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{{short description|Luxury hotel in Chennai, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox hotel
| name = ITC Grand Chola
| logo =
| logo_size = 225px
| image = ITC-Grand-Chola-Chennai-2.JPG
| image_size =
| caption = ITC Grand Chola Hotel is one of the prominent hotels in India.
| location = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| address = 63, [[Anna Salai]], [[Guindy]]<br />[[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]] 600 032
| hotel_chain = [[ITC Welcomgroup Hotels, Palaces and Resorts]]
| coordinates =
| opening_date = 15 September 2012
| developer = Larsen & Toubro
| architect = SRSS Architects ([[Singapore]])
| structural_engineer = Sterling Engineering Consultancy Services ([[Mumbai]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.builtconstructions.in/OnlineMagazine/Bangalore/Pages/Kamal-Hadker---Sterling-Engineering-Consultancy-Services-Pvt-Ltd-068.aspx|title = Built Expressions Bangalore :: Kamal Hadker - Sterling Engineering Consultancy Services PVT Ltd}}</ref>
| operator = [[ITC Welcomgroup Hotels, Palaces and Resorts|ITC Welcomgroup]]
| owner = ITC Hotels
| number_of_rooms = 600
| number_of_suites = 14
| number_of_restaurants = 10
| floor_area = {{convert|1624000|sqft|m2|adj=on}}<ref name="CRN_ITCGrandChola"/>
| floor_count = 10
| height = {{convert|49|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="HelipadRejected"/>
| parking = 800 cars
| website = {{URL|https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandchola-chennai|itchotels.com/grandchola-chennai}}
| footnotes =
}}

The '''ITC Grand Chola''' is a 5-star luxury [[hotel]] in [[Chennai]], [[India]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=ITC Grand Chola: Where Luxury Meets Responsibility |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/stay/story/66684/itc-grand-chola-where-luxury-meets-responsibility |access-date=2022-06-27 |magazine=Outlook India |language=en}}</ref> It is located in [[Guindy]], opposite [[SPIC building, Chennai|SPIC building]] and along the same row of buildings as [[Ashok Leyland]] Towers. The building, designed by [[Singapore]]-based SRSS Architects, is of [[mixed-use development]] with three separate wings and is themed after traditional [[Dravidian architecture]] of the [[Chola dynasty]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The ITC Grand Chola, Chennai |url=https://spearswms.com/the-grand-chola-chennai/ |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=spearswms.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> The hotel is the ninth hotel in [[The Luxury Collection]] brand.<ref>{{cite web | title = ITC's 600-room Chennai hotel to open doors by end 2011 | work = The Hindu | publisher = ITC Hotels | date=12 January 2011 | url = http://www.itcportal.com/about-itc/newsroom/press-reports/PressReport.aspx?id=1046&type=C&news=ITC-600-room-Chennai-hotel-to-open-doors-by-end-2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015041723/http://www.itcportal.com/about-itc/newsroom/press-reports/PressReport.aspx?id=1046&type=C&news=ITC-600-room-Chennai-hotel-to-open-doors-by-end-2011 | archive-date = 15 October 2012 }}</ref>

