ITC Grand Chola Celebrates 14 Years of Responsible Luxury in Chennai

ITC Grand Chola Celebrates 14 Years of Responsible Luxury in Chennai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 8, 2026

ITC Grand Chola will mark 14 years in Chennai on September 15, 2026, celebrating a journey that has placed the hotel among South India's well-known luxury hospitality destinations. Since opening its doors in 2012, the hotel has brought together heritage, hospitality, cuisine, wellness, conferences and celebrations, while building a strong connection with the cultural identity of Tamil Nadu.

Spread across eight acres, ITC Grand Chola takes inspiration from the grandeur of the Chola dynasty and some of South India's celebrated architectural landmarks, including the Brihadeeswara Temple, Gangaikondacholapuram Temple and Airavateswara Temple. Its architecture, from the carved facades and grand public spaces to the Sangam lobby, reflects India's artistic and cultural traditions. The Grand Staircase, with its symbolic Wheel of Life design, has also become one of Chennai's most photographed architectural landmarks.

The hotel currently offers 522 guest rooms and 78 serviced apartments, along with one of the country's largest integrated conferences, banqueting and exhibition facilities. This has made it a preferred venue for global summits, business gatherings, weddings and celebrations. Sustainability has remained an important part of ITC Grand Chola's journey through ITC Hotels' philosophy of Responsible Luxury.

The hotel was among the largest LEED Platinum-certified hotels during its inception and has since achieved both LEED Zero Carbon and LEED Zero Water Certifications. Its approach includes energy-efficient infrastructure, water conservation practices, eco-embedded products, eco-easy services and eco-sensitised associates, with sustainability being part of the hotel's day-to-day operations.

The hotel's environmental efforts also include Sunya Aqua, ITC Hotels' zero-mile water initiative. Through the initiative, water is purified, bottled and served in reusable glass bottles within the hotel, helping reduce single-use plastics and transportation-related carbon emissions. Responsible Luxury at ITC Grand Chola also extends beyond environmental practices. The hotel's architecture, cuisine, wellness offerings, service rituals and guest experiences continue to draw from local traditions and the destination's cultural identity.

Over the past 14 years, ITC Grand Chola has also built a strong presence in Chennai's food and beverage scene through its restaurants, bars and gourmet experiences. The hotel currently features dining destinations including Avartana, Peshawri, Royal Vega, Ottimo Cucina Italiana, Pan Asian, Madras Pavilion, Café Mercara Express, Fabelle, Yura Artisanal Scoops and Ritvah, along with Cheroot Malt Bar and Tranquebar.

Among these, Avartana has gained national and international recognition for its progressive take on South Indian cuisine, combining traditional flavours with contemporary techniques and presentation. The hotel's culinary portfolio also covers the North-West Frontier flavours of Peshawri, royal vegetarian cuisine at Royal Vega, Italian offerings at Ottimo, globally inspired dishes at Pan Asian and artisanal chocolate creations at Fabelle.

Over the years, ITC Grand Chola has grown beyond being a luxury hotel, becoming a destination for business travellers, families, gourmands, wellness seekers and local communities. The property has hosted heads of state, global dignitaries, celebrities and business leaders, while also serving as a venue for landmark weddings, international conferences, culinary showcases and cultural events.

As it celebrates its 14th anniversary on September 15, ITC Grand Chola continues to reflect Chennai's growing presence on the global hospitality map. The hotel brings together heritage and innovation, sustainability and luxury, along with world-class hospitality and South Indian warmth. Fourteen years since its opening, ITC Grand Chola continues to build on its vision of being a destination in itself, where culture, cuisine, wellness, celebrations and Responsible Luxury come together under one roof.


Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West Celebrates First Anniversary

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West Celebrates First Anniversary

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 6, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West has celebrated its first anniversary, marking a year of welcoming guests and building its presence in Mumbai's hospitality landscape. The hotel opened its doors on 18 October 2025 and has completed its first year of operations with a focus on comfortable stays, thoughtful service and memorable dining experiences.

Located on New Link Road in Andheri West, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers. Its approach follows Fairfield by Marriott's brand philosophy, The Beauty of Simplicity, combining contemporary accommodation with convenient amenities and dining spaces.

