Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Top 5 Star Hotels in Chennai: My review...
Top 5 Star Hotels in Chennai: Chennai, India, isn’t shy about its 5-star hotels. In fact, the city seems to have built half its skyline out of marble reception desks and infinity swimming pools just for international business folks, dramatic weddings, and the odd fat beardy food blogger – no idea who that is. Forget stained sheets and DIY breakfast buffets—these luxury spots have every pampered whim covered.
To separate the shea-buttered wheat from the moisturised chaff, I’ve gone right to the source: Google ratings and review counts, not paid press releases or my mate’s wife’s WhatsApp recommendations. Here’s my unbiased take on Chennai, India’s top 5-star hotels, backed up by raw numbers and absolutely zero allegiance to anyone except the two I visited recently: and boy was that a WOW experience.
Top 5 Star Hotels in Chennai: Table of Contents
Top 5 Star Hotels in Chennai: How the Ranking Works
Google has spoken, folks—plenty of stars, thousands of reviews, and a fair spread of locations. This final list gives pride of place to hotels with a minimum 4.5 Google stars, over 2,500 reviews, and actual recent guest comments that don’t sound like they were written by a robot that’s swallowed a Thesaurus or GenAI crap with an array and/or hidden gem or two.
This isn’t about the oldest building (I know how that feels) or the newest cocktail, it’s about service, satisfaction, and exactly how many people felt compelled to sing abou their experiences in this cool city in India.
ITC Grand Chola, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Chennai
Photo courtesy of ITC Grand Chola Website
You drive up to this place, jump out of your Uber, then walk in and all you get is breath-taking oppoluence. Even the scent in the hotel sends your mind racing to days gone by with a subtle India spice in the air, and wonder of who has graced these rooms.
It really is breath-taking, and just so very very big. Immense in fact. Enough marble here to repair all the broken statues in Rome, it is literally dripping in the stuff. And it is grandure and oozes history, I literally felt the need to go an buy a pith helmet and white linen suit. SIX restaurants here, folks, yes I was also in foodie heaven.
ITC stands for Indian Tobacco Company. Yes, back in the day someone had a few million or billion lying around and thought to construct this super-impressive palacial building, now hotel.
- Google Rating:7 (8,197 reviews)
- Address:63, Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032
- Phone:+91 44 2220 0000
- Booking:ITC Grand Chola
- Verdict:The sultan of South India’s stays. Grand marble lobby, palatial rooms, four swimming pools so you can splash about at different temperatures, and restaurants ranging from Rajendra (royal North Indian) to Pan Asian (sushi in South India…why not?). No shortage of truffle fries or dosas.
- Everything screams “big fat Indian wedding,” including the actual weddings, which happen almost daily. The room service is fast and polite, and, crucially, there’s always someone cleaning something. Google reviewers love the location, breakfast spread, and the gym that looks like it might train future Olympians.
ITC Grand Chola Voice of the Hotel:
“With its awe-inspiring size and grandeur, ITC Grand Chola is a veritable destination unto itself. Located in the heart of Chennai the hotel is a palatial tribute to Southern India’s greatest empires – the Imperial Cholas. There are four separate entry points, each with its distinct artistic identity.
The hotel welcomes guests in 522 rooms and 78 serviced apartments, each of which is a triumph of design aesthetics. The ten food and beverage outlets bring regional, national and global cuisines to the cognoscenti. It offers one of the largest conference, banqueting and exhibition spaces in the country.”
Peshawri Restaurant Review: ITC Grand Chola, Chennai
The Leela Palace Chennai
Image courtesy of Leela Palace Chennai Web Site
Again, this is a must-visit if you’re in Chennai…
- Google Rating:7 (5,708 reviews)
- Address:Adyar Seaface, MRC Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028
- Phone:+91 44 3366 1234
- Booking:Leela Palace Chennai
- Overview: If you were any closer to the Bay of Bengal, you’d be swimming with room service. The Leela Palace is famous for its serious luxury—sea views, private balconies, and room sizes rivalling your average HDB flat. The restaurants (Spectra, China XO) are national institutions; the spa is an oasis for stressed-out uncles and aunties escaping three-generational family reunions in the lobby. Google users rave about the breakfast, hospitality, and that unique sensation of walking through corridors that smell cleaner than a pharmacy shelf.
Leela Palace Chennai Voice of the Hotel
“Inspired by the grandeur of Chettinad palaces, The Leela Palace Chennai is a majestic seafront sanctuary where timeless elegance meets modern indulgence. Set on 4.8 acres overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this 5-star retreat blends classical architecture with contemporary luxury.
