The IPL poses a logistical challenge for the organisers due to the variety of things that they need to keep in mind. The most important thing that needs to be arranged without any hiccups are the hotels in which the teams are going to stay. Security and privacy of the players always occupy the highest priority and with the ongoing pandemic, arranging such a feat is more challenging than ever before. With a week into 2021’s IPL Season kicking off with the same hype as ever, we quench your curiosity regarding where your favourite teams usually prefer to stay!
Join Travel Links in counting down the city-wise list of the top Indian hotels which IPL Players prefer:
10. Kochi – JW Marriott:
Starting off this list is the Kochi Marriott Hotel in Kerala, India. Located in the city center of this growing metropolis, this 5-star hotel offers refined comfort for every traveler. Players can relax in the stylish hotel suites, each with upscale amenities and 24-hour room service. It is counted among the best hotels of Kerala and offers excellent facilities to the players such as free internet, a 24×7 open fitness center, as well as a banquet hall that can be used for impromptu parties by the players, if they end up winning the game. Players can also get pampered at the spa or go for a swim in the outdoor pool.
9. Indore – Radisson Blu Hotel:
Teams such as Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings) and Mumbai Indians preferred to stay here during the season whenever the matches are held in Madhya Pradesh. An upscale retreat located near the city center, the Radisson Blu Hotel promises an unforgettable stay with unparalleled service from their staff. Located conveniently within eight kilometers of the city center and less than 19 kilometers from the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (IDR), making arrivals and departures are a breeze. Players can while away their time to enjoy a splash in the rooftop pool or the revitalizing treatments the spa offers. Sweeping city views are always available to be admired from the treadmill in the fitness center. Indore Visitors can also watch IPL matches on a large screen at the hotel’s lobby bar while sipping refreshing cocktails and munching delicious snacks.
8. Hyderabad – Le Méridien:
Based in Gachibowli, the Marriott brand of Le Méridien is just 30 minutes from the Hyderabad airport. It sports a variety of fine dining options are at its Gachibowli hotel – Turquoise being the all-day dining restaurant serving modern European and Asian cuisines in an interactive kitchen. Its Jade Bar near Le Méridien Club serves crafted cocktails and Asian-style tapas. Players staying here can take a dip in the rooftop pool and get energized at the spa. Le Méridien ensures players have a rewarding stay.
7. Chennai – ITC Park Sheraton:
The most successful team in the history of the IPL, the Chennai Super Kings stayed in the best hotel in the city, the ITC Park Sheraton. Over the years, it has become a second home for players like Dhoni, Jadeja and Raina. This hotel is located at the heart of the city of Chennai and provides the best services, including 24 hours restaurants and bars, which could rival some of the best luxury hotels in the world. The fact that the CSK team has stayed at the ITC Park Sheraton since the IPL started goes to show that it is well and truly an outstanding hotel.
6. Chandigarh – JW Marriott:
One of the best cities in India due to the remarkably clean roads and excellent infrastructure, Chandigarh is considered a great place to stay at. As far as hospitality is concerned, no hotel in the city can beat the JW Marriott. The JW Marriott played host to both the home team Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings) as well as the visiting teams to the city. Over the last few years, it has proven to be an excellent luxury accommodation for some of the leading cricketers in the world. This was the same hotel in which Shah Rukh Khan and the rest of the KKR team ran up a bar bill of Rs. 2.18 lakhs as they celebrated a victory over the Kings.
5. Jaipur – JW Marriott:
Moving into the final five, we gaze at the mesmerizing view of the JW Marriott in Jaipur – the home of the champions of the inaugural season of the IPL, the Rajasthan Royals. Jaipur is a world famous tourist spot and hence, it is not a surprise that its hotels are the same; the Marriott being a proof of that. The restaurant Okra inside the hotel is recognised as one of the best in India and you can picture the players tucking in to the delicacies once they are done with their matches. It is a hotel in which the guests can enjoy old world charm along with all the modern amenities – right where its charm lies.
4. Kolkata – ITC Sonar Bangla:
The ITC Sonar Bangla or ‘golden Bengal’, is the ITC hotel in Kolkata which hosted the Kolkata Knight Riders and visiting teams, whenever a game was scheduled at the Eden Gardens. The hotel is as luxurious as any other 5 star hotel in India and some of its facilities are regarded as the best in the country. The Spa is a particular favourite with the cricketers who queue up for treatment, after a particularly gruelling day in the field. In the past, this hotel used to be the venue in which Shah Rukh Khan, the owner of KKR used to throw some of the wildest parties in town.
3. Bangalore – ITC Gardenia:
Located in a central location in the city, the ITC Gardenia in Bangalore is where the Royal Challengers Bangalore stayed during their sting in the IPL. Over the years, this hotel has become synonymous with IPL, since cricket fans often gather outside the hotel in order to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars. The Gardenia is without doubt the best five star hotel in the city with its vast swimming pools, well stocked bars, recreational facilities and well equipped gyms. As a result, it is no surprise that it has become the abode of the RCB team. It is also home to the parties that were thrown by Vijay Mallya after IPL games.
2. Mumbai – Trident Hotel:
At the penultimate spot is Oberoi Hotel’s Trident in Mumbai; the perfect hotel for all the teams visiting the city during IPL season. This hotel is located on the southern tip of the Mumbai peninsula on Nariman Point. In addition to the IPL cricketers, it is also preferred by celebrities as well as diplomats and foreign heads of states who visit the capital. The hotel is the proverbial ‘lap of luxury’ that people talk about when they speak about some of the leading hotels in the world and it is not a surprise that is the preferred hotel for the Mumbai Indians.
1. New Delhi – JW Marriott:
Yet another Marriott Hotel in this list, this hotel in the capital city is the absolute pinnacle of luxury. The flagship of JW Marriott Hotels in India, it sports heat-controlled swimming pools, high speed internet connection, a 24-hour Japanese restaurant and a host of other facilities. It is located near the international airport in New Delhi and is often used by all IPL teams during their stay in Delhi. Out of all the luxury hotels in India, JW Marriott Delhi offers unparalleled service and hospitality.