The hotel, built on over 1,600,000 sq ft, is dubbed the largest stand-alone hotel in the country<ref>{{cite news | last = Sanjai | first = P. R. | title = The Grand Chola Scheme of Things | newspaper = Executive Traveller | publisher = Exec—Executive Traveller | url = http://executivetraveller.in/articles/the-grand-chola-scheme-of-things#.UFQHc2c_69s | access-date = 16 September 2012 | archive-date = 1 September 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120901034129/http://executivetraveller.in/articles/the-grand-chola-scheme-of-things#.UFQHc2c_69s | url-status = dead }}</ref> built with an investment of {{INR}} 12,000 million and has the largest convention centre in the country built on 100,000 sq ft with a 30,000-sq ft pillar-less ballroom.<ref>{{cite news | last = Sanjai| first = P. R.| title = Hotels, convention halls betting on bigger size| newspaper = LiveMint | publisher = LiveMint.com | date = 19 April 2012 | url = http://www.livemint.com/2012/04/18215212/Hotels-convention-halls-betti.html?atype=tp}}</ref> In terms of room inventory, with 600 rooms, it is the third largest hotel in India<ref name="TOI_GrandChola">{{cite news
| last = Joshi
| first = Sonam
| title = ITC Grand Chola
| newspaper = The Times of India
| location = Chennai
| publisher = The Times Group
| date = 22 October 2018
| url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/hotels/10-plush-stays-in-chennai/itc-grand-chola/articleshow/24529619.cms
| access-date = 22 December 2024}}</ref> after [[Renaissance Hotels|Renaissance]] Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel {{ndash}} now rebranded as [[The Westin]] Mumbai Powai Lake (759 rooms) and [[Grand Hyatt Mumbai|Grand Hyatt]] (694 rooms), both in [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{cite news|date=16 April 2012|title=ITC flags off world's largest green hotel|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article3900875.ece|access-date=16 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310154604/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article3900875.ece |archive-date=10 March 2014 }}</ref>

==History==
[[ITC Limited]] started its [[ITC Hotels|Hotels division]] in Madras (Chennai) with their first hotel, the [[Chola Sheraton]], which is now rebranded as Welcomhotel Chennai. In 2000, ITC Hotels Group bought the 8-acre land at the [[Campa Cola]] campus on [[Anna Salai]] for {{INR}} 800 million. As part of a major investment plan announced by the then chairman, Y. C. Deveshwar, the hotel was planned at an initial cost of {{INR}} 8,000-10,000 million. The hotel was inaugurated on 15 September 2012 by the Chief Minister of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[J. Jayalalithaa]].<ref name="EconomicTimes_CholaOpens">{{cite news | title = ITC inaugurates Rs 1,200 crore Grand Chola hotel in Chennai | newspaper = The Economic Times | location = Chennai | publisher = The Times Group | date = 15 September 2012 | url = http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/itc-inaugurates-rs-1200-crore-grand-chola-hotel-in-chennai/articleshow/16410358.cms | access-date = 16 September 2012}}</ref> The signature restaurant concept 'Peshawri' moved address from the erstwhile Sheraton Chola to the ITC Grand Chola with the opening of the latter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Peshawri: ITC Mughal's Crown Jewel Could Easily Be Agra's Best Luxury Restaurant |url=https://food.ndtv.com/reviews/peshawri-itc-mughals-crown-jewel-could-easily-be-agras-best-luxury-restaurant-1930428 |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=NDTV Food |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:South Chennai Skyline.jpg|thumb|left|500px|Guindy skyline showing the hotel under construction]]

ITC Grand Chola became the largest hotel in the world to achieve the LEED Zero Carbon Certification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, is the largest hotel in the world to achieve the LEED Zero Carbon Certification! |url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/msociety/2021/dec/17/itc-grand-chola-chennai-is-the-largest-hotel-in-the-world-to-achieve-the-leed-zero-carbon-certific-37808.html |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=www.indulgexpress.com |language=en}}</ref> When [[COVID-19 pandemic in Tamil Nadu|COVID-19 pandemic]] outbreak in Chennai, then 85 peoples from the hotel got tested for positive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pathak |first=Analiza |date=2021-01-03 |title=ITC Grand Chola: Chennai's luxury hotel turns Covid hotspot; 85 test positive |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/itc-grand-chola-chennai-luxury-hotel-turns-covid-hotspot-after-85-test-positive-675697 |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=www.indiatvnews.com |language=en}}</ref> Since, the pandemic got under control, the new year eve was celebrated in the hotel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2021 |first=Priya |last=Menon |title=Chennai: Safety first is mantra for hotels on New Year eve amid fear of Omicron variant {{!}} Chennai News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-safety-first-is-mantra-for-hotels-on-new-year-eve-amid-fear-of-omicron-variant/articleshow/88316280.cms |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> In 2019, the hotel hosted the meeting of [[Narendra Modi]] and [[Xi Jinping]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Modi-Xi meet: Security beefed up outside ITC Grand Chola, traffic affected in and around Chennai |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/modi-xi-meet-security-beefed-up-outside-itc-grand-chola-traffic-affected-in-and-around-chennai20191011115831/ |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref>

