be noted it wasn't raining outside. I personally found the room bearable aesthetically if you didn't look too closely at anything. The rest of the hotel and grounds I have to be honest are a disgrace. Filthy, neglected, and extremely run down are the words worthy of honest opinion. We sat outside the restaurant for a drink as this was the only place to go at 3pm we were told, Relaxing this was not. The chairs extremely filthy and the atmosphere horrendous. Work was been carried out on the floors above the restaurant and the noise was continuous and loud. We did have a peacock come and join us which was a pleasant surprise. Mini bar in our room had a can of tonic a bottle of fizzy water and a toblerone bar. Drinks however extremely overpriced the dearest in all the hotels we have stopped in whilst travelling around India. The food was acceptable but again not as enjoyable as other hotels that we experienced on our travels. Would we come back here most probably not sad to say as the building and grounds could be absolutely stunning a big let down. The pictures say it all

We had a grand welcome with umbrella and madurai traditional drums band Welcome drink was served and escorted to our cottage near the pool Perfect orientation was given in the room , amenities were great. Room and bath is kept with high hygiene standards We headed to vista, the dining room for lunch and we had a sumptuous traditional Thali We relaxed and rested in the afternoon Evening, we sat around the pool side - city view The dinner, we had kebabs and rested. The breakfast , so grand and super spread With South/ north delicacies with live poori and dosa , Juices, salad, cereals, bakes and south indian filter coffee We were given fond farewell by the team The management team, went out of their way to excite us on every moment Thanks to Vishal - GM for giving us a fabulous divine holiday Ashok, Soby, Shilpa, Pandian, puja and others Noor and Tapan for gastronomy experience ***** with their team saina, ramesh, ravi and other associates

The gateway hotel is heritage property and on the hill and nicely maintained It is real value for money and within 5 km of Meenakshi temple and food is good and tasty

No one picks call at reception No response at all The room was so far that I had to struggle for everything. The rooms were not at all worth the money and or standards of Taj’s standard. Very very disappointed.