ITC Grand Chola Chennai

ITC Grand Chola is one of the largest and most imposing luxury hotels in India, and it takes its name and its look from the Chola kings who built the great temples of Tamil Nadu. The vast entrance, columned halls, carved stone details and sweeping courtyards recall a royal palace, and the scale is impressive even by the standards of Indian five-star hotels. It sits in Guindy, in the south-west of the city, close to the business district and not far from the airport, which makes it a convenient base for travellers who arrive late or leave early. Rooms and suites are large and well equipped, with marble bathrooms, deep tubs in many categories and views over the city or the landscaped grounds. Higher categories add club-level lounges with private check-in and evening service, and the hotel has a long tradition of attentive, discreet service. Beds are comfortable, blackout curtains help with jet lag and the hotel's air conditioning makes a welcome refuge from the heat.

Food is the hotel's great strength. It is home to several acclaimed restaurants, including Avartana, a modern South Indian fine dining restaurant, and Peshawri, which serves the grilled meats and breads of the north-west frontier. A large all-day dining room offers breakfast buffets and regional dishes, and bars and lounges provide a place for tea or an evening drink. Even if you stay elsewhere, a dinner here is a treat, and reservations are wise at weekends.

Wellness facilities include a large spa with Ayurvedic and international treatments, a fitness centre and an outdoor pool in landscaped grounds. The scale of the property means there is plenty of space to spread out, and families will appreciate the garden areas and the range of dining choices. The business centre, meeting rooms and ballrooms host conferences and weddings, so check for events when you book if you want a quiet stay.

A few practical tips make a stay smoother. The hotel is so large that walking from a far wing to a restaurant can take several minutes, so ask for a room close to the lobby if mobility matters. Weekend evenings and the wedding season fill the ballrooms and restaurants, so reserve tables early. Many guests like to start a day with the generous breakfast, then leave by mid-morning to beat the traffic, returning for a swim or a massage in the afternoon heat before dinner.

Location is the main trade-off. Guindy is a commercial district rather than a tourist one, and the temples of Mylapore, the museum in Egmore and Marina Beach are a drive of 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Allow extra time in the morning and evening rush, and use the hotel's car service or a ride app to move around.

The airport is close, and the hotel is a comfortable choice for a first or last night. Ask the concierge to organise guides, day trips to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram, dance performances and cooking classes, and consider a late check-out if you have an evening departure.