Planning Ahead – Where to Stay for 2012 IPL Championships

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional league for Twenty20 cricket competition in India, with its fifth season kicking off in April next year. The inaugural season of the tournament started in April 2008. I picked Rajasthan Royals out of the blue just because I didn’t want to take sides with the team that Masood picked. Coincidentally, my team won (for the first and only time). The finals was the first time I ever watched a match completely from start to finish because it only consisted of 20 overs, as opposed to 50! Unfortunately, the excitement wore off for me in the consecutive seasons because of news involving betting and corruption. However thousands of cricket-loving folks from all over the world still tune in to watch each match of the IPL. This guest post is dedicated to those of you who plan on visiting Chennai to catch the games live next year.

Planning Ahead – Where to Stay for 2012 IPL Championships

Attending the 2012 Indian Premier League Championship games is not the only reason to visit India next summer. Aside from the exciting challengers who meet the defending champions Chennai Super Kings at the Chepauk stadium, the area offers comfortable, cheap hotels and nearby attractions to make your stay in India a culturally-rich and memorable experience. If you’re looking to stay in a bit more upscale hotel, the city also has lavish villas at affordable prices to make your stay ultimately luxurious.

Since the tournament is approximately one month long, it may be more economical to sublet an apartment in Madras to allow yourself complete privacy and a solid place to call home without hotel expenses.

For entertainment, India has everything to make your trip full of excitement, from movie theaters and restaurants with delicious Indian cuisine, to plenty of shopping centers.

How to Find Hotels in India

It’s easy to find exceptional hotels in India, India; however, the accommodations vary depending on your specific needs. To simplify this process, consider the following information about each hotel to find the best to suit you.

• Ramee Guestline Hotel Dadar: This luxurious hotel offers several comfort-enhancing amenities, including a clear blue swimming pool and outstanding room service, so you can feel like royalty throughout your stay. Packages start at 4500 rupees, which translates to just about $100.
• Hotel Ashwini: Most notable for its close proximity to all major areas of the city (i.e. just five minutes from the Dadar Railway Station), the Hotel Ashwini starts at just 1500 rupees ($33) per night for a single occupancy room with a color television, laundry services, and 24 hours of room service. Although the hotel is not quite as lavish as the Ramee Guestline Hotel, it maintains a satisfactory level of comfort and provides a safe place to stay during the tournament.
• Bawa Regency: This hotel is right up to par with the luxurious accommodations provided by the Ramee Guestline Hotel, with spacious rooms, an endless list of amenities, and high-quality décor. Make this hotel your ultimate choice for shelter during the IPL championship games. Enjoy a long weekend for 11000 rupees ($224) and take full advantage of your stay in India.

Alternative Lodging Arrangements

If lavish or cheap hotels in India aren’t exactly your cup of tea, consider alternative forms of shelter; these options may be exactly what you’re looking for, at the right price.

• Villas: Villas are upscale housing units that offer privacy and luxury during your stay in India. Choose from the Palms Hotel Tower and Villa located in Goregaon-East, India, located right by the Goregaon Best Bus Transit and offering comfortable accommodations starting at just 60,000 rupees per month ($1300).
• Apartments: India has plenty of luxurious and comfortable apartments available for one month rent during your stay for the IPL tournaments. One of the best apartment complexes available in India is the Best Apartments complex—yes, that’s its real name—and is conveniently located next to the Wadala Railway Station. Rates range from 50,000-200,000 rupees ($1,000-4,000) per month.
• Camping: The famous Big Red Tent camping site located in Shahpur, just outside of Mumbai, is a great area for saving a little money on lodging, while enjoying a complete Indian experience. You can rent a site at this area, located right by a plant nursery and the gorgeous Bhatsa River, for just 1200 rupees ($26) per night.

Great Restaurants in India

You have to eat during your stay for the IPL games, so why not take advantage of the best restaurants in town and really experience Indian culture? From exotic Indian-themed restaurants to various European restaurants, India is a great place to enjoy lavish and delectable cuisine. Below is a list of some of the best restaurants in town.

• Blue Frog
• Spice Tree
• Idli House
• Sheetal Bukhara
• Goa Portuguesa
• Kobe Sizzlers
• Cafe Madras

This guest post article was provided by Erica Gustafson who is a freelance writer and consultant for Expedia. 

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