ITC Opens World's Largest LEED-Certified Hotel in Chennai
Looks like the old and new worlds are getting along just fine in India where ITC, India’s second-largest hotel chain, has just launched the Grand Chola in Chennai. This new hotel was designed and inspired by the architecture and traditions of the Chola dynasty, Southern India’s greatest maritime power of all time (interesting considering the hotel isn't on the water).
Towering columns and stairways, granite carvings and vast spaces are meant to make visitors feel like they’re in the presence of something bigger than themselves. It's a place that embraces the cultural traditions of the region’s past and sets out to transport guests back to a time where size and grandeur was a direct indication of wealth and power. The dramatic staircase at the entrance seems to scream "cash money millionaires", no?
The 600-room property will bring in leisure travelers with its luxury accommodations, 23,000 square-foot spa, and 10 restaurants, but it’s the business of attracting business that the hotel seeks to conquer.
Already branded as ITC’s flagship property, the hotel hopes to transform Chennai into the “convention capital” of India, competing with markets like Singapore and Malaysia for large-scale meetings and company retreats with over 100,000 square feet of banquet space.
With its opening, Grand Chola became the world's largest LEED Platinum-rated Green hotel. We find it somewhat ironic that green hotels keep getting bigger and bigger, but we have to at least tip our cap toward the effort.
The relatively low initial price point of $170 a night makes this hotel worth checking out sooner than later.
[Photo: ITC Hotels]
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