Lonely Planet Review

Of the Taj Group's three hotels in the city, the 98-room Gateway is the cheapest and least glitzy. That doesn't mean that you have to slum it - the hotel offers excellent rooms, good facilities and three restaurants - not to mention a very central and convenient location.

Flowers are a bit of a theme here. Rose petals floating in ornamental water troughs around the cool grey marble lobby provide a touch of Mughal-style opulence. Rooms are equally appealing with pretty pillows and throws on the beds, flat screen TVs, wooden floors, flowery curtains and nicely tiled bathrooms in black, white and moss green. Thoughtful touches include a fruit plate, a kettle and big range of complimentary magazines to flick through. Feel like taking some exercise? Then head to the hotel's gym or their decently-sized pool. Pack the calories back on at Karavalli, the hotel's restaurant, which specialises in seafood dishes from the coastal region of Karnataka. It has a relaxing setting amid thatched huts and greenery behind the hotel, and is the place locals favour for a special meal.