Tucked inside one of the city’s largest malls, Phoenix Marketcity, in the residential neighbourhood of Velachery, Design Hotel by jüSTa, Chennai, is a secret waiting to be discovered. The inconspicuous entrance and bare hall leading to a single elevator play ruse to the plush little lobby that welcomes you on the fourth floor. The interiors, conceptualised and designed by Urban Studio, Mumbai (think Devi Ratan, Jaipur and lebua Lodge, Amer), are a modern homage to the art traditions of South India.
The 26-room boutique hotel is divided into four sections with seemingly endless corridors: Nunya, Roop, Maya and Ati. Each has distinct design themes. The 390sq ft Nunya rooms feature a minimalist look and use space cleverly. The closet, for instance, is surprisingly large. Roop draws inspiration from the symmetrical pillars of South Indian temples. The pillars here, however, are cement ripples that curve out of the walls.
The rooms are larger (420sq ft), and bear no edges, in keeping with their voluptuous exterior. Maya, true to its name, is deceptive in its design: textured black flooring that looks wet without actually being so, 3D paintings and television screens that blend in with the walls. Ati’s gilded walls, gold plated chandeliers, traditional Kolam-patterned tiles and polished brass accents leave you with no doubt that these are the most luxurious rooms in the hotel.
The all-day diner, Annam, serves signature thalis showcasing dishes from all the southern states, apart from European and Chinese fare. Guests can also order room service from a number of restaurants and cafés that are a part of Phoenix Marketcity, including Spaghetti Kitchen and Noodle Bar. The hotel’s concierge can get you tickets to any of the films running in the mall’s multiplex (which includes two IMAX screens), sign you up for relaxing treatments at the O2 Spa and even arrange for a babysitter so you can go have some fun without worrying about your little ones. An oasis of quiet in the middle of the city, this hideout is perfect for families—visitors and staycationers alike.
Design Hotel by jüSTa, Chennai Phoenix Marketcity Chennai, 142, Velachery Main Road, Velachery. (Website; doubles from Rs8,000)
