
It was time for our 3-days annual event, which happens in different city every year. This time it was Chennai. In the process of finalizing the venue, we shortlisted 2 hotels. One of my colleagues mentioned that the Hotel we are planning to zero down was a palatial property inspired by the Chola dynasty, one of the most powerful kingdoms that ruled South of India.
Although we have explored many premium properties before (most of them are the beach resorts, my favorite being Leela Kovalam, Nirwana resort hotel ), but the idea of staying in a Palatial property was new and enticing, especially after seeing the pictures of this enormous hotel.
Finally, the day arrived, we landed at ITC Grand Chola, one of the largest Luxury hotels in Chennai. At the very first look, I was impressed with its grandeur and vastness.
After spending 5 blissful and memorable days here, I just feel that sometimes it’s good to be spoilt and pampered by experiencing the best of bests. Sharing the review and our experience: –
About the property
True to its tag line “A luxury collection hotel”, Grandeur is something that sets Grand Chola apart from other properties. Massive ornate building inspired by the Chola kingdom, offers 600 rooms including luxurious service apartments. Hotel’s three separate wings feature a set of luxurious service apartments, large banquets and exhibition spaces, recreational facilities, fine dining and spacious rooms.
The Hotel is so big that at some instances we were lost inside the building, not able to locate the way to conference hall or our room.


Location
It’s not only the timeless beauty and luxurious feel that makes ITC grand Chola an ideal place, its location is surely another plus point. Situated in Guindy area of Chennai, Grand Chola is just 8 kms away from airport. It is also very close to some of the famous tourist spots in Chennai including Kapaleeshwarar temple and Santhomes Cathedral etc.
Ambience
By now you already know that I was simply awestruck by the ambience of this beautiful Hotel. Every nook and corner of the hotel reflects splendid taste and architecture, be it the high ceiling, sparkling granite walls & flooring, gigantic pillars, the grand stair case, vast open spaces or the royalty themed décor. Every element of the hotel is designed in an exquisite way to make you feel the part of the royalty.







Rooms
The rooms were very spacious and impeccably designed to make you feel comfortable. I just loved the large washroom area with bath tub (the area was as big as the room itself). Another unique feature which makes this palace themed property, ultra-modern is that everything in the room right from the lights, temperature, television, etc. can be controlled by the click of an iPad. Something which I haven’t come across in any other place where I stayed in.
There are different categories of rooms including the executive club, suits, serviced apartments etc.




Amenities
Being a 5-star hotel, Grand Chola offer all the amenities that you can name. However, some of them which I really loved experiencing were –
Kaya Kalp Royal Spa – After 4 days of hard work to conduct our event flawlessly, it was time to pamper ourselves. I am so glad that we decided to try the spa. Our experience at Kaya Kalp spa was truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Beautiful decor, experienced masseuse followed by relaxing experience at Jacuzzi, Sauna and Steam, was refreshing for our body, mind and soul. I will surely write about in more detail in my next blog.


The Pool – This was another highlight of the hotel, surrounded by the palatial building from 3 sides and over-looking the city on one side. Aesthetically designed with palm trees lining both sides of the pool, it looks more like an oasis in the desert.
There is a separate pool for kids too.


Restaurants – Grand Chola houses many restaurants specializing in different cuisines. Although during our stay we could only visit their buffet restaurant, the Madras Pavilion which offered a huge spread of gourmet dishes including finest choice of Indian and International recipes.
We had great time relishing the offerings at Madras Pavilion specially their Sunday brunch was amazing with a massive spread.
Apart from Madras Pavilion, ITC Chola offers
1.Royal Vega – Luxury vegetarian restaurant
2.Ottimo Cucina Italiana – As the name suggests this is an Italian restaurant
3.Peshawri – Offers north-west cuisines from grills to kebabs
4.Pan Asian – Offers Pan Asian cuisine
5.Avartana – A blend of modern and traditional south Indian cuisine
6.Cafe Mercara Express – 24 hours coffee shop
7.Tranquebar – An elegant bar
8.The Cheroot – Malt & Cigar Lounge
9.Nutmeg – The Gourmet Shop – Offers baked goodies, artisanal chocolates, fine cold cuts etc
10.Fabelle – offers tempting handcrafted chocolates





To sum it up, during our stay at the Grand Chola,we could get a taste of luxury and royalty in many ways be it a great hospitality , ambience or food. It was a pleasant and memorable experience, I wouldn’t mind going back to ITC Grand Chola when I visit Chennai next time.

Oh wow this place looks stunning!
Ya it was indeed
This place is SO regal and grand and beautiful! That staircase is fit for royalty! I want to go stay here for sure!
Thanks so much..it was a great experience
ITC Grand Chola seems to be really impressive. I loved the ambiance and the pool side. I would love to avail those spa facilities there. Your stay seems extremely comforting. Will plan a stay at this royal hotel when I visit Chennai.
Thanks Anjali..surely it was worth. You should try it next time
These team offsites in luxury resorts are the best thing I like about my corporate job. Leela kovalam is my favorite too. This one looks worth exploring.
Ya I totally agree.some perks of slogging at least 😉. I am sure you will live it
wow that staircase! This place looks so amazing!!
Ya it was really imperial feel
Such a beautiful hotel – it looks like a great place to spend time with your family and relax
Thanks nam ..it was indeed a great experience
What an amazing experience! It looks absolutely beautiful! I’ve bookmarked this post so I can come back and remember to book this when I head to Chennai
Thanks so much..hope you get to visit soon
I liked reading about the ambience.. very well described..
Thanks so much..glad u liked it
This looks so glamorous! I would just melt at that spa and never want to leave here!
Ya ur right .spa was simply amazing
What a gorgeous hotel! Luxurious for sure and the food looks amazing too. If I make it to Chennai, I would love to stay there.
Thanks so much..it’s absolutely worth exploring 😊 hope you get to visit soon
That is luxury at its finest! I love that bathroom oh my gosh. Especially that tub with the mirror.
Ya I loved the tub and the bathroom area the most…absolutely luxurious 😊
Hi Madhu, looks like you had a great experience at ITS grand Chola, Chennai. I was looking for the reviews online and that is how I stumbled on your article. The way you have explained about the luxury of ITS Grand is pretty amazing. Thanks for sharing this amazing piece of informative piece.
Hi thanks so much .I am glad that you liked my article.hope you spend a wonderful time at ITC too 😊😊