India Guide
Tamil Nadu
Accommodation
1 Ajanta Rockins Rd 
0431/241 5504 A huge, 85-room complex centred on its own Vijayanagar shrine, and with an opulent Tirupati deity in reception. Popular with middle-class pilgrims; rooms (the singles are particularly good value) are plain and clean, some with a/c. Towels provided. Price: Rs201–1000
2 Ashby 17-A Rockins Rd 0431/246 0652 
www.ashbyhotel.com This atmospheric Raj-era place is most foreign tourists' first choice, though it's seen better days. The rooms are large and mostly clean, with cable TV and mosquito coils. There's a decent little courtyard restaurant. Price: Rs301–1000
3 
Breeze Residency 3/14 McDonald's Rd 0431/241 4414, www.breezehotel.com Renovated and now with a new name and management, this large, central a/c hotel boasts comfortably furnished rooms (the economy ones are great value) and suites, a nicely painted foyer and a swimming pool (nonresidents Rs100). There's also a fine restaurant, the Madras. Price: Rs501–5000
4 Femina 109 Williams Rd 0431/241 4501 
feminahotel@yahoo.com Well-maintained place east of the Central Bus Stand. A sprawling block of rooms and suites, some with balconies looking to the Rock Fort, it features plush restaurants, travel services, shops, pool, fitness centre and a 24hr coffee bar. Price: Rs501–2000
5 Sangam Collector's Office Rd 0431/241 4700, www.hotelsangam.com Trichy's top hotel boasts all the facilities of a four-star, including an excellent pool (Rs100 for nonresidents) and splendid restaurant, Chembian, with live music at weekends. Rooms from $165. Price: Rs5001 and above
6 TTDC Tamil Nadu McDonald's Rd 0431/241 4346, www.ttdconline.com One of TTDC's better hotels, and just far enough from the bus stand to escape the din. Best value are the non-a/c doubles, though even these are dowdier than most of the competition; all a/c rooms have cable TV. Price: Rs301–1000