ITC Grand Chola, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chennai
Palatial dining and pool decks near Guindy
About this hotel
ITC Grand Chola runs its outdoor pool and hot tub as one part of a much larger property built around multiple restaurants, including Peshawri, a one-minute walk from the lobby. Guests staying here typically split an evening between the pool deck, the spa and one of the hotel's dining rooms rather than treating any single space as the destination. Being 14 minutes by taxi from Chennai International Airport makes it workable for a short business trip that still leaves time for pool hours before or after meetings. The palatial public spaces and pet-friendly policy suit both business travelers and longer leisure stays, with a business center and kid-friendly facilities covering most kinds of trips through the city.
- Palatial five-star property
- 14 minutes from the airport
- Multiple dining and shopping options
Our take
ITC Grand Chola suits business travelers and families wanting a full-service five-star base with an easy airport run. The multiple restaurants make it easy to stay on-property for a whole evening. Travelers chasing a rooftop bar scene or a coastal view should look at Hilton Chennai or The Leela Palace instead, since this property leans on scale and service rather than a single standout terrace.
- ✓Book a dinner slot at Peshawri, one minute's walk from the lobby, ahead of a busy evening during Margazhi season.
- ✓Use the 14-minute airport transfer to schedule a late arrival or early departure without cutting into pool time.
- ✓Ask about spa slots early in your stay, since December and January evenings fill up fastest here.
Why we love it
- Outdoor pool with hot tub
- Multiple on-site restaurants
- Full spa and fitness center
- Pet-friendly, business-ready rooms
Why guests love itWe spent most evenings moving between the pool, the spa and Peshawri, which sits a minute's walk from our room, so nothing about the stay felt rushed. The 14-minute airport transfer meant we didn't lose an evening to travel on either end of the trip. It's a big property, so expect a short walk between the pool deck and the restaurants rather than everything being right next to each other.