Pics taken from Mount road.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_TxjdUKbWBqY/S7er-CZqMYI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/rEb-MZHaYTQ/Photo-0217.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_TxjdUKbWBqY/S7er-cdR-sI/AAAAAAAAAJU/mEr6_H6s-Is/s512/Photo-0218.jpg

That's a huge building in the heart of the city occupying more floor space.....
It was abandoned for years and now its getting life !!


About Global Hyatt Corporation
Global Hyatt Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the world’s premier hotel companies. The hotels owned, operated, managed or franchised by its subsidiaries provide authentic hospitality to guests in 45 countries through a passionate commitment to personalized service, cultural relevance, and the environment. Global Hyatt subsidiaries own, operate, manage or franchise more than 365 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Resorts™, Grand Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt Summerfield Suites® and Andaz™ brands with additional properties under development on five continents. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc., operator of Hyatt Vacation Club®.

From the archives - http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/02/17/stories/2009021751391700.htm

H factor the pictures are awesome mate
pls post more

Friends, any update on ITC Chola? Looks like even 2010 will not be a good year for adding new hotels in Chennai because the construction is very slow in most places. :ohno::ohno:

Friends, any update on ITC Chola? Looks like even 2010 will not be a good year for adding new hotels in Chennai because the construction is very slow in most places. :ohno::ohno:

Hilton will open for sure this year. it is 99.98% done.....

^^ Mr.CM, may I know how you arrived at that auto-generated number with a 2-digit precision? :lol:

^^ Mr.CM, may I know how you arrived at that auto-generated number with a 2-digit precision? :lol:

0.02% is the remaining act of ribbon cutting by the C.M.

JW Marriott eyeing 40 hotels in India by 2013

..........

"We will be opening five JW Marriott hotels in Chennai, Bangalore, Pune (two) and Chandigarh by this year-end," Menon said.

...........

The hotel in Chandigarh will have 175 rooms with a variety of restaurants, bars, lounges and other facilities. Besides, the Chennai hotel will have 371 rooms, Semmler said.

Source (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/jw-marriott-eyeing-40-hotels-in-india-by-2013/90611/on)

^^ Mr.CM, may I know how you arrived at that auto-generated number with a 2-digit precision? :lol:

lol..... please dont call me CM..... i feel like i am the Chief Minister....:p :p :p

i just arrived at a random number to assert the fact that it will open this year definitely.... there are 8 more months to go. the interior works have been going on for quite some time now. everything should be in the final stages....

hi would like to share my information on the hotels opening by this year end and would like the forum members to provide updates on them.
.starwood-aloft hotel
.hyatt regency
.the leela palace
.hilton guindy
.jw marriott
and please add more if you know that they are coming by this year end

Construction update after a long time!!

The Leela Palace, Chennai (in MRC Nagar) - T/O from what I can see..

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9950/dsc00065m.jpg

JW Marriott, Chennai (in MRC Nagar) - T/O..

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/978/dsc00066ru.jpg

^^ Wow, nice updates FF. They have come up well but would have been more taller.

Grand Chola is also coming up fast.

I saw dome i.e gopuram styled work started, let me try to get pictures by this week.:)

^^

MK could have consulted these architects for the TN LA. :)

^^

Thank god it didnt happen the other way.. :lol:

^^

MK could have consulted these architects for the TN LA. :)

I actually like TNLA better than the Grand Chola.. :)

Construction update after a long time!!

JW Marriott, Chennai (in MRC Nagar) - T/O..

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/978/dsc00066ru.jpg

The Leela Palace and JW Marriott seems to be coming up on neighboring compounds..... am i right????

Wow! MRC is turning into one of the best localities within city limits. With an IT park, two large hotels, and new luxury high-rise flats, it would be nice to see some commercial development (e.g. mall, cinema, departments stores, etc) come up in the region.

The Leela Palace and JW Marriott seems to be coming up on neighboring compounds..... am i right????

Yes they are coming up on neighbouring plots..

:)

Grand Chola is also coming up fast.

I saw dome i.e gopuram styled work started, let me try to get pictures by this week.:)

Yeah....at least 3 gopurams have come up....

This is what Grand Chola's interiors are going to look like....May be a little too early to post them here....Nevertheless, here they are:

http://picasaweb.google.co.in/vijay.bits/GC#5466262878236394978

http://beta.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00118/25_MP_HOTEL_118395f.jpg
Chennai's changing skyline.

The best names in the hospitality industry are setting up shop in the city

Well-travelled and loaded, the urban Indian has gone beyond pining for the stars, and as in everything else, wants a little more snoot than what is available. That extra star or the word ‘deluxe' appended to an already elitist spec sheet now forms the basis of what a number of hospitality groups promises to bring into Chennai.