==Architecture==
[[File:ITC-Grand-Chola-Chennai-6.JPG|left|thumb|Inside at a walking ground in the hotel]]
The hotel is built in [[South Indian Temple Architecture|South Indian temple architecture]] and has four entrances similar to the temples in South India, accordingly named as 'Vallavan' (North), 'Sembiyan' (East), 'Killi' (South), and 'Chola' (West). There are 43 single bed room, 33 double bed room, and 2 triple bed room apartments. Other features similar to the temples include tall pillars, grand columns, and sweeping staircases.<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth">{{cite news | last = Sridhar | first = Vijayalakshmi | title = Project of the month: A Citadel in the City | publisher = Chennai Realty.biz | url=http://www.chennairealty.biz/top_project.php | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130530142948/http://chennairealty.biz/top_project.php | archive-date = 30 May 2013 }}</ref>

The white and soft-cream floral motifs in close clusters in the hotel, found on the walls, ceilings, and pillars, such as the sunflower motif in the portico and the kolam-inspired motifs in the food and beverage areas, are themed after the Chola empire, which ruled parts of [[South India]] and [[Southeast Asia|South-East Asia]] from 300 BCE to 1250 CE.<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth" /><ref name="CNTraveller_SneakPeak" /> The bronze horse in front of the lobby is based on the one that was yoked to the chariots of the Chola kings.<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth" /> The marble walls are interspersed with panels of carvings of the wheel of life, the four-petalled flower, and are echoed in the etchings on the glass doors leading to the rooms and lounge area.<ref name="HospBiz_AmalgamationOfBothWorlds" />

The architectural theme is reinforced with 462 pillars,<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth" /><ref name="AManyPillaredStorey" /> most of them with hand-carved design work inspired by the [[Brihadeeswarar Temple|Brihadeeshwara temple]] of [[Tanjore]].<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth" /> The hotel has over 1 million square feet of [[marble]] with 57 varieties of the stone,<ref name="AManyPillaredStorey">{{cite news | last = Singh | first = Kishore | title = A many-pillared storey | newspaper = Business Standard | location = New Delhi | date = 20 October 2012 | url = http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/a-many-pillared-storey/490117/}}</ref> for which the company bought a marble quarry in whole in [[Italy]] and shipped several tonnes of the stone to Chennai for the construction.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Sanghvi
| first = Vir
| title = The rapidly-changing face of the Chennai hotel scene
| newspaper = Vir Sanghvi
| url = http://virsanghvi.com/Article-Details.aspx?key=854
| access-date = 14 October 2012}}</ref> The hotel has 7 lounges, and the average room size is 625 sq ft.<ref name="AManyPillaredStorey" /> The intricate stonework in the building were created by 4,000 artisans from [[Mamallapuram]] who worked on site.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Muthalaly
| first = Shonali
| title = Live life king-size
| newspaper = The Hindu
| location = Chennai
| date = 24 October 2012
| url = http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/leisure/live-life-kingsize/article4027811.ece?homepage=true
| access-date = 25 October 2012}}</ref> The overall construction of the hotel took five years to complete.<ref name="HotelTimes_ITCGrandChola">{{cite news
| title = Luxury hotel in Chennai; The ITC Grand Chola
| newspaper = The Hotel Times
| publisher = thehoteltimes.in
| url = http://www.thehoteltimes.in/index.php/2011-04-17-13-14-11/news-a-reports/180-luxury-hotel-in-chennai-the-itc-grand-chola
| access-date = 5 April 2014
| archive-date = 7 April 2014
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140407093732/http://www.thehoteltimes.in/index.php/2011-04-17-13-14-11/news-a-reports/180-luxury-hotel-in-chennai-the-itc-grand-chola
| url-status = dead
}}</ref>