Marble-lined corridors, chandelier-lit ceilings, curated art, and lush gardens create a setting of regal serenity. Savour global cuisine at our acclaimed restaurants, witness the soul-stirring theepantham lamp ritual at dusk, and be swept away by live Carnatic melodies.
In your opulent suite, discover not just comfort – but a profound connection to the cultural soul of India and Chennai.”
Taj Coromandel Chennai
- Google Rating:6 (4,779 reviews)
- Address:37, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034
- Phone:+91 44 6600 2827
- Booking:Taj Coromandel
- Summary:Old-school elegance for people who think “Instagrammable” involves mahogany furniture, silk upholstery, and chaps in ties who know how to pour tea two ways. The afternoon tea is legendary, the rooms are generously appointed, and there’s a pool for every possible swimming mood. The South Indian breakfast options get the most praise, as do the staff who seem to remember guests’ names for years. Google feedback: Noisy wedding guests possible, but silence can be purchased in the excellent spa.
Taj Coromandel Chennai Voice of the Hotel
“One of the first luxury hotels in the city, Taj Coromandel, Chennai is named after the Coromandel tree, called ‘Kalpavriksh’ in Tamil, believed to grant the wishes of those under its shade. Having played host to royalty, artists and global leaders from across the world, our centrally located 5-star hotel in Chennai offers the best in hospitality to both business and leisure travellers. South Indian designs and European elegance welcomes you to the lobby with textured wood, polished marble, glittering chandeliers, bronze artefacts and stunning Tanjore paintings, adding to the visual drama.
Our elegantly appointed rooms and suites draw inspiration from the region whilst ensuring only the best of amenities for your utmost comfort. When you stay with us, make sure you bring your appetite. From regional offerings at Southern Spice and the all-day dining convenience of Anise to charming afternoons at the Tea Lounge, delicious Cantonese food at Golden Dragon and signature cocktails at Chipstead, there is something for every palate at our restaurants in Taj Coromandel, Chennai. To unwind, our celebrated J Wellness Circle signature spa offers a host of rejuvenating treatments, while our swimming pool, one of the largest in Chennai sits beside the fitness centre.
Our sophisticated event venues will take care of all your needs and if you choose to step out, our concierge will assist you with the best recommendations. It is easy to see why august luminaries choose the Taj Coromandel. Sophisticated and luxurious, our renowned service ensures your every need is met with a smile and a commitment to please.”
Park Hyatt Chennai
- Google Rating:7 (3,000 reviews)
- Address:39, Velachery Rd, Near Raj Bhavan, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032
- Phone:+91 44 7177 1234
- Booking:Park Hyatt Chennai
- Verdict:The posh choice for people who swoon at contemporary minimalist design but expect old-fashioned service. The rooftop pool is a real highlight (don’t cannonball unless you want to look like a complete d!ck in this gorgeous place); breakfasts run all the way from nutri-rich muesli to deep-fried idli. The famed Flying Elephant restaurant comes up often in Google comments as “the place to close a deal, or a marriage proposal.” WiFi never collapses, and the in-room automatic blinds can entertain both toddlers and professional adults for hours.
Park Hyatt Chennai Voice of the Hotel
“At Park Hyatt Chennai, luxury is expressed through quiet gestures and thoughtful details — an intimate five-star hotel in Chennai artfully woven with modern design and Tamil nuance. Designed by renowned hotel architect George Wong as a ‘house of weavers’, our sanctuary is nestled beside Guindy National Park, just 15 minutes from Chennai International Airport, offering a rare harmony between nature and the urban landscape.
Start your day in the serenity of the lily-pond courtyard, a tranquil haven amidst the energy of Chennai’s business district and nearby technology parks. Unwind at Antahpura Spa, where time-honored wellness rituals restore balance. As evening sets in, enjoy an immersive dining experience at iconic The Flying Elephant, a multi-level culinary destination, or take in panoramic views from our rooftop infinity pool. Here, every stay is an intimate story of warmth, belonging, and discovery.”
The Residency Towers Chennai
- Google Rating:6 (3,915 reviews)
- Address:115, Sir Thyagaraya Rd, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
- Phone:+91 44 2815 6363
- Booking:Residency Towers
- Summary:The only thing flashier than the rooms is the lobby. Residency Towers is smack in the heart of T Nagar, so you’re either shopping till your feet beg for mercy or eating till your shirt buttons pop. Rooms are modern, noise-dampened, and blissfully clean. Rooftop restaurants with city views and live music most weekends. Service gets applause and the staff will sort out late-night dosa cravings or a new pillow with equal efficiency. Google’s global crowd loves the location, the shower pressure, and the breakfast buffet that seems to never run out of mangoes.
