
Heritage Madurai
This property was designed in the 1970s by renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa, as the Coat's Madurai Club. It's built from a variety of local materials, including honey-coloured stone cut from the nearby hills, slabs from an abandoned mill, and pillars salvaged from derelict houses. Now converted into a hotel, the rooms and facilities are spread across extensive grounds, making it a relaxing base after a busy day of sightseeing in Madurai.
who's been there
Rooms
The hotel offers three room types - Deluxe Club rooms, Geoffrey Bawa rooms, which are the best example of the Geoffrey Bawa architecture, and Luxury Villas, which include a small plunge pool in a private courtyard, with certain villas also having an outside shower. The rooms are simple but comfortable, offering a good range of modern amenities, including minibars, electronic safes, satellite TVs and air conditioning.
Location
The Heritage Madurai is well-located to visit the sites of Madurai, being only six kilometres from the Sri Meenakshi Temple.
Food and Drink
The Banyan restaurant serves contemporary Indian and international cuisine in light and airy surroundings, using locally-sourced ingredients where possible. There's also the Swig & Tee Bar, where guests can enjoy a refreshing sundowner, and The Coffee Shop, where breakfast is served along with sandwiches, snacks and a selection of tea and coffee.
Facilities and Activities
Facilities include a swimming pool, which is laid out like the step-well seen in the Meenakshi Amman Temple, as well as a spa and a gym.
Accessibility
The hotel is quite spread out, but there are golf carts to take you to and from your room if necessary.
Our opinion
While the Heritage Madurai receives differing feedback from our clients, we feel it's the best hotel available in the area, offering comfortable rooms with a good range of amenities.