==Green features==
[[File:View from Chennai Street ITC Chola 7 Star hotel Chennai 105620.jpg|left|thumb|Construction of the [[Blue Line (Chennai Metro)|Chennai Metro line]] in front of the hotel]]
The hotel avoided cutting down trees at the property ever since the pre-construction phase by transplanting all the existing trees around the hotel. Of the building material value of the hotel project, over 10 percent is composed of recycled raw materials, over 40 percent is composed of materials manufactured and/or extracted within a radius of 800 km, and over 5 percent is made of plant products that are typically harvested with a 10-year span or shorter. During construction of the hotel complex, about 17 percent of Portland cement by weight was replaced by flyash. Over 50 percent of the wood products used in the construction of the hotel are from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)–certified forests.<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth" />

With its own solar and wind farms,<ref name="LuxEd"/> the whole of the hotel's energy requirements are met through renewable sources, including waste water.<ref name="Law2013"/> The hotel saves over 40 percent of energy by means of various [[Energy efficiency implementation|energy efficiency features]].<ref name="HospBiz_AmalgamationOfBothWorlds"/> A 12.6-MW [[windmill]] caters to the power requirement of the hotel complex,<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth"/> the excess of which is contributed to the [[Tamil Nadu Electricity Board]].<ref name="CNTraveller_SneakPeak">{{cite news
| last = Daswani
| first = Divia Thani
| title = Sneak peak[sic]: ITC Grand Chola Chennai
| newspaper = Condé Nast Traveller
| location = Chennai
| publisher = CNTraveller.in
| date = 18 September 2012
| url = http://www.cntraveller.in/story/sneak-peak-itc-grand-chola-chennai
| access-date = 5 April 2014}}</ref> The heating, ventilation and air conditioning in the complex are optimally controlled using a technology known as ''Hartman Loop''.<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth"/> The envelope materials of the building comprising composite wall assembly, multi-glazed windows, and roof-top insulation, well exceed the fenestration standards of ASHRAE/ECBC.<ref name="HospBiz_AmalgamationOfBothWorlds"/> The roof is a combination of green roof, and the reflective paints and high SRI finish on the domes of the complex reduce [[thermal gradient]] differences after daylight hours. The hotel also has independent, programmable lighting controls installed in each area. Water is heated by means of solar concentrators. The hotel uses water-cooled refrigerants in place of air-cooled ones. Energy is saved by means of a [[jet fan]] ventilation system.<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth"/>

All of the water requirements for irrigation, flushing, and cooling tower is met through treated effluent. The water-efficient fixtures in the complex is estimated to reduce the water usage in the hotel by 35 percent compared with conventional benchmarks.<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth"/> The external pervious areas and green roofs along with water-harvesting structures will retain all of storm-water catchment on-site.<ref name="HospBiz_AmalgamationOfBothWorlds"/> Waste generated by the hotel is completely recycled by waste segregation at source and utilisation for useful purposes. The hotel has an onsite organic waste converter, capable of converting all of the organic waste produced daily into manure, installed.<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth"/>

