Premium resort jewel in ECR crown

Chennai: The city gets Sheraton’s first ever resort in India. The Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa is a jewel in the crown of the coastal city as the hotel on 10 acres is on scenic ECR with panoramic views of the Bay. The sense of space along with extensive landscaping and creation of manicured lawns and lush gardens lend the Marriott International's resort a special feel. 

“ECR needed one more resort,” says General Manager Shibil Malik. With 125 rooms, it is the largest resort before Mahabalipuram on the ECR and it aims to be “destination in a destination,” explains Malik as he elaborates on the holiday experience the Marriott Group hotel under the Sheraton brand hops to curate for guests even as they check in, besides fine dining experiences.  

“It’s an international resort with a local heart,” he says about the contemporary chic design of the hotel that is enhanced by the stress on the sea in the decor as well as typical Chettinad artefacts to reflect the culture of the region. “In fact, the accent is on four S - Sun, sand, sea and South India,” he adds even as the resort's infinity pool and its restaurants are finding users among early arrivals after a soft opening. 

Viewing the inmates feed in the Crocodile Park right next door is also proving popular. The city can now boast of crocodile viewing hotel rooms.

Addressing the press at a formal launch, builder Amarnath Reddy who owns the resort, said that he always wanted to build a luxury segment resort and that the Marriott were the most qualified to run it. He expressed the hope that the resort would break even soon enough in its running as the signs were already encouraging in the Chennai hospitality segment that has been looking up. Also, the hotel has some 16 weddings already booked for dates in the immediate future, indicating a breakthrough in an important city segment.

This is the 105th hotel in the Marriott chain in India and Chennai apparently is the leading destination for more hotels and resorts as tourism has been doing exceptionally well, untroubled as it has been by any development in politics or otherwise.