ITC Grand Chola: Chennai's Palace Awaits – Unbelievable Luxury Revealed!
ITC Grand Chola: Chennai's Palace Awaits – OMG, It's a Citadel of Awesome (Mostly!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind tour of the ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, and frankly, my head's still spinning. This ain’t your grandma’s motel, folks. This place… it’s a palace. Seriously, you could get lost in the hallways for a week. My feet are killing me just remembering all the marble. But was it worth it? Absolutely, with a few… caveats. Let's dissect this behemoth, shall we?
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First Impressions & Accessibility: The Grand Entry (and My Panic Attack)
Okay, picture this: you pull up in a taxi (took a while to find one capable of navigating Chennai traffic, by the way) and BAM! You're staring up at this gargantuan structure. It's like they built a mini-city. Honestly, I almost backed out right then. It felt… intimidating. The entrance is grand, obviously, but I'm not gonna lie, it's a little much. Like, Versailles on steroids.
Accessibility? Well, yeah. It's mostly good. Elevators are plentiful (thank god!), and access to pretty much every area seems well-considered. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, tick. Facilities for disabled guests? Definitely. BUT, and this is a big "but," navigating the sheer size of the place is a workout in itself. If you have mobility issues, mentally prepare for a lot of distance. I probably clocked 10,000 steps just finding the spa. Which brings me to…
Internet Access & Wi-Fi: Connected… Eventually
Thank goodness for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi in public areas. Honestly, in a hotel this massive, it's a bloody necessity. Tried to get some work done in the lobby, and the connection was spotty at best. The Internet [LAN] option… well, I didn't even bother. The Internet services overall were… adequate. Not blazing fast, but functional. Annoyingly, there were a few hiccups during my stay, moments where I felt completely disconnected. You know, in this day and age, that’s a dealbreaker.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone? (My Happy Place)
Okay, now we're talking. The spa… the spa… sigh. It was, without a doubt, the highlight of my stay. Walking in felt like entering another world. The air was fragrant, the lighting was dim, and the silence was… glorious. I’m not usually a spa person; I'm more of a "sweaty gym" type. But this place… changed me.
Forget the Body scrub, the Body wrap, the Foot bath, and all that fancy stuff. I just wanted to spend the whole day in the Sauna, the Steamroom, and dipping in the Swimming pool. Which I basically did. They have a Pool with view, which is just as dreamy as you think it is. The Massage was… transcendental. I nearly fell asleep and snored… loudly. No judgement here, only a well-massaged back. The staff were fantastic, truly. Professional and attentive. They've got the whole Gym/fitness area too, but I'm on vacation, people! That can wait.
Cleanliness and Safety: Germaphobe's Delight (Mostly)
Post-pandemic, I was super keen on the safety protocols. And wow, the ITC Grand Chola delivers. Felt like I was walking in a hospital, in a good way. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. They even have Sterilizing equipment on show. The room sanitization routine felt… meticulous. I knew my room was extra clean. They offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which I didn't use. They provided Hand sanitizer everywhere. Individually-wrapped food options abound. Safe dining setup. Staff trained in safety protocol. Felt safe, even when I was stuffing my face at the buffet. They were removing Shared stationery. Big thumbs up.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: EAT ALL THE THINGS! (And Try Not to Overspend)
Alright, foodies, buckle up. The ITC Grand Chola is a culinary paradise… and a potential drain on your bank account. Seriously, the options are vast. They have Restaurants galore. You can get A la carte in restaurant, or gorge yourself silly on the Buffet in restaurant. Breakfast [buffet] was an experience. So. Much. Food. The Asian breakfast was incredible, but the Western breakfast was equally tempting.
I went for a bit of everything, obviously. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was top-notch. The International cuisine in restaurant offered everything I could think of. The Vegetarian restaurant was excellent. The Coffee shop made a mean latte. And the Poolside bar was a lifesaver during those scorching Chennai afternoons. Happy hour was good too.
Alternative meal arrangement was offered due to my allergies, which shows they are very accommodating. Restaurants galore, with Coffee/tea in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, and Desserts in restaurant, were available.
Be warned though, this level of luxury comes with a price tag. The Bottle of water in your room? Not free. The room service prices? Ouch.
Services and Conveniences: So Many Options, So Little Time… and Money
This place has everything. Air conditioning in public area, essential in Chennai. Doorman, Concierge, Elevator, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Laundry service, the list goes on. I used the Dry cleaning service, which was quick and efficient. The Gift/souvenir shop was tempting, but I refrained (mostly). They even offered CCTV in common areas, the Doorman was always there and super friendly.
For the kids: Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal are available.
Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens.
Getting Around: Navigating the Maze
Airport transfer is available - use it! Valet parking is a lifesaver. Car park [free of charge] is available. A Car park [on-site] is available. I tried using the Taxi service a couple of times, but the waiting times were crazy. Be prepared for the Chennai traffic.
My Verdict: Worth the Splurge (Probably)
The ITC Grand Chola? It’s an experience. It's opulent, overwhelming, and undeniably luxurious. If you're looking for a pampering getaway and are willing to shell out the cash, it's definitely worth considering. But be prepared to navigate a vast space, and keep an eye on your spending. It's easy to get carried away in this palace. And for the love of all that is holy, book a spa treatment! You won't regret it. Me? I'm already dreaming of my next visit. Just gotta start saving… and maybe learn to navigate a map!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel L'Isola, Italy - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sterile, overly-perfect travel itinerary. This is me, flailing my way through the ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, a luxury collection hotel, and trying to make sense of it all. Prepare for some serious stream-of-consciousness…
Day 1: Arrival & Culture Shock (Mostly the Good Kind)
- 10:00 AM (Chennai Airport): Landed! The air immediately hits me – a heady mix of jasmine, diesel, and… something I can't quite place. A driver from the ITC is holding a sign with my name, which makes me feel momentarily important. I swear, the humidity is already trying to glue my hair to my forehead.
- 11:00 AM (Drive to the Hotel): Chennai traffic is a chaotic ballet of horns, rickshaws, and cows. Cows! Just casually strolling along. I'm mesmerized and slightly terrified. The driver, thankfully, seems unfazed. He probably eats this for breakfast. The city itself is a sensory overload – colours, smells, sounds… it's like a kaleidoscope exploded.
- 12:00 PM (ITC Grand Chola – Checking In): Holy. Mother. Of. Marble. The lobby is vast, opulent, and smells faintly of sandalwood. The staff are unbelievably polite, to the point where I feel a little under-dressed in my travel-worn jeans. Check-in is seamless – I practically float to my room on a cloud of AC and cool water.
- 1:00 PM (Room Reconnaissance & Panic): Okay, my room is… ridiculously fancy. A king-sized bed so vast I could probably get lost in it. An en-suite so big I could host a small cocktail party in there. And a balcony overlooking… well, I'm not entirely sure yet, but I'm pretty sure it's a swimming pool. This is the point where I start to feel a wave of imposter syndrome wash over me. Am I worthy of this level of luxury? Probably not. Am I going to enjoy it anyway? You bet your sweet life I am.
- 2:00 PM (Lunch at Madras Pavilion): Buffet. My weakness AND my salvation. I take a deep breath and brace myself for the delicious onslaught of flavours. The dosas are crispy, the curries are explosions of spice, and I discover a love for something involving lentil balls and a sweet chutney. My stomach is happy; my brain is slightly overwhelmed. I eat far too much.
- 3:30 PM (Poolside Debrief & Jet Lag Sludge): Attempt to relax by the pool. Fail. The jet lag hits me like a ton of bricks. I feel like I've been hit by a bus, only a bus made of delicious Indian food. The sun is intense. The pool looks inviting. I take a nap. Wake up five minutes later with a crick in my neck. This is the life!
- 5:00 PM (Exploring the Hotel): Wander around, gaping at the artwork, the architecture, the sheer scale of the place. I get lost… several times. Accidentally stumble into a ballroom, which makes me feel even more like a peasant. Realize I desperately need a coffee.
- 6:00 PM (Coffee at the Cafe): Finally! Caffeine! The coffee is strong, the pastries are glorious, and I take a moment to actually appreciate where I am. I'm in India, in a ridiculously luxurious hotel, and I'm… mostly happy. A small victory, in my humble opinion.
- 7:30 PM (Dinner at Peshawri): (THIS IS THE ONE!!) Okay, folks, brace yourselves. This is a revelation. Peshawri is the hotel's North-West Frontier cuisine restaurant. I mean, I’ve had Indian food before, but this… this is something else entirely. Candlelight, rustic décor, giant skewers of meat sizzling on the grill… I'm already drooling. The service is impeccable, but not in a stuffy way. Our waiter, a charming man named Raj, patiently guides us through the menu. I order the Dal Bukhara (a slow-cooked black lentil delicacy) based on his recommendation, and my life is changed forever. Like, I’m not even exaggerating. It's rich, unctuous, and I’m pretty sure I could happily live on it for the rest of my days. We also get kebabs that melt in your mouth, and a naan bread so fluffy and perfect, I almost weep with joy. The whole experience feels… primal. Like, I’m a cave person, finally discovering FIRE and delicious, perfectly spiced meat. I feel transported to another time & place. I feel a deep connection to… food. Afterward I waddle out, completely satiated, utterly content and probably, smelling like charcoal. I will be back here tonight for some more Dal Bukhara. And tomorrow. And the day after that. See you at the best restaurant.