==Facilities==
[[File:Chennai metro during trail run.JPG|thumb|Grand Chola (centre), amidst surrounding buildings]]
[[File:ITC-Grand-Chola-Chennai-4.JPG|left|thumb|A lit hall in the hotel]]
The hotel has 600 rooms and features {{convert|1600000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} of built area, {{convert|75000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} of retail space and {{convert|100000|sqft|m2}} of conference and exhibition facilities, which includes a pillar-less main ballroom of 26,540 sq ft named the Rajendra Hall,<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth" /> which can accommodate 5,000 guests.<ref name="CNTraveller_SneakPeak" /> The ballroom is a stand-alone structure gently sloping into a carpeted area.<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth" /> The total area of the ballroom, including the pillar-less portion, is 55,000 sq ft.<ref name="CNTraveller_SneakPeak" /> The hotel also has a 48-seater preview theater.<ref name="HospBiz_AmalgamationOfBothWorlds">{{cite news
| title = ITC Grand Chola: Amalgamation of both Worlds
| newspaper = Hospitality Biz India
| location = Chennai
| publisher = HospitalityBizIndia.com
| date = 6 November 2012
| url = http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=15084&sid=31
| access-date = 5 April 2014}}</ref> The hotel covers 1.5 million square foot area on an eight-acre plot.<ref name="EconomicTimes_CholaOpens" /> Of the 8 acres, about 10 percent has been given to the [[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]] (CMDA) as part of the Open Space Reservation that has been taken over by the [[Chennai Corporation]]. The hotel has been designed by the [[Singapore]]-based SRSS Architects and the local architects is CRN.<ref name="CRN_ITCGrandChola">{{cite web
| title = ITC Grand Chola Hotel
| publisher = CRN.co.in
| url = http://www.crn.co.in/portfolio_details.asp?pid=4&hnam=Retail
| access-date = 5 April 2014
| archive-date = 7 April 2014
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140407075653/http://www.crn.co.in/portfolio_details.asp?pid=4&hnam=Retail
| url-status = dead
}}</ref>
[[File:ITC-Grand-Chola-Chennai-13.JPG|left|thumb|A typical room at the hotel]]
The hotel's 600 rooms include 522 rooms and 78 serviced apartments. The rooms include 326 Executive Club rooms, 31 Eva rooms, 132 Towers rooms, 48 ITC One rooms, 14 Deluxe Suites each measuring 1,164 sq ft, a presidential suite named the ''Karikalan Suite'' and a six-bay grand presidential suite named the ''Rajaraja Chola Suite'' spread over 4,380 sq ft. The single rooms occupy an area of 615 sq ft with exclusive lounge and private butler, and a distinct wing—named the Eva wing—for female guests spanning the entire wing of the second floor, with rooms measuring 405 sq ft. The hotel has three wings: the first or primary wing houses all Executive Club rooms, and the second wing contains ITC One rooms, Towers rooms and all the Suites. The third wing has been constructed exclusively for the Residences, offering the luxury accommodation.<ref>{{cite web
| title = ITC Grand Chola Chennai
| publisher = ITC Hotels
| url = http://www.itchotels.in/greathotels/ITC-Chola-factsheet.pdf| access-date = 13 November 2011}}</ref> Spread over an area of 615 sq ft, the Towers rooms have an exclusive entrance and are spread across the first floor all the way up to the seventh floor. The Executive Club rooms, with an area of 405 sq ft, are spread across the second floor all the way up to the tenth floor of the first wing. The hotel has a total of 10 food and beverage locations,<ref name="5StarPlatter" /><ref name="LuxEd"/> including Peshawri, which serves cuisine from the Northwest Frontier, and Royal Vega, a vegetarian restaurant. Others include Madras Pavilion, Cafe Mercara, Nutmeg, Cheroot Lounge, Pan Asian, Modo Mio, The Pub, Tranquebar,<ref name="WIDNNews" /> and Ottimo-Cucina Italiana.<ref name="ITCGrandChola_ChennaiConventionHub" /> Leisure facilities include a 23,000-sq-ft Kaya Kalp Spa with 12 treatment rooms, 2 hamams, a yoga studio, a tea lounge, a men's salon and a salon for women;<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth" /> outdoor pools (with one exclusively for families);<ref name="LuxEd">{{cite news
| title = Best Luxury Hotels in Chennai
| newspaper = The Luxury Editor
| date = n.d.
| url = https://theluxuryeditor.com/best-luxury-hotels-in-chennai/
| access-date = 28 August 2023}}</ref> gyms for each of the three wings; and a shopping area.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Tan
| first = Mick
| title = ITC Grand Chola to Open in Chennai
| newspaper = ha+d online
| date = 2 November 2011
| url = http://had.hotelworldasia.com/content/itc-grand-chola-open-chennai?src=related
| access-date = 9 January 2012
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120704005823/http://had.hotelworldasia.com/content/itc-grand-chola-open-chennai?src=related
| archive-date = 4 July 2012
}}</ref> There are three swimming pools in the hotel—the rooftop pool with twin smaller pools, a children's pool, and a Jacuzzi, all situated above the banquet hall.<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth" /><ref>{{cite news
| title = The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts to open Chennai hotel
| newspaper = IndUS Business Journal
| publisher = Indusbusinessjournal.com
| date = May 2012
| url = http://www.indusbusinessjournal.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=FA8BD98E46864F41ABB47A622A659176
| access-date = 27 May 2012
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131211072438/http://www.indusbusinessjournal.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=FA8BD98E46864F41ABB47A622A659176
| archive-date = 11 December 2013
}}</ref> The WelcomArt Gallery at the hotel showcases curated selection of art pieces that reflect the Chola-theme of the hotel.<ref name="WIDNNews">{{cite news
| title = ITC Hotels to open Grand Chola in Chennai
| newspaper = World Interior Design Network
| publisher = WIDN
| date = 12 September 2011
| url = http://www.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/news/itc_hotels_to_open_grand_chola_in_chennai_110912/
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130209232108/http://www.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/news/itc_hotels_to_open_grand_chola_in_chennai_110912/
| archive-date = 9 February 2013
| access-date = 9 March 2012
}}</ref> RFID columns are installed in the floors to enable the staffs greet the guests by names and offer them a personalised service.<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth" /> The hotel also uses iPad-controlled technology.<ref name="HotelTimes_ITCGrandChola" />