The roads that were deserted by 8 p.m. till the early 1990s, are being pepped up with glitzy multi-storey buildings, including a list of high-end hotels. Pink champagne, fine wine, lavish spreads and extravagant rooms will paint the face of the new Chennai.

According to Virender Razdan, general manager, Sheraton Park Hotel and Towers, around 3,000 rooms will get pumped into the city between 2010 and 2014. “There is sustenance of money in Tamil Nadu. We are quite bullish about the Chennai market,” he says.

Great views

That explains the new 600-room ITC Grand Dakshin that's coming up in Guindy. Overlooking the Guindy golf and race course and sprawled over eight acres, this is one of the largest hotels the country will see. Funded by a budget of approximately a thousand crore, what sets it apart from its competitors is its 50,000-sq. ft. banqueting, a helipad and a Presidential floor. “The Grand Dakshin will reflect the culture of Dakshin, and primarily Tamil Nadu,” adds Razdan.

Guess who else is coming to town? The Hilton. Not Paris, the heiress, but the hotel. For those desperately seeking a new place to unwind, The Hilton Chennai is your best bet. Empee Hotels Ltd. has tied up with Hilton International, and the result is a five-star deluxe hotel.

This nine-storey hotel in Guindy will be launched by June-end. Stephen Magor, general manager, The Hilton Chennai, says: “We definitely want to make an impact here. We have new concepts in food and beverage that will be new and interesting.” He is tight-lipped about his nouveau ideas, but divulges info about the ‘Chill Lounge' on the roof top. DJ, music, cabana, water body and cocktails to lift the spirit… seems like the perfect setting for a romantic evening.

The big players

Other big players such as J.W. Marriot, Hyatt and Leela, too, will be here to cradle you in the lap of luxury. Yet another five-star deluxe is The Hyatt Regency Chennai. “It is a landmark property as it symbolises our foray into South India, and aims to be an important link in the Hyatt Hotels and Resorts' global network,” says Sunjae Sharma, general manager.

The only way to enjoy Chennai's lovely coastline may have been a walk on the warm sands, a catamaran ride into the bumpy sea or from within the vehicle at the car park.

Now, you can view the golden sands and the azure sea from the comforts of your room. Leela and J.W. Marriott are both coming up with beach-front hotels. While the Leela Palace Kempinski is gracefully hoisting herself up at Santhome, the latter will be ready by March 2011 at MRC Nagar.

The once conservative capital of Tamil Nadu seems to have shed its crisp starched veshti for a cooler investor-friendly get-up. “Our market is expanding in manufacturing and other sunrise segments. That's why there is modernisation taking place, and the airport and infrastructure are being worked on. And, hotels are a part of the city's infrastructure,” explains Vikram Cotah, vice president, Radisson GRT, City Centre. The Radisson GRT City Centre is yet another upcoming property in Egmore. A five star, it will be ready by the year-end.

With the hospitality sector booming, city-based Ceebros didn't want to be left behind, and is rapidly constructing yet another Raintree that should be ready by the third quarter of this year.

Not just high-end hotels, Cotah says that the city will also have a few other three- and four- star hotels. Apart from that, Chennai like a caring parent has something for everyone who comes here, right from backpackers and wide-eyed tourists to business people. The occupancy rate in Chennai is 65 to 70 per cent.

A confident Razdan says this is expected to grow further with the flourishing economics of the State.

With Chennai luring top business houses, it's certainly the beginning of good times!

What, where, when?

Hyatt Regency Chennai, near Anna Arivalayam — Ready by the fourth quarter this year

Leela Palace Kempinski, Santhome — By the end of this year

The Raintree Hotel, Mount Road (next to Nandanam signal) —September 2010

ITC Grand Dakshin, Guindy — First quarter of next year

JW Marriott, MRC Nagar — March 2011

The Hilton Chennai, Guindy — End of June 2010

Radisson GRT City Centre, Egmore — Third quarter of this year

http://beta.thehindu.com/life-and-style/leisure/article436969.ece?homepage=true

What, where, when?

Hyatt Regency Chennai, near Anna Arivalayam — Ready by the fourth quarter this year

Leela Palace Kempinski, Santhome — By the end of this year

The Raintree Hotel, Mount Road (next to Nandanam signal) —September 2010

ITC Grand Dakshin, Guindy — First quarter of next year

JW Marriott, MRC Nagar — March 2011

The Hilton Chennai, Guindy — End of June 2010

Radisson GRT City Centre, Egmore — Third quarter of this year

is it not Grand Chola?

http://beta.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00118/25_MP_HOTEL_118395f.jpg
Chennai's changing skyline.

wow!! what a change!

Kudos to the photographer and the reporter for choosing this pic.