- 9:30 PM (Back to the Room & Early Night!) I’m so full, I could barely walk. I collapse on the ridiculously large bed and pass out before my head even hits the pillow. Exhausted, but completely blissed out. This is the life!
Day 2: Spa Day, Sensory Overload, and More Food!
- 8:00 AM (Wake up, Groan, and Question Life Choices): Jet lag still holding strong, but… I remember the Dal Bukhara and am immediately motivated.
- 9:00 AM (Breakfast at Madras Pavilion - Part 2): Back to the buffet! I try to be a bit more restrained but… fail. The idlis are calling my name, and I discover a coconut chutney so good, it’s practically spiritual.
- 10:00 AM (Spa Treatment at Kaya Kalp): I’ve never had a spa treatment quite like this. The whole place is an oasis of calm. I get a massage that makes me want to cry with happiness. The masseuse works out every knot and tension, leaving me feeling like a limp noodle. Pure bliss. I nearly fall asleep on the table.
- 12:00 PM (Poolside Relaxation - Take Two): This time, I succeed! I find a shady spot, finally open that book I brought, and actually read a few pages. The pool is a beautiful distraction. I close my eyes in the sun, realizing that this trip is exactly what I needed.
- 1:00 PM (Lunch at Pan Asian): I try to be "cultured" and have a sushi roll, but I quickly return to my love of Indian Food
- 3:00 PM (Excursion to Mahabalipuram): We booked a driver and guide to take us to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The carvings are stunning, the history is fascinating, and the sheer scale of it all is awe-inspiring. The heat is intense. I sweat like a marathon runner. But it's worth it. My mind is blown.
- 6:00 PM (Back to the Hotel - Shower & Meltdown): The drive back is long. The heat is still brutal. I’m covered in dust and sweat. I take the longest, most glorious shower of my life. My skin is finally clean, my clothes, not so much, I think I'll order room service tonight…
- 7:30 PM (Room Service… and a Crisis): Okay, room service arrives, and I order more Indian food, because, why not? But I'm also starting to feel a bit… overwhelmed. I love Chennai, I love the hotel, but I’m beginning to feel a touch homesick. Everything is different, everything is new, and sometimes, I miss simple things like my own bed and my own toilet. I have a mini-meltdown in my room, then proceed to eat my weight in room service.
- 9:00 PM (Peshawri: Round 2!): I know myself, I know what I'm doing. I'm going back to Peshawri. My soul needs Dal Bukhara again. Tonight, I try to branch out and get another kebab! This time, as I sit in the restaurant with a full heart & full stomach, the homesickness fades away. All is right with the world.
Day 3: Farewell Feast & Departure
- 8:00 AM (Final Breakfast at Madras Pavilion): One last attempt at the buffet! I make a valiant try, but I'm starting to feel a little… bloated.
- 9:00 AM (Shopping in Chennai): Our driver takes us to a local market. I buy saris, spices, and way too many trinkets. Prices are negotiable, and I'm utterly charmed by the vendors. I love the city, and I'm sad to leave it so soon.
- 12:00 PM (Last Lunch at The Dining Room): A final meal at the hotel, and I go for another meal! More dosas, curries, and I decide to finally be adventurous and try Pani Puri. It’s an explosion of flavour in my mouth. Delicious!
- 2:00 PM (Packing & Deep Sighs): Packing is a mess. I can't believe I have to
ITC Grand Chola: The Questions You *Actually* Want to Ask (And My Honest Answers)
Okay, seriously though, is the ITC Grand Chola *really* as ridiculously opulent as the photos suggest?
Oh. My. God. Yes. And then some. Honestly, the photos barely scratch the surface. It's like walking into a Taj Mahal-themed fever dream meets a luxury hotel. Imagine Versailles, but in Chennai, and with an extra dose of Indian sparkle. Think chandeliers that would make Liberace blush, marble floors you could ice-skate on, and enough gold leaf to bankrupt a small nation. I’m not even exaggerating. The sheer scale of it is breathtaking… and slightly overwhelming. You feel like you should be wearing a crown just to fit in. I spent the first hour just wandering around with my jaw permanently dropped open. I swear, my wife had to gently nudge me out of the hallway because I'd just been *staring* at a particularly elaborate fresco for a solid five minutes. It was glorious. And terrifying. In a good way.
