Lonely Planet Review

The Leela's imposing entrance, with its carved pillars inspired by the architecture of the 15th-century Vijayanagar empire, clues you up for the experience inside. This hotel offers luxury on a gargantuan scale. It's all here in pampering opulence: lavish restaurants, spa, ballrooms, the works.

More akin to a theme park of excess than a palace, the Leela is enormous and still growing: at the time of research an extra 110 rooms were being added to the existing 256. Walls are covered with padded silk, sofas are extra plush, and there are antique-style touches to the guest rooms, which are decorated in soothing butterscotch tones. All have balconies with planters' chairs overlooking either the leafy gardens or the good-size pool around which free daily yoga lessons are held. The super sleek spa (a mere 1,860 sq m/20,000 sq ft!) has an attached state-of-the-art gym. Locals line up to graze at the splendid Sunday brunch and other buffets laid on at Citrus, the Leela's 24-hour brasserie. And if the scale and opulence begins to get to you, the relatively intimate Library Bar provides a comfortable escape.