Grand Chola - Taken last week in cloudy Laila over the city

With Guindy turning to Star Hotel destination in the city, there is no shopping mall and multiplex coming up there.

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/3365/dsc06708.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9012/dsc06706n.jpg

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/3396/dsc06704j.jpg

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/3412/dsc06694r.jpg

wow!! what a change!

Kudos to the photographer and the reporter for choosing this pic.

hahha
Exactly something I wanted to comment on, they could have chosen MRC nagar or OMR skyline :)

^^ Apparently Grand Chola is now renamed to Grand Dakshin.

hahha
Exactly something I wanted to comment on, they could have chosen MRC nagar or OMR skyline :)

The land is owned by ITC and it is the first 5 star hotel in Annasalai from Airport. With the opening of Kathipara grade seperator Le Royal is not accesiable from Airport side. So they might have gone for this place. Further there is good elite crowd in the Golf course area and near by velachery. It is also near OMR when you are enroute OMR from Airport

Grand Chola - Taken last week in cloudy Laila over the city

With Guindy turning to Star Hotel destination in the city, there is no shopping mall and multiplex coming up there.



http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/3412/dsc06694r.jpg

Wow what an innovative design.

The Architect must be awarded for such a beautiful and innovative design.

What an out of the box thinking.

This five star hotel is a statement to the rest of the world "India is not behind"

3 cheers to the Architect.

Wow what an innovative design.

The Architect must be awarded for such a beautiful and innovative design.

What an out of the box thinking.

This five star hotel is a statement to the rest of the world "India is not behind"

3 cheers to the Architect.


Don't look in the middle of the box... look all around, especially the bottom right side :)

Is there any NOVOTEL hotel coming up in chennai?

Not that I am aware of.

btw, when is Hilton opening and any idea under what banner is ACL's upcoming 5 star hotel in Sardar Patel road ?

Wow what an innovative design.

The Architect must be awarded for such a beautiful and innovative design.

What an out of the box thinking.

This five star hotel is a statement to the rest of the world "India is not behind"

3 cheers to the Architect.

Did u really think tat building was ITC?

SOURCE: THE HINDU (http://beta.thehindu.com/business/companies/article453166.ece)

Radisson Hotel GRT, Chennai, has been listed one among the top ranked hotels by Expedia Insiders' Select 2010.

The Expedia Insiders Select is an annual award that selects top ranked hotels across a section of more than 1.23 lakh properties, covering 1,022 cities around the world. The selection was based on the exceptional guest experiences and notable value. From a winning list of 2,525 hotels worldwide, 60 hotels have been selected in India and Radisson GRT was one among them.

Expedia Inc is a Nasdaq listed company and through its operating company expedia.com, it is offering online services.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, Radisson Hotel GRT Vice-President Vikram Cotah said this recognition would have positive impact on international travel agents and business travellers visiting India and Chennai in particular.

He said the expansion plans at Radisson Chennai were well under way for adding 70 rooms, 150 persons restaurant and an urban day spa.

The hotel has 101 rooms, including seven luxurious and comfortable suites. Besides, renovation of 70 units was taking place at Radisson Temple Bay Resort at Mamallapuram, he said.

***************************************************

A great feather on Chennai's cap :cheers:

GO CHENNAI - We want more hotels from CHENNAI to get on such lists.

Fishermans Cove, Chennai has been rated as the best hotel in India and the sixth best in Asia in the Expedia Insiders' Select List 2010.

^^ I have been a few years ago. Its a very nice hotel! :cheers::cheers:

You can see the swimming pool of this hotel in one of the songs from the 80s movie "Thendralae ennai thodu". I think the pool scenes in Kamal's "Tik tik tik" were also shot there. :)

The company is to set up the new Vivanta properties at Gurgaon, Dwarka and Shahdara in Delhi, Yeshwantpur (Bangalore), Begumpet (Hyderabad), Bekal (Kerala), Srinagar, Madikeri (Coorg) and Coimbatore. And, Gateway hotels would come up at Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata, Raipur and Jalandhar (in 2011).

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/indian-hotels-to-add-15-vivantagateway-hotels-by-2011/390038/

Just as an update, the Gateway Hotel is coming up on OMR, right in front of Accenture's office in Sholinganallur..

The structure is complete - I think interior works must be going on now..

:)

friends any photo update of hilton guindy chennai??????

Fishermans Cove, Chennai has been rated as the best hotel in India and the sixth best in Asia in the Expedia Insiders' Select List 2010.

