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.