ITC Grand Chola, Chennai - a Luxury Collection Hotel

This huge hotel is designed after the palaces of the Chola Dynasty, paying homage to South Indian temple architecture with four entrances, grand stone pillars, bronze sculptures, and a magnificent sweeping staircase in the marble lobby. Opened in 2012, the hotel is filled with palatial opulence, while modern touches add a contemporary edge. The outdoor area on the second floor is the perfect spot to kick back and relax, with three pristine pools surrounded by reclining sun loungers and cozy cabanas. Towering palm trees and pink flowers add a tropical element, and there are some great views of the city to be enjoyed. The hotel has plenty of communal areas, with numerous seating areas for casual business meetings. The hotel caters to a wide variety of high-end guests, though most are business travelers needing easy access to nearby government buildings.

The ITC Grand Chola is located in the picturesque Guindy area of Chennai, which is home to several important government buildings and offices, including the governor's official residence. The hotel is situated just off Velachery Road, a 10-minute drive from picturesque Guindy National Park. There's not much activity in the immediate area outside the hotel, but shopping and dining can be found on Velachery Road. Phoenix Market City, one of the biggest shopping malls in Chennai, is around a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Other nearby attractions include Chennai Snake Park and Guindy Race Course, which are both about a 10-minute taxi ride away. Chennai International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, and Guindy Railway Station is a 10-minute drive. 

The ITC Grand Chola has over 600 rooms spread across several areas of the hotel. Spacious serviced apartments are located in a dedicated wing, with facilities geared toward long-stay business travelers. They offer stunning city views, balconies, and full kitchens. Another wing is dedicated to The Towers, the Grand Chola's "hotel within a hotel," an executive area with butler service and access to an exclusive Residents Lounge. The hotel also has its own wing reserved only for women, called the Eva Rooms, offering enhanced security and all-female room attendants. Other room types include Club Rooms, ITC One, and Suites, which add 24-hour butler service. Connecting rooms are available.All rooms are elegantly designed, though styles vary slightly. Some rooms are painted white with hardwood floors, and others have wood paneling and plush carpets. Warm tones add a sense of coziness, and soundproofing ensures that they're quiet. Modern technology is plentiful, with standard features that include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, iPads, phones, safes, minibars, electric kettles, and French presses. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is only free when rooms are booked directly with the hotel. Luxurious marble bathrooms include deep-soaking tubs, separate rainfall showers, and free luxury Essenza di Wills toiletries. 

The ITC Grand Chola has multiple dining options, with 11 elegant restaurants on-site. International fare can be found at Madras Pavilion and Cafe Mercara Express, while Royal Vega has a excellent vegetarian dishes. Ottimo Cucina Italiana serves traditional Italian cuisine, and Nutmeg The Gourmet Shop is a more casual affair, serving sandwiches, fresh pastries, and coffee. Peshawari is a popular choice, serving traditional Indian delights, and Asian cuisine can be found at Pan Asian. Avartana is the hotel's latest addition, offering contemporary Indian cuisine in an elegant setting. The Cheroot has a fine selection of malt whiskey. The hotel also has a Cigar Lounge, and an indulgent chocolate boutique called Fabelle. An excellent free breakfast buffet is served daily, consisting of continental and South Indian dishes. One of the hotel's highlights is its three outdoor pools, lined with reclining blue sun loungers, cabanas, and towering tropical palm trees. Guests can also kick back at the full-service spa, Kaya Kalp, which offers relaxing massages and beauty treatments, plus a sauna, hot tub, and a traditional hammam. The hotel has a modern fitness center, equipped with cardio machines and weight-training equipment, including free weights. Given the clientele here, business facilities are unsurprisingly excellent, with 14 modern meeting spaces and a 24-hour business center. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, concierge, and free valet parking. Despite being aimed at business travelers, the hotel caters well for families and tourists, with services like tour booking and babysitting available on request. The hotel charges a fee for Wi-Fi, which is disappointing, though it's free for guests who book directly through the hotel.