This is really a pleasant news. As a former Fishçove employee(2000-01) i feel really proud'. A very different hotel to work for compared most to hotels in Chennai. Half of the employees come from Kovalam and surrounding fishing villages. Very nice people and for them Fish cove is like there own company and part of there lifestyle. So invariably we feel like walking into a family unlike the curt and business like relationships we have in city hotels (have worked in many of those too) I feel this recognition is special because it was achieved by people who are from humble backgrounds with very little formal education. Hats off Guys!!!!:banana::cheers:

This is really a pleasant news. As a former Fishçove employee(2000-01) i feel really proud'. A very different hotel to work for compared most to hotels in Chennai. Half of the employees come from Kovalam and surrounding fishing villages. Very nice people and for them Fish cove is like there own company and part of there lifestyle. So invariably we feel like walking into a family unlike the curt and business like relationships we have in city hotels (have worked in many of those too) I feel this recognition is special because it was achieved by people who are from humble backgrounds with very little formal education. Hats off Guys!!!!:banana::cheers:

I think Tata makes their mark in hospitality sector by such unique approaches. Even the Tata's helping hands and gesture to the affected employees during mumbai attack was appreciated a lot.

^^ I have been a few years ago. Its a very nice hotel! :cheers::cheers:

You can see the swimming pool of this hotel in one of the songs from the 80s movie "Thendralae ennai thodu". I think the pool scenes in Kamal's "Tik tik tik" were also shot there. :)

Yes Tik, Tik, Tik, punnagai mannan and many others were shot in Fisherman's cove, then the hotel underwent major renovation in 1999-2000 and the old pool was renovated in to a newer curvier pool.

Please add The Park Chennai. It has 2 hotels, one the luxury 5 star The Park-Chennai and The Pod Chennai. The Pod Chennai is a boutique hotel and one of its kind.
The Pod-Chennai:http://www.theparkhotels.com/park/chennaipod/hotels/index.html

Please add The Park Chennai. It has 2 hotels, one the luxury 5 star The Park-Chennai and The Pod Chennai. The Pod Chennai is a boutique hotel and one of its kind.
The Pod-Chennai:http://www.theparkhotels.com/park/chennaipod/hotels/index.html


You are right. I have been to the POD hotel and it is one of a kind. I have never seen another hotel which oozes style. The food menu is limited but great. it will be a hit with the European travelers.Sad that it is very small but i guess that it is why is is called the POD :cheers:

Is Hilton Guindy operational? I see still works going on.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article492315.ece

New addition in OMR


Aloft - Starwoods hotel near Shols singnal

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/7467/dsc06902k.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/i/dsc06902k.jpg/)

The Aloft chain of business class hotel brand of the US-based Starwood Hotels & Resorts has entered India with its first property in Chennai.

The Aloft chain comes to India through Auromatrix Hotels Pvt Ltd, a hotel developer which has floated Urbanedge Hotels in partnership with CPI India One Ltd, a Mauritius fund. Auromatrix plans to set up 10 Aloft hotels in India.

Mr Kumar Sitaraman, Managing Director, Urbanedge, said the company has finalised plans for five Aloft hotels to come up at with average investment of about Rs 100 crore each in Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.

These would be full service, business class hotels in the four-star category catering to the young, urban population. The Aloft in Bangalore is to open soon and the rest would be in operation by the first quarter of 2011.

Auromatrix is a designer and developer of franchise hotels in India which decided to get into hotel operation for itself through Urbanedge, he said.

Mr Suresh Badlaney, Vice-President (Operations), Aloft, said a total of 10 Aloft hotels are planned in India through Auromatrix. The location of the other five hotels is yet to be decided. There are more than 50 Aloft hotel properties globally.

Focus on young clientele

The Aloft brand has mostly been established in areas where the information technology industry is concentrated. In line with its focus on the young clientele, the ambience and design in an Aloft hotel could be described as “sassy, savvy and hip, urban space,” he said.

The 6,100 sq.m Aloft hotel in Chennai at Sholinganallur on the IT corridor has 129 rooms and four suites.

Facilities

It is Wi-Fi enabled and offers a wide range of facilities including a multi cuisine restaurant, a grab-and-go food counter, fine-dining restaurant, business centre, meeting room, spa, gym and banquet hall.

Starwood Hotels is a multinational, fully integrated operator in the hospitality sector with over a 1,000 properties in 100 countries under various brands such as St Regis, Westin, Sheraton, Le Meridien and W. Aloft comes under the upmarket W brand.

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/07/08/stories/2010070851600200.htm

The surroundings of the hotel looks like a fish market.

^^ LOL! The Entire IT corridor looks like a fish market with modern building and no proper road. :ohno:

:banana::cheers:

http://i28.tinypic.com/o7vb80.jpg


Hilton Hotel in IRR ... I didn't like its look .. not even a little :bash:

http://i30.tinypic.com/2agnl94.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/o7vb80.jpg


:bash:

The Architect must be awarded for such a beautiful and innovative design.

What an out of the box thinking.