The Residency Towers Chennai Voice of the Hotel
Top 5 Star Hotels in Chennai: Fair Reasoning & Outcome
ITC Grand Chola edges out most thanks to a mountain of reviews paired with a high score—it’s almost impossible to be this popular for this long without the odd complaint; yet, the comments sound like everyone’s living their best “Chennai Palace” life. The Leela Palace wins for unique seaside charm, making it a favourite for international travellers or anyone who judges quality by the thread count in their bedsheets. Taj Coromandel is the grand classic, with Park Hyatt offering chic business vibes for those who need to work and play, while Residency Towers is the top pick for shoppers who want luxury but also convenient rice and rasam at 2am.
Top 5 Star Hotels in Chennai: Booking Links & Contact Details Cheat Sheet
- ITC Grand Chola:Book Now | +91 44 2220 0000 | Guindy, Chennai
- Leela Palace Chennai:Book Now | +91 44 3366 1234 | MRC Nagar, Chennai
- Taj Coromandel:Book Now | +91 44 6600 2827 | Nungambakkam, Chennai
- Park Hyatt Chennai:Book Now | +91 44 7177 1234 | Guindy, Chennai
- Residency Towers:Book Now | +91 44 2815 6363 | T. Nagar, Chennai
Top 5 Star Hotels in Chennai: Why they landed where they did (reasoning you can audit)
- ITC Grand Chola – Highest rating in the city (4.7) and a huge sample size (~41.9K). Even after damping for volume, it’s the clear #1. Think “statistically bulletproof.” (Google)
- Taj Coromandel – Ties The Leela on stars (4.6) but edges it on review count (15.5K vs 14.3K), which nudges the score up. (Google, Adani One)
- The Leela Palace Chennai – Same 4.6, slightly fewer reviews than Taj Coromandel, so it’s #3 by a whisker. (You’ll forgive the palace for being only third in a photo finish.) (Adani One)
- Radisson Blu City Centre – A touch lower on stars (4.5) but the 18.1K reviews give it the tie-breaker over other 4.5s. (Google)
- Park Hyatt Chennai – Same 4.5 as Radisson; fewer reviews (~9.1K), so it slots just behind. Still elite—this is where Globalists quietly grin. (Google)
Close contenders worth noting: just behind the Top 5 Star Hotels in Chennai
- Taj Connemara – 4.5 with ~6.5K reviews; just behind Park Hyatt on volume. If you prefer heritage charm, this might beat the algorithm in your heart. (Google)
- Hilton Chennai – Big volume (~16.5K) but the rating sits at 4, which keeps it outside the top five under a rating-first methodology (it’s officially 5-star by India’s tourism ministry). (Google, Hilton)
- Trident Chennai – Officially 5-star, but Google review aggregates I found show a lower citywide Google score snapshot (4.3/5 from ~5.1K on one source), so it doesn’t crack this cut. (Trident Hotels, Adani One)
Top 10 things to do in Chennai: A not-so-serious guide
- Marina Beach: Sun, sand, and a whole lot of sunset watchers make Marina Beach the beating heart of Chennai. It’s the longest urban beach in India, and yes, the sea can be a bit cheeky with its waves, so swimming isn’t usually recommended unless you fancy a dip with the currents. Instead, take in a pony ride, nibble on spicy sundal (chickpeas with a kick), and watch the locals defy traffic rules in a very chill, beachside way. Bonus points if you get there just in time for the sunset — it’s the kind of sky that makes even the grumpiest city folks smile.
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple: A shimmering cobalt and coral surprise in Mylapore, this temple is a riot of colours, carvings, and chants. Dating back centuries, it’s the sort of place where you can soak in some serious architecture and maybe figure out what all that incense is about. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a festival procession, complete with music and a crowd that makes you feel like you’ve crashed the world’s friendliest block party — just with a lot more holiness.
- Fort St. George: Walking into Fort St. George is like stepping into a 17th-century time machine operated by the British East India Company. This big old fortress has a decent museum with everything from old uniforms to rare paintings that shout “history happened here.” There’s also a church inside that’s so old it probably has dust bunnies older than most countries. A good spot to add some ‘culture’ points to your Chennai visit.
