Iconic Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Chennai, Unveils Its Majestic Revival

Iconic Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Chennai, Unveils Its Majestic Revival

By Author

Published on January 21, 2024

ITC Hotels has unveiled the rejuvenated Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Chennai. Established in 1975, this iconic hotel reopens its doors, promising an elevated experience in hospitality that will contribute to the city’s vibrant tourism and business landscape.

Welcomhotel Chennai, aligning with ITC Hotels’ commitment to ‘Responsible Luxury,’ has achieved LEED® Platinum & LEED Zero Carbon certification. This underscores the hotel’s dedication to environmental stewardship, emphasizing sustainability, renewable energy utilization, water conservation, and ecosystem preservation. The property boasts self-owned and offsite wind farms, harnessing maximum renewable electrical energy to minimize its carbon footprint.

Centrally located at No. 2, Cathedral Road, Welcomhotel Chennai proudly stands as the first property of ITC's hotel group, symbolizing a new era in hospitality. Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, expressed the hotel's significance, stating, "Welcomhotel Chennai holds a very special place in the ITC Hotels group and is our tribute to this great metropolis." Chennai, a blend of traditions and modern influences, provides a fitting backdrop for the hotel's rich heritage.

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With 90 well-appointed rooms, including Executive Suites, Club Rooms, and Superior Rooms, Welcomhotel Chennai offers a perfect balance between comfort, flawless service, and the warmth of Indian hospitality. The hotel's design mirrors Southern Indian magnificence, incorporating local flavors, art, and architecture. The property draws inspiration from a legacy of corporate leaders, cultural icons, and families who have graced its halls, making it a preferred choice for various dignitaries.

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The hotel presents a rich amalgamation of heritage, local aesthetics, contemporary veneers, and modern comforts. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in diverse offerings at WelcomCafe Marina, WelcomSthalika, Taste of Madras, Durrant’s Bar, Sunbean Cafe, Mahjong Room, and the Fabelle Chocolate Takeaway outlet in the lobby. The hotel's two banquet halls, Mandapam and Saagri, cater to events with capacities ranging from 70 to 375 guests.

Beyond hospitality, the establishment focuses on holistic guest experiences. The indigenous K by Kaya Kalp spa offers rejuvenating wellness treatments, complemented by a fully functional fitness center. An outdoor pool nestled in lush green gardens provides a tranquil space for guests to unwind after work.

The hotel's revival is a celebration of Chennai's transformation and a reminder of the city's rich culture.


Fairmont Jaipur Introduces Festive Palace Escape for the Holiday Season

Fairmont Jaipur Introduces Festive Palace Escape for the Holiday Season

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 28, 2026

Fairmont Jaipur is welcoming the festive season with Festive Palace Escape, a seasonal stay package designed for guests looking to celebrate with family and friends. Set against the Aravalli Hills, the experience combines a palace stay, dining privileges and special savings, offering an opportunity to enjoy the festive period in a relaxed setting. Available for reservations until 31 December 2026, the package is designed around Fairmont Jaipur's philosophy, Make Special Happen, bringing together thoughtful hospitality, festive dining and time spent with loved ones.

The Festive Palace Escape includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, allowing guests to enjoy a leisurely stay with meals included throughout their visit. For families and groups travelling together, the offer also provides 30% savings on a second room, giving guests greater flexibility when planning a festive getaway. Adding to the dining experience, guests can enjoy 20% savings on food and soft beverages, offering more opportunities to explore the hotel's culinary offerings during their stay.

Located amid the scenic Aravalli Hills, Fairmont Jaipur provides a setting away from the bustle of city life. Its expansive surroundings, regal architecture and tranquil atmosphere create an inviting backdrop for guests looking to slow down, reconnect and spend quality time with family and friends during the holiday season.

The experience brings together the charm of a palace retreat and the pleasures of dining and relaxation. Whether planning a festive family holiday, a getaway with friends or a special stay to mark the season, guests can enjoy the hotel's setting alongside the privileges included in the package.

With its combination of accommodation, dining benefits and savings for guests travelling together, Festive Palace Escape offers another way to celebrate the season at Fairmont Jaipur. The package is available for reservations until 31 December 2026, inviting travellers to make the most of the festive period in Rajasthan.