The property features 106 guest rooms and suites, offering a comfortable setting for guests visiting Mumbai for business, leisure and special occasions. Its dining portfolio includes Pana, the all-day dining restaurant, along with a Flavourscape, patisserie and bakery. The upcoming SORAÉ rooftop bar is expected to further add to the hotel's dining and social experiences.

The hotel also offers event spaces, including Vira and Reva banquets, which cater to corporate gatherings, social celebrations and special occasions.

The first anniversary also recognises the contributions of the hotel's associates, guests and partners, whose continued support has played an important role in shaping its journey over the past year.

Commenting on the milestone, Imran Khan, Hotel Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, said, "Celebrating our first anniversary is a proud and meaningful milestone for all of us. The past year has been an important journey of building relationships, creating memorable guest experiences and establishing our presence in Mumbai's dynamic hospitality landscape. This achievement reflects the dedication and passion of our associates, the trust our guests place in us, and the continued support of our Stakeholders. As we look ahead, we remain committed to elevating the guest experience through thoughtful service, genuine hospitality and the simplicity that defines the Fairfield by Marriott brand."

As it completes its first year, Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West looks ahead to building on its presence in the city while continuing to focus on guest experiences, warm hospitality and comfortable stays.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Offers Up to 25% Off on Extended Festive Stays

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Offers Up to 25% Off on Extended Festive Stays

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 6, 2026

Novotel Vijayawada Varun has introduced its 'Stay for More' offer, inviting guests to enjoy an extended festive getaway with savings of up to 25% on stays of three nights or more. The offer is open for bookings from 27 October to 1 December 2026, for stays between 8 December 2026 and 28 March 2027.

Located in the heart of Vijayawada, the hotel offers contemporary rooms with bright and spacious interiors, along with facilities designed for a relaxed stay. Guests can unwind at the rooftop infinity pool, enjoy the jogging track or visit the rooftop wellness zone, which features a gym and spa.

The hotel also offers multi-cuisine dining and a rooftop bar, with poolside, outdoor and indoor seating options, giving guests different ways to enjoy their time during a longer stay.

Commenting on the offer, Manish Pathak, General Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, “A staycation is an opportunity to slow down and make time for what matters. With our Stay for More offer, we invite guests to celebrate the festive season at Novotel Vijayawada Varun and make the most of their time.”

Under the offer, guests booking three nights or more can receive up to 25% off. ALL Accor members are eligible for an exclusive 25% discount, while non-members can enjoy 20% off. With its extended-stay benefits and leisure facilities, Novotel Vijayawada Varun offers guests an opportunity to make their festive break longer and enjoy a relaxed stay in the city.


The Westin Chennai Velachery Hosts Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony

The Westin Chennai Velachery Hosts Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

The Westin Chennai Velachery welcomed the festive season with its annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony, bringing together guests and patrons to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and a much-loved culinary tradition. Held in the hotel's lobby, the gathering marked the beginning of the property's Christmas preparations.

The ceremony featured approximately 150–200 kg of carefully selected dry fruits, mixed with an assortment of spirits, including rum, and traditional spices. Cinnamon added warmth to the blend, while nutmeg and star anise brought their distinctive aromas. Guests joined the hotel's team in tossing and mixing the ingredients, turning the occasion into an evening of festive cheer and shared experiences.

The cake-mixing ritual also marks the first step in the hotel's Christmas baking preparations. The mixture of fruits, nuts, spices and spirits will be left to mature over the coming weeks, allowing the flavours to develop before being used in traditional Christmas cakes and other festive delicacies prepared by the culinary team.

image

Speaking on the occasion, Deepraj Mukherjee, General Manager, The Westin Chennai Velachery, said, "The Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony is one of our most cherished traditions, signaling the arrival of the festive season at The Westin. It is a celebration that brings people together through food, shared experiences and the joy of giving."

Executive Chef Dinesh Kumar added, "For us, cake mixing is much more than a culinary tradition; it is about bringing people together, sharing the joy of the season and welcoming the festivities as a community. It is wonderful to see everyone come together and be part of this cherished tradition."

The evening concluded with guests enjoying festive treats, conversations and the cheerful ambience. With Christmas preparations now underway, The Westin Chennai Velachery looks forward to welcoming the season with a range of festive experiences and culinary offerings.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.