A family trip to Mahabalipuram had been on our list for a long time. When I discovered the newly rebranded Four Points by Sheraton in Mahabalipuram, I decided this would be our base and waited for the right moment to visit.
That opportunity arrived when Trujet ran a sale with one-way fares around Rs.500. I booked four return tickets from our hometown, Salem to Chennai, so my parents could enjoy a short flight and see our house and farm from the air. The fare was too good to pass up.
The hotel was previously called Confluence and recently joined the Marriott family as Four Points by Sheraton. It features the largest convention center in the state with a spacious hall and an attractive lawn that opens onto the outdoors.
Table of Contents
- Booking
- Check-in & Welcome Amenity
- The Suite
- The Property
- The Food
- Sightseeing
- Bottomline
Booking
- Revenue rate: ~Rs.8,000/night
- I Paid: 7,500 Marriott Points / room / night
I booked two rooms using Marriott Bonvoy points and later paid roughly Rs.4,000 to upgrade one room to a suite with a plunge pool. The second room received an automatic upgrade to a villa due to my Marriott Bonvoy Gold status.
Check-in & Welcome Amenity
Check-in was smooth because we coordinated details in advance by phone. Staff escorted us to the suite and villa by electric cart, which is convenient for luggage even though the property isn’t very large.
The welcome amenity was thoughtful and plentiful: fresh fruit, local sweets, chips, and chocolates. It made for a handy snack on arrival or alongside evening tea.
The Suite
The suite and villa layouts are similar, with the main difference being the suite’s private plunge pool. Having private pool access was a highlight for us and made the stay more memorable.
The suite includes a living room, a bedroom, and two bathrooms. Interiors aren’t ultra-modern—some doors feel traditional—but everything is well maintained. The private pool is larger than a typical plunge pool, allowing for a bit of actual swimming.
The Property
The resort offers a large main swimming pool, abundant greenery, attentive service, comfortable rooms, and a generally peaceful atmosphere. The weather during our visit was mild, making it pleasant for short walks around the grounds.
As we stayed on a weekday, the property felt quiet; I noticed only two other families during our visit, which added to the relaxed vibe.
The Food
Meals are not included with the points stay, so they were charged separately. We were offered a generous 50% discount on breakfast, likely influenced by my Gold status and the paid suite upgrade. In our case, most of the bill was covered using Marriott dining vouchers I had from a previous promotion.
The food itself was flavorful and well presented, and staff in the restaurant were attentive. As a nice gesture, the team surprised us with complimentary cakes during our final meal. The property also serves garlic bread before each meal, which stood out as particularly good.
Sightseeing
The hotel provides complimentary transfers to Mahabalipuram’s sightseeing spots and to its private beach, where activities are available for a fee. We were short on time and couldn’t explore much, but most attractions can be covered in about three hours.
Roads in Mahabalipuram have recently improved, making travel between sites easier. The town is more accessible now, which helps when you want to see multiple attractions in a short visit.
I also created a short video tour of the property for those who want a visual walkthrough:
Bottomline
Overall, Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram is an excellent property, especially on weekdays when it stays quiet. You’ll find clean rooms, pleasant outdoor spaces, and good food. After one night, I wished we had booked a second night to better enjoy the resort and visit the nearby sights.
For a Category 1 Marriott property, the value is remarkable. If you’re willing to spend more points or cash, nearby options like Sheraton Grand Mahabalipuram, InterContinental, or other established beach resorts might be alternatives if a true beachfront experience is a priority.
- Cardexpert Hotel Rating: 4.8/5
On this redemption I achieved a value of over Rs.1 per Marriott Bonvoy point, which is significantly higher than my usual valuation. If you’re considering building points, current transfer bonuses and card offers make it a good time to explore credit card options that accelerate Marriott rewards.
Have you stayed at a Marriott resort that delivered exceptional value on points? Share your experiences in the comments below.