Summit Hotels & Resorts to Open 17-Villa Retreat in Lachung, Sikkim

Summit Hotels & Resorts to Open 17-Villa Retreat in Lachung, Sikkim

By Hariharan U

Published on October 25, 2026

Summit Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its Signature Collection with a 17-villa retreat in Lachung, North Sikkim, scheduled to open in December 2026. The upcoming property will strengthen the company's premium hospitality portfolio in the Eastern Himalayas, with an emphasis on local architecture, cultural experiences and the region's natural landscape.

Located at an altitude of approximately 8,600 feet, Lachung is around 118 km from Gangtok and serves as a gateway to destinations including Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and Katao. The retreat will feature 17 villas inspired by traditional Sikkimese architecture, reflecting the area's cultural character and mountain setting.

Beyond accommodation, the property is expected to offer experiences that encourage guests to explore North Sikkim beyond conventional sightseeing. Planned activities include guided village walks, opportunities to discover Bhutia traditions and cuisine, visits to nearby orchards and monasteries, and excursions to alpine valleys. Seasonal experiences such as rhododendron viewing, winter snow excursions and stargazing are also being considered, subject to local conditions.

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Commenting on the development, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “North Sikkim has considerable potential to develop beyond conventional sightseeing-led tourism. Lachung is already an important stop on the Yumthang and Zero Point circuit, but we believe there is an opportunity to encourage travellers to spend more time in the destination itself. With this retreat, we want to introduce a premium stay experience that draws on the region's architecture, culture and natural surroundings. We also see opportunities to work with local communities through employment, sourcing and destination experiences as tourism develops.”

The project comes amid renewed tourism interest in North Sikkim, supported by improved accessibility along the Lachung–Yumthang–Zero Point circuit. Known for its Himalayan scenery, rhododendron forests and traditional Bhutia settlements, Lachung offers opportunities to develop longer, nature-focused stays alongside established sightseeing itineraries.

The retreat will join Summit's Signature Collection, which includes Summit Norbu Ghang in Gangtok and Summit Rungkhung Village Resort in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. The collection forms part of the company's wider strategy to develop premium, destination-focused hospitality across the Eastern Himalayas and other leisure markets in India.

With the Lachung project, Summit is looking to combine premium accommodation with local culture and nature-based experiences, while creating opportunities for community participation as tourism in North Sikkim evolves


The Long Weekend Escape You Didn't Know You Needed: Cintacor Island, Karwar

The Long Weekend Escape You Didn't Know You Needed: Cintacor Island, Karwar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 22, 2026

Looking for a peaceful escape this Dussehra? Cintacor Island Resort in Karwar, Karnataka, offers a private island getaway where guests can enjoy the beach, explore the sea and unwind amid nature. Spread across a 33-acre private island along Karnataka's lesser-explored coastline, the resort offers an alternative to crowded holiday destinations for the festive long weekend from 20–22 October 2026.

Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, the resort brings together relaxation, outdoor activities and scenic coastal views. Guests can spend their days at the private beach, enjoy the swimming pool or explore the island's NatureLab, making it a refreshing choice for travellers looking to slow down and enjoy a few days away from their usual routine.

For those who want more than a relaxed beach holiday, Cintacor Island offers several experiences on land and at sea. Guests can try kayaking and fishing or head out on dolphin cruises to explore the surrounding waters. Those looking to unwind can visit the private Kurmasana Spa, which offers a peaceful setting to relax during their stay.

One of the island's highlights is Nemo's Deck, located at its highest point. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, it provides a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. As the day winds down, guests can head to Jolly Rogers for a leisurely meal while enjoying the island's relaxed atmosphere.

With its private beach, sea-facing experiences and natural surroundings, Cintacor Island Resort offers a different way to celebrate the Dussehra long weekend. Whether travellers are looking for a quiet break, a little adventure or simply time by the sea, the island provides an opportunity to step away from busy holiday destinations and enjoy a coastal retreat.

For those planning a festive getaway, Cintacor Island Resort, Karwar, presents an inviting option to spend the long weekend surrounded by nature, with the Arabian Sea setting the scene for a memorable holiday.

  • Venue: Cintacor Island Resort, Karwar, Karnataka
  • Location: Cintacor Island Resort
  • Dates: 20–22 October 2026.

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