Commercial facilities in the hotel include restaurants, a health spa, 30,000-sq-ft banquet space to accommodate up to 600 guests, an exhibition space, a 2,625-sq-ft auditorium named ''Kalai'' with a seating capacity of 45,<ref name="ITCGrandChola_ChennaiConventionHub">{{cite news
| title = ITC Grand Chola strengthens Chennai as a convention hub
| newspaper = Express Hospitality
| publisher = ExpressHospitality.com
| date = 31 October 2012
| url = http://www.expresshospitality.com/latest-updates/637-itc-grand-chola-strengthens-chennai-as-a-convention-hub
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130122205049/http://www.expresshospitality.com/latest-updates/637-itc-grand-chola-strengthens-chennai-as-a-convention-hub
| archive-date = 22 January 2013
| access-date = 2 November 2012
}}</ref> and discreet levels that consist of board room and four meeting rooms, a private multiplex with a capacity of 100 guests and underground parking for 1,000 cars.<ref>{{cite web
| title = ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, India
| publisher = Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart
| url = http://www.srssa.com/project.php?cat=International_Projects&subCat=South_Asia&subCatID=18
| access-date = 30 December 2011}}</ref> The hotel has obtained a Platinum rating (the highest on the scale) from [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design]] (LEED), an internationally recognised green building certification system. The hotel is currently the world's largest LEED-certified green hotel.<ref name="5StarPlatter">{{cite news
| last = Anand
| first = Swati
| title = 5-star platter for city
| newspaper = The Times of India epaper
| location = Chennai
| publisher = The Times Group
| date = 27 January 2011
| url = http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/TOINEW/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH%2F2011%2F01%2F27&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T&PageLabel=3&EntityId=Ar00300&AppName=1
| access-date = 5 January 2012
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131210023621/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/TOINEW/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH%2F2011%2F01%2F27&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T&PageLabel=3&EntityId=Ar00300&AppName=1
| archive-date = 10 December 2013
}}</ref> The hotel has a total workforce close to 4,000 people with over 1,000 people engaging in day-to-day operations.<ref name="EconomicTimes_CholaOpens" /> Initially, the hotel also planned to construct a [[helipad]] on the terrace,<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Mohan
| first = R.
| title = The Grand Chola a fitting tribute to a great southern dynasty
| newspaper = Deccan Chronicle
| location = Chennai
| date = 13 February 2012
| url = http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/grand-chola-fitting-tribute-great-southern-dynasty-618
| access-date = 16 September 2012
| archive-date = 25 October 2012
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025123747/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/grand-chola-fitting-tribute-great-southern-dynasty-618
| url-status = dead
}}</ref> for which the multi-storey building panel of [[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority|CMDA]] has denied permission in October 2011.<ref name="HelipadRejected">{{Cite news
| title = Hotel plea to erect helipad rejected
| newspaper = The Hindu
| location = Chennai
| date = 28 October 2011
| url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2575492.ece
| access-date = 20 November 2011}}</ref><ref name="HelipadDemolishing">{{Cite news
| last = Lopez
| first = Aloysius Xavier
| title = CMDA grounds ITC hotel's helipad plans
| newspaper = The Hindu
| location = Chennai
| date = 2 March 2012
| url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article2951462.ece
| access-date = 9 March 2012}}</ref>

