Crossword Genius

Tea popular in several hotels? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chain

'several hotels?' is the definition.
(as in a chain of hotels)

'tea popular' is the wordplay.
'tea' becomes 'cha' (cha is a type of tea).
'popular' becomes 'in'.
'cha'+'in'='CHAIN'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for chain that I've seen before include "Handcuff" , "unwelcome to house seeker" , "lots of shops?" , "Links - sequence - 22 yards" , "distance for a run?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.