This five star hotel is a statement to the rest of the world "India is not behind"

3 cheers to the Architect.

architect bodhai la irundhu dhan matchbox madri design panirukaru.. Idhule innum 3 cheers ah... :d

^^ I wonder, why they had to use tiles to get that cement look! They could have left the cement exposed :D

http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/MAAHIHI-Hilton-Chennai-Guindy/photoGallery.do


This is how this was supposed to look!!!!.

deleted

deleted

^^ do not speculate. I guess painting works arent over. It does look like the photo on the website.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/Ceebros-to-expand-realty-hospitality-biz/articleshow/6224299.cms

Chennai-based Ceebros group, which is into property development since 1970, plans to expand its interest in realty as well as hospitality. Close on the heels of launching its second Raintree luxury business class hotel at Nandanam on Anna Salai in Chennai, the group plans to build another property close to Airport.

Group MD, C Subba Reddy told media persons on Tuesday, it has invested Rs 200 crore on the 230 room Raintree hotel- Anna Salai including the cost of land ( 20 grounds). It is expected to achieve break even in five years. A commercial complex with 70,000 sq ft has also been built on 11 grounds at a cost of Rs 12 crore near the hotel and it will be launched soon.

He said the Raintree hotel near Chennai airport with 200 rooms will cost Rs 200 crore. It has obtained clearance from the local authorities and is awaiting approval from the director general of Defence, Delhi. Reddy said the cash rich group has been funding each project with 80 % own funds coming out of internal accruals and 20% as loan from Karnataka Bank.

Stating Ceebros has promoted 170 projects in the last 27 years, he said it has 4.5 lakh sq ft property development in the pipeline. It expects to complete in one year the 350 apartment project on 3.5 acres near Tidel park on the IT corridor.

At Oragadam near Chennai where it has 60 acres, it is proposed to promote a township with villas and low rise apartments. It also plans to build business apartments on 40 acres on the national highway in Chingleput district.

The group, employing over 2900 persons, expects property development to fetch a revenue of Rs 350 crore this year against Rs 250 crore in 2009-10. The five year old first Raintree hotel on St. Mary’s road in the city has 105 rooms has 70% occupancy. It reported a turnover of Rs 35 crore last year. Work will start soon for refurbishing the property.

He said compared to Bangalore and Hyderabad, the hotel industry is doing well in Chennai. Though the published tariff for business class hotels is Rs 7000, the average room rate charged by the hotels is less. In the case of Raintree hotels, it is quite attractive at Rs 5200 to Rs 5500.

General Manager, Manish Dayya said the new property will be positioned as a unique eco sensitivity value proposition business class hotel. Ceebros group has a tradition of eco-sensitivity with all its residential and commercial realty projects earmarking about 30% of the space for eco preservation and greenery.

http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article536970.ece

The net profit of Oriental Hotels has risen to Rs. 1.68 crore in the quarter ended June 30, 2010, from Rs. 59 lakh in the corresponding period last year. Total income was higher at Rs. 48.27 crore against Rs. 36.94 crore.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Raymond Bickson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Indian Hotels Company, said that Oriental Hotels had extensive plans to expand its footprint across Southern India over the next five to six years. The company planned to debut in a Taj property in Coimbatore on the Race Course Road with 180 rooms by 2011. The company also had planned a 200-room Gateway Hotel in Bannerghata, Bangalore. The company would renovate and upgrade its hotels in Chennai — Taj Coromandel and Taj Fisherman's Cove.

At its existing Chennai properties, Oriental Hotels had plans for extensive renovation and upgradation. At The Taj Coromandel, the company would undertake renovation of 113 rooms and would give a new look to Southern Spice. The Taj Fisherman's Cove would get 88 renovated and refurbished cottages. Extensive renovation of rooms and food & beverages facilities had also been undertaken at The Gateway Hotel, Visakhapatnam. In addition, the company recently acquired a 126-room completed property in Thiruvananthapuram, as part of the upscale hotels.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/Ceebros-to-expand-realty-hospitality-biz/articleshow/6224299.cms

Chennai-based Ceebros group, which is into property development since 1970, plans to expand its interest in realty as well as hospitality. Close on the heels of launching its second Raintree luxury business class hotel at Nandanam on Anna Salai in Chennai, the group plans to build another property close to Airport.

Group MD, C Subba Reddy told media persons on Tuesday, it has invested Rs 200 crore on the 230 room Raintree hotel- Anna Salai including the cost of land ( 20 grounds). It is expected to achieve break even in five years. A commercial complex with 70,000 sq ft has also been built on 11 grounds at a cost of Rs 12 crore near the hotel and it will be launched soon.