==Awards and ratings==
[[File:ITC GRAND CHOLA HOTEL in Chennai - panoramio (17).jpg|thumb|ITC Grand Chola at night]]
In February 2013, the hotel obtained a 5-star GRIHA rating—the highest national rating for green buildings, conceived by The Energy Research Institute (TERI) and the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)—which was presented by President [[Pranab Mukherjee]].<ref name="Law2013">{{Cite news | last = Law | first = Abhishek | title = ITC Grand Chola, Chennai gets 5-star GRIHA rating | newspaper = The Hindu | location = Kolkata | date = 15 February 2013 | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/5star-griha-rating-for-itc-grand-chola/article4418662.ece | access-date = 17 February 2013}}</ref> The hotel is the first in the country to obtain a 5-star rating from the Association for Development and Research of Sustainable Habitats (ADaRSH). It was rated on 34 criteria, categorised under various sections, including site selection and planning, conservation, utilisation of resources, and building operation and maintenance.<ref name="Law2013" /> The hotel has won Times Food Guide awards for two of its restaurants: Peshawri (for Best North Indian restaurant) and Ottimo-Cucina Italiana (for Best Italian restaurant). It has also been awarded with the title of Greenest Washrooms by ''Washrooms and Beyond'' magazine.<ref name="ChennaiRealty_ProjectOfTheMonth" /> In June 2014, the hotel was awarded the "Best Business Hotel" award at the third Annual Lonely Planet Magazine Travel Awards 2014.<ref>{{Cite news
| title = Luxury hotel in Chennai wins award
| newspaper = The Hindu
| location = Chennai
| date = 12 June 2014
| url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-society/luxury-hotel-in-chennai-wins-award/article6105258.ece
| access-date = 22 June 2014}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:ITC-Grand-Chola-Chennai-7.JPG|alt=|A guestroom in ITC Grand Chola
File:ITC-Grand-Chola-Chennai-5.JPG|alt=|Bar at hotel
File:ITC GRAND CHOLA HOTEL in Chennai - panoramio (32).jpg|alt=|A small swimming pool in enclave of hotel
File:ITC GRAND CHOLA HOTEL in Chennai - panoramio (13).jpg|alt=|ITC Hotel at night
File:ITC-Grand-Chola-Chennai-11.JPG|alt=|The marbled interiors of the hotel
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Hotels|India|Architecture}}
* [[Hotels in Chennai]]
* [[List of tallest buildings in Chennai]]
{{-}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite web|last=Phadnis |first=Ashwini |title= ITC goes for integrated hotel complex in Chennai |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/06/03/stories/2006060304420100.htm|work=The Hindu Business Line|access-date=31 May 2010|date=3 June 2006}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
* [https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcgrandchola-chennai Official website]
* [https://www.itchotels.in/content/dam/projects/hotelswebsite/itc-hotels/luxury-collection/destination/chennai/itc-grand-chola/Website/ITC%20Grand%20Chola%20FactSheet.pdf ITC Grand Chola—Factsheet]

{{ITC}}
{{Hotels in Chennai}}
{{Chennai Topics}}
{{Hotel chains}}

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[[Category:Hotels in Chennai]]
[[Category:Hotels established in 2012]]
[[Category:Skyscraper hotels in Chennai]]
[[Category:ITC Limited]]
[[Category:2012 establishments in Tamil Nadu]]

ITC Grand Chola Hotel - Revision history

Blshastri2 at 03:21, 21 March 2026