Hotels in Madras in 1850s

This was the  position of accommodation  available for a visitor  to Madras in 1850s as given in a travel book.  Madras Club it seems was meant for  bachelor's in the   intial years.

    "   As soon as landed strangers are surrounded  by a tribe of most importunate native  servants  of all kinds who keep up a distracting  hubbub of broken  English to which it is  pitiable thing to listen. Servants who speak English may be hired for 10 rs a month - palankeen bearers 6 rs a month - per man.

      The  best thing of course to be done if no friends come to meet one is to get into a palankeen  and be carried to the Club if a bachelor or if travelling with ladies  to some friend's house. There are indeed Hotels which  may be repaired to as a dernier resort. These are Valu Mudeliars  Family  Hotel,  Myrtle  Grove  House  near the Club which is tolerable;  Iyah Mudeliars (The Elphinstone ) 35, Mount Road  and the  Clarendon  Hotel more  indifferent but conveniently situated for the travellers on the  Esplanade near the Beach and Black  Town. But it cannot be too often repeated that to one ignorant of the languages and customs of the country , or to the lover of comfort , Cleanliness and economy a friend's house is the best resting place in  India" .

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