He said the Raintree hotel near Chennai airport with 200 rooms will cost Rs 200 crore. It has obtained clearance from the local authorities and is awaiting approval from the director general of Defence, Delhi. Reddy said the cash rich group has been funding each project with 80 % own funds coming out of internal accruals and 20% as loan from Karnataka Bank.

Stating Ceebros has promoted 170 projects in the last 27 years, he said it has 4.5 lakh sq ft property development in the pipeline. It expects to complete in one year the 350 apartment project on 3.5 acres near Tidel park on the IT corridor.

At Oragadam near Chennai where it has 60 acres, it is proposed to promote a township with villas and low rise apartments. It also plans to build business apartments on 40 acres on the national highway in Chingleput district.

The group, employing over 2900 persons, expects property development to fetch a revenue of Rs 350 crore this year against Rs 250 crore in 2009-10. The five year old first Raintree hotel on St. Mary’s road in the city has 105 rooms has 70% occupancy. It reported a turnover of Rs 35 crore last year. Work will start soon for refurbishing the property.

He said compared to Bangalore and Hyderabad, the hotel industry is doing well in Chennai. Though the published tariff for business class hotels is Rs 7000, the average room rate charged by the hotels is less. In the case of Raintree hotels, it is quite attractive at Rs 5200 to Rs 5500.

General Manager, Manish Dayya said the new property will be positioned as a unique eco sensitivity value proposition business class hotel. Ceebros group has a tradition of eco-sensitivity with all its residential and commercial realty projects earmarking about 30% of the space for eco preservation and greenery.

Raintree Hotel at Anna Salai is just awesome, especially at nights with all the lights and the roof top lighting..... happened to pass by it yesterday night but realized that yesterday was the inauguration only by reading this article in today's paper.......

^^ Raintree's design seems to be a rip-off of the Courtyard Marriot down the road. They look so similar, that I once thought Raintree had taken over Marriot's plot, only to see Marriot a few metres down the road.

Accor is slated to open three hotels in Chennai from 2011 to 2013.

Novotel Chennai SIPCOT, 180 rooms
Novotel Chennai Old Mahabalipuram Road, 160 rooms
Ibis hotel Chennai Old Mahabalipuram Road, 190 rooms

^^ Raintree's design seems to be a rip-off of the Courtyard Marriot down the road. They look so similar, that I once thought Raintree had taken over Marriot's plot, only to see Marriot a few metres down the road.

very very true.... but raintree seems to be more bright and looks a tad bit bigger than courtyard marriott....

and for that matter, the design of hilton also seems to be very similar... the only difference being, the side that faces the main road.......

g5xmgfG2TgI

Courtesy: chennaionline.com

My joblessness led me to do a simple "vetti" research on Hilton's website. When you try to book rooms in Hilton till 30th december it shows - "opening soon"... and for bookings from 31st december rooms are available.... so i presume that 31st December is the D Day for Hilton.

Starwood Opens First Aloft Hotel in India

Starwood has opened its first Aloft hotel in India and the 42nd to open worldwide.

The 130-room Aloft Chennai OMR-IT Expressway is located on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), the hub for IT development in Chennai. The hotel is also adjacent to over 5,000 square feet of meeting space and a restaurant.

A second Aloft hotel is scheduled to open next month in Bangalore. The Aloft Bengaluru Whitefield will feature 170 rooms, a large restaurant as well as more than 8,500 square feet of meeting space. The hotel will be located in Whitefield, Bangalore.

“India is a key focus of Starwood’s expansion efforts in large part because it is a market that today is relatively under-hoteled. India is one of the most promising markets within Asia Pacific, with GDP estimates topping 7% for the next two years and a consumer market expected to rank as the world’s fifth biggest by 2025,” said Vasant Prabhu, Vice Chairman and CFO for Starwood.


Each guest loft is also a combination high-tech office and entertainment center, featuring free wireless internet access and plug & play, a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry such as PDAs, cell phones, mp3 players and laptops - all linked to a large flat panel HDTV ready television for optimal sound and viewing.

Guests at the Aloft Chennai, OMR-Sholinganalur and Aloft Bangalore, Whitefield will be able to read, work on their laptops via hotel-wide wireless internet access, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mix communal lobby area and bar w xyz.

The re:charge fitness center and splash, the pool, give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize; and a one-stop food and beverage area, offers sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages to grab & go, 24-hours a day.

http://www.blonnet.com/2010/08/04/stories/2010080451790700.htm

The 18-level, 8-lakh-sq.ft concrete structure on the city's arterial road, Anna Salai, where hotel Hyatt Regency is slated to come up in the next few months, is bustling with activity.