- San Thome Basilica: Think gothic spires with a dash of poignant history — this church is said to be built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of Jesus’s apostles. It’s a peaceful slice of calm near the coastline, with stained glass windows that flicker spectacularly in the afternoon sun. Perfect if you want a break from the city buzz and a chance to reflect before tackling Chennai’s next adventure.
- Government Museum: If museums were churches, Chennai’s Government Museum would be the cathedral. One of India’s largest, it’s packed with artifacts ranging from ancient sculptures to Roman coins—yes, Roman. The highlight? The quirky Dinosaur Gallery for grown-ups who like their fossils with a side of awe. Art lovers and history buffs will find more than enough to keep their inner nerds happy.
- Guindy National Park: A jungle getaway without leaving Chennai! Yes, this modest but green national park is home to deer, snakes, peacocks, and the sort of birds that never show up on your bird-watching app. The kids’ area includes a tiny zoo and a snake park (for the thrill seekers), making it a solid family-friendly escape. Bonus: it’s the perfect place to pretend you’re off on a safari but still have your yoga mat in the car.
- Cholamandal Artists’ Village: This place is like a breath of fresh, artsy air. A community of artists living and working together, it’ll take you through galleries full of vibrant paintings, quirky sculptures, and modern installations that might make you say “I could do that” — but probably can’t. Great spot for those who like their sightseeing with a side of culture shock.
- VGP Universal Kingdom: If you’re travelling with kids (or big kids), this amusement park will get the blood pumping with its roller coasters, water rides, and spooky haunted houses. It’s like Chennai’s answer to a sugar rush: unpredictable, thrilling, and best enjoyed with a face full of cotton candy. Definitely not for the faint-hearted or the faint-stomached.
- Express Avenue Mall: For those who think shopping is a sport, Express Avenue provides a stadium. With international brands, movie theatres, and food courts galore, it’s an ideal pit stop to recharge after a day of sightseeing, or just a destination for serious retail therapy. Warning: you might leave with bags bigger than your suitcase.
- Tholkappia Poonga: An ecological park smack in the middle of the city that manages to look surprisingly wild and unmanicured. Wander through green trails, wetlands, and names that are impossible to pronounce but lovely to say out loud. It’s the kind of place that’ll make you forget you’re actually in Chennai — at least for a little while.
Chennai’s got a foot in history, a toe in art, and a big ol’ heart for beachside vibes. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, sacred spaces, or adrenaline, the city serves up stuff worth getting out of your air-conditioned hotel room for. Just remember your sunscreen and icy-cold Kingfisher — you’ll need both.
Final Thoughts of my Top 5 Star Hotels in Chennai
The lesson? Chennai’s top 5 star hotels know what guests want, whether it’s Ayurvedic massages at 7am, WiFi fast enough to stream a Tamil soap opera, or just someone who smiles when you ask for extra towels. Each one excels in something—ITC Grand Chola for its palatial everything, Leela Palace for feeling like you’re part of international royalty, Taj Coromandel if you crave old-money vibes, Park Hyatt for the chic and the connected, and Residency Towers for practical luxury in the beating heart of T Nagar.
So book your stay, put on your best white linen suit, pith helmet, and prepare for a life of soft pillows, high thread counts, and breakfasts featuring more types of milk than you ever knew existed. Chennai’s finest have you covered—it’s truly stuff of legend here on the hotel front.
A few quick footnotes for Top 5 Star Hotels in Chennai (so Islifearecipe.net is fully transparent)
- Data source: Google Hotels/Travel snapshots (and one reputable aggregator for Leela/Trident where Google’s UI didn’t show the number directly). All figures cited above are from the linked sources as of 10 Sep 2025. Google’s review counts shift daily with new reviews; the rankings could move slightly over time. (Google, Adani One)
- Fairness method: Using Score = Rating + 0.1 × log10(Reviews) keeps stars in charge while rewarding strong sample sizes. If you’d prefer a stricter statistician’s take, I can rerun it with a Bayesian/Wilson approach—but the top three will almost certainly remain ITC Grand Chola, Taj Coromandel, The Leela Palace given today’s numbers.
- I can vouch personally for ITC Grand Chola, and The Leela Palace as I visited these in my last trip to Chennai. I stayed at ITC Grand Chola, dining at three of its restaurants, and had a Sunday brunch at Leela Palace. Yes, they remain firmly in my Top 5 Star Hotels in Chennai.