Let's talk room service. Worth the splurge? And are the portions enough to feed me, a hungry human? Or are they all tiny, twee little things?
Okay, room service. This is where things get *interesting*. Yes, it's expensive. Like, "gulp, maybe I should have packed a sandwich" expensive. But, the portions are GENERALLY decent. I'm a big eater. I have a black hole for a stomach. And I was adequately fed. I *needed* to order extra naan with my butter chicken (because, butter chicken!), but I wasn’t starving. The presentation is also art. I swear, my club sandwich arrived looking like a tiny, edible architectural marvel. There were little garnishes, sauces in elegant ceramic pots, and someone even apparently ironed the napkin. It's the opposite of the greasy, late-night room service debauchery I’m used to. It's a whole *experience*. One minor gripe: I once ordered a pizza and it was a little... soggy. But hey, nobody's perfect, right? Even a palace has its off days.
The spa... Tell me about the spa! Is it as heavenly as the marketing photos make it look? Because I need some serious pampering.
The spa. Oh, the spa. I'm a man of simple pleasures: good food, a comfy couch, and a massage. But this spa... this spa transcended simple pleasures. It’s called Kaya Kalp, and it’s like stepping into another world. Imagine a tranquil oasis of calm, scented with the most ridiculously expensive essential oils. Dim lighting, hushed tones, and therapists who glide around like ethereal beings. I had the signature massage. And let me tell you... I almost died. In a good way, obviously. Like, my muscles melted. My stress evaporated. I think I may have momentarily achieved enlightenment. It was THAT good. I even drifted off and snored a little (mortifying, I know!). When I woke up, I genuinely felt like a new man. I was so relaxed, I almost considered buying a lifetime supply of spa treatments. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? ABSOLUTELY. Seriously, book a treatment. Do it now. Your shoulders will thank you.
What were the best restaurants and how busy are those restaurants? Easy to get a table?
Restaurants! Okay, prepare to be overwhelmed with choice. It is a city of Restaurants! There's a dizzying array of options, from elegant fine dining to casual buffets. My favorites? Well, I'm a butter chicken fiend, so Avartana, the South Indian cuisine, was truly transcendent! The dosas, the stews, the ambiance… It's a sensory explosion. But be warned: it’s popular. Very popular. Book well in advance. Like, yesterday. You'll also want to check out Peshawri for North Indian, or the Italian restaurant Ottimo. And honestly, the buffet breakfasts? Prepare for a food coma. They're ridiculous. The food is great, but the sheer scale and the bustling energy can be a bit much sometimes. Plan accordingly - book *everything* ahead of time. I did not, and I was left wandering around on one evening, slightly hangry, trying to find a table. It was not pretty. Learn from my mistakes!
Is the hotel location convenient for sightseeing? Should I bother to step outside of the palace?
Convenience... it depends on your definition of convenience. The ITC Grand Chola is in the city but not necessarily *right* in the thick of things. It's a bit removed from the most touristy areas, but that also means it's a bit more peaceful. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available. But! Here is the problem, and it's a major one. The hotel is so beautiful, and so comfortable, you might never want to leave. It’s a palace! Think about it. You have amazing food, swimming pools, a world-class spa, and every possible luxury at your fingertips. Why would you *want* to deal with the traffic, the heat, and the crowds of Chennai? You might just want to luxuriate inside. On one hand, you should explore Chennai. On the other hand... I completely understand if you don't. I wrestled with it for days.
Did you feel like you were constantly being 'sold to'? Are there pushy upsells?
Okay, the upsell question. This is a valid concern. Yes, there are opportunities to spend more money, let's be honest. The hotel wants to make money. You want to enjoy luxury. It's a dance. You'll be offered premium rooms, fancy cocktails, expensive spa treatments, all that jazz. The staff is professional and polite, but it’s always there. Here's my take: it's a luxury hotel. That's the deal. You know you're going to part with some serious cash. If you're on a super tight budget, this probably isn't the place for you. But if you're willing to splurge a little, and you’re okay saying “no” (politely, because the service is genuinely good, even if you decline), it's manageable. Just be aware, and set a budget for yourself. Otherwise, you might find yourself eating ramen noodles for a month after your trip. (I kid, I kid... mostly.)
The swimming pools... are they actually nice, or are they just for show?
The pools! Oh, they're lovely. Plural. There's a few of them. One large one, a smaller indoor one, and I think a kids' pool also. The main pool is absolutely beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery and stylish loungers. The water is clear, and there's a bar nearby for cocktails. You can actually swim, which canUnbelievable Luxury Awaits: Sadhabishegam Hotel, Vaitheeswarankoil's Hidden Gem!