The ear-splitting noise of granite-cutting and grinding wheels, dust billowing inside, people wearing hard hats scurrying about and the smell of fresh paint clearly indicate that completion is not far away. “Over 600 people are working almost round-the-clock. The idea is to complete the project in all respects in the next couple months,” said a spokesperson of the promoter of the property, Robust Hotels Pvt Ltd.

According to sources, the hotel, to be managed by Hyatt, will have 330 rooms, including 50 suites, a ballroom that can accommodate over 400 people and five or six food and beverage outlets spread over 6 lakh sq.ft. in 18 levels (including three basement levels).

Once operational, the Hyatt will take the number of Chennai's five star rooms to 2,500, with more hotel projects on the anvil from other promoters.

The company bought the property as a superstructure for close to Rs 300 crore and has pumped in another Rs 250 crore.

“Though the structure was very good, it was designed nearly two decades ago (in 1986), and as that doesn't suit the current style trend, we had to redesign the whole interiors,” sources mentioned.

The property (on 55 grounds) was originally constructed by Balaji Hotels Enterprises Pvt Ltd (part of the Balaji Group of Companies) over 13 years ago. As the company could not service its loans, the lenders (Industrial Finance Corporation of India and TFCI) took possession of the property (superstructure) under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, and sold the same to Robust Hotels Pvt Ltd.

Robust Hotels

Robust Hotels is a special purpose vehicle floated by Arun Saraf-managed Asian Hotels (East) Ltd, a demerged arm of Asian Hotels. Asian Hotels (East) currently owns two Hyatt properties (Hyatt Regency in Kolkata and Grand Hyatt in Mumbai).

Besides, the attached commercial space ( Ramee Mall) spread over two lakh sq. ft. has been bought over by the Mumbai-based Ramani Hotels Pvt Ltd.

The company bought this from ICICI Bank to which the space was pledged by the erstwhile owner, Balaji Hotels.

According to the spokesperson, Ramee Mall shares 50 per cent of the ground floor, first floor and the entire second floor.

Accor is slated to open three hotels in Chennai from 2011 to 2013.

Novotel Chennai SIPCOT, 180 rooms
Novotel Chennai Old Mahabalipuram Road, 160 rooms
Ibis hotel Chennai Old Mahabalipuram Road, 190 rooms

The upcoming Accor Ibis on mount road is slated to open by mid 2012

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_hotel-leela-importing-workers-from-china_1423927

Indian hospitality companies importing interior design and related construction material from China for their hotel projects is something familiar. But the promoters of Hotel Leelaventure Ltd have gone a step further.

They are availing the services of Chinese construction workers to ensure that their showcase five-star luxury hotel at Chanakyapuri in New Delhi opens in time for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) in October.

Company chairman CP Krishnan Nair said work is being undertaken on a war footing to ensure that the hotel is operational by September-October this year. “Our people are working on the project round-the-clock. We have also contracted Chinese construction workers to ensure that the hotel is ready for the Games. A special permission was being sought from the labour ministry to hire 30-odd workers from China,” Nair said.

It seems the hotel’s project development team resorted to hiring Chinese workers because of the non-availability of skilled workers in Delhi. Most of the construction workers were hired by various agencies for completing infrastructure projects for the Games.

A hospitality sector analyst with a global consulting firm said it could be the first time that a domestic hotel company is importing construction workers from China. “This must be a special case as the Hotel Leela management is chasing strict deadlines and speeding work. The approach
(hiring overseas labour) would have also increased the overall project cost,” he said.

Nair said that, post the completion of Chanakyapuri hotel, the contracted Chinese workers will be deployed to finish work on the group’s five-star luxury hotel project in Chennai.

The Leela Palace Kempinski Chennai was to launch in December 2009 but had to be pushed on the back foot because launching the Delhi property had become priority for the Hotel Leela top management. The 390-room Chennai hotel is now expected to be operational some time early next year.

The Hotel Leela promoters had in June 2007 acquired the 3-acre Chanakyapuri plot for Rs611 crore. They had envisaged an investment of Rs1,100 crore for setting up a 311-key hotel that was to be operational under the Leela Palace Kempinski New Delhi banner.

However, details posted on the company’s website show that the hotel plans have now been reconfigured and the overall inventory currently stands at 260 guest rooms and suites. In fact, senior company officials also indicated that the investments would also be significantly higher.

Another significant development post the launch of Chanakyapuri and Chennai hotels is the possible change in the composition of Hotel Leela’s top management. CPK Nair is looking to step down as the company’s chairman next year and the current vice-chairman and managing director Vivek Nair, who is also his younger son, is likely to takeover as chairman.

