Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort and Spa

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort and Spa is a contemporary resort on the coast south of Chennai, in the area of Chengalpattu district that includes the East Coast Road and the road to Mahabalipuram. It is designed as a destination in its own right, with spacious grounds, big pools, landscaped gardens and a calm, holiday feel that contrasts with the energy of the city. For travellers who want to combine sightseeing with a few days of rest, it offers a comfortable, well-equipped base. Rooms and suites are large and modern, with comfortable beds, good bathrooms and balconies or terraces in many categories. The design leans on light colours and local touches, and the layout is spacious enough to feel private even when the resort is busy. Family rooms and connecting rooms are available, and the staff are used to hosting groups, weddings and corporate retreats as well as leisure guests.

The facilities are extensive. There are large swimming pools, a spa with traditional and international treatments, a fitness centre and areas for recreation, and several restaurants and bars serve Indian, Asian and international dishes. Breakfast is a generous buffet, and the resort often arranges evening events and activities. Families will find enough to keep children busy, while couples can enjoy the quieter corners of the garden.

Location is the key point to understand. The resort is outside the city and is best suited to travellers who plan to see Mahabalipuram, DakshinaChitra and the Madras Crocodile Bank, all of which lie along the same coastal road. The monuments of Mahabalipuram are a drive away rather than a walk, so plan transport in advance.

The airport and the central sights of Chennai are further north, a drive of one to two hours depending on traffic, which makes it a better choice for a relaxed second stage of a trip than for a first night after a late flight.

For the best experience, plan at least two nights, with one full day for the monuments and another for the pool, spa and local excursions. The cooler months from November to February are the most comfortable, while the monsoon can bring heavy rain. Ask the concierge to arrange a guide for Mahabalipuram, a private car for the day and a table at a seafood restaurant on the coast.

If you travel with children, check the details of the kids' facilities and the opening hours of the pools when you book, since these can vary by season.

The resort also suits travellers who want an easy base for a Pondicherry trip. The drive south along the East Coast Road takes about two hours, and it is possible to visit the French Quarter and Auroville on a long day trip and return for dinner. Consider building a loop that begins in Chennai, spends two nights here and ends with a night in Pondicherry, which balances culture, rest and good food in a way that suits most itineraries.