Today saw Upcoming ITC grand chola hotel @ guindy ..Works are going on a brisk pace ... It has a great view from Guindy side .. and from what i could see the exteriors were very pleasing ..Sorry couldnt take photos

http://i36.tinypic.com/20r0lc2.jpg

sorry for the blur ... The corner portions of the hotel has been turned into smooth curve .. They have added a silvery grey aluminium facade in the corner :) nice improvement

Looks like Ginger Hotels have opened the door in Chennai.
They are located at 11th floor in IITM research park.(behind TIDEL park)

I got an e-mail today from Ginger Hotels and the introductory rate is 2699.
The introductory price was Rs1000 in New Delhi/Bangalore. But that was few years back

Chennai needs more clean, budget hotels like this one.

Looks like Ginger Hotels have opened the door in Chennai.
They are located at 11th floor in IITM research park.(behind TIDEL park)

I got an e-mail today from Ginger Hotels and the introductory rate is 2699.
The introductory price was Rs1000 in New Delhi/Bangalore. But that was few years back

Chennai needs more clean, budget hotels like this one.

Is this the first ginger in Chennai?
Second what are they doing inside the research park? That floor plate should have been well used for research cos, looks like no demand?

does anyone have any idea whether there is a progress in this hotel in egmore and i heard that a park plaza is opening in mylapore all the info is given in their website???
THIS IS A ARTICLE I CAME ACROSS.....IN ET
Radisson Hotels is on an expansion drive in Chennai with a new 162-room hotel project, even as it plans to raise its inventory in its existing hotel. The new project, estimated to cost around Rs 150 crore, is perceived as one of the biggest deals to be inked in the last 12 months.

Radisson forayed into the Chennai market with a 100-room hotel near the airport. According to an industry tracker, Radisson plans to add another 30 rooms to its existing inventory here. It has acquired land adjacent to the current complex and has begun construction. This expanded property would be ready before March 2010.

The airport road hotel was started as a joint venture between NKK Hotels and Macnur Hospitality India (in which the MA Chidambaram group had majority shareholding). Later, this was sold to the GRT Group, which is still managing the property.

Radisson’s second hospitality venture in the city, coming up over 1.6 acres in the upmarket Commander-in-Chief Road in Egmore, is with the city-based VVT Hotels, run by Vikram Aggarwal, persons in the know told ET.
The latest from the Radisson stable would join a series of other hospitality ventures which are in various stages of construction — ITC, Raintree on Mount Road (Ceebros), Empee-Hilton, JW Mariott, Leela Kempinski, Grand Chola, Grand Hyatt and GRT. The flurry of activity in the hotel segment would boost five-star room inventory by 2,500 units in Chennai.

Most of the new luxe projects in the metro are located in the central business district — Taj and Raintree on Mount Road and Empee-Hilton and ITC in Guindy. Incidentally, US-based international hospitality chain Carlson Hotels Worldwide’s Country Inns & Suites too marked its entry into Chennai last month with a 96-room hotel in Egmore.

The upcoming hotel project of Radisson is scheduled to be ready for occupation by December 2010, in time to take on competition from other players. Majority of these projects would get operational in the 2010-2011 fiscal. Interestingly, all the chains had embarked on expansion plans much before the slowdown set in. Radisson is one of the few to have firmed up its second venture in the last few months.

For the Rs 45-crore VVT, which already operates the 129-room Fortune hotel on Old Mahabalipuram Road, also this is the second hospitality project in the city. It has plans to enter the Mumbai market soon, another person told ET on condition of anonymity. According to a person familiar with the development, VVT had signed the pact with Radisson, a few months ago. The new hotel would have two coffee shops, two speciality restaurants and a large banquet hall.

^^ Ethiraj salai - Radisson construction updates...
http://a.imageshack.us/img831/4170/imagevao.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img832/9096/imagezk.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roPnzLYmVb8


My damn phone battery drained .. i could not take the complete vdeo .. just a glimpse ..But it was humongous acc to its name:banana:

My friend did a project at ITC Grand Chola this summer. Said its gonna be rally big. He was involved in the CAD design of the main dome. Heard they are gonna have a helipad and a swimming pool on the roof top.

^^ Krishna , Seriously it is going to be a very big landmark ...It was literally huge :)

^^ Nice to hear. Yes, it looks humongous. Especially, when seen from St. Thomas Mount, it's sheer size is palpable.

TCS Siruseri, India Land Ambattur and Grand Chola Guindy will be the land mark buildings of New Chennai.

Grand Chola is very grand like Rasa rasa Cholan empire. [:P]

Till i saw this map .. i was wondering wat was this under construction building next to AL headquarters .But as Wikimapia it is marked as SRM hotel ... Any news or rendering abt this ?! i think we haven't discussed on this .. or i missed it ?


http://i54.tinypic.com/2zeifki.jpg

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/9921/hotell.jpg

This is one hell of a Hospitality Stretch in Chennai with four star hotels at a distance of around just 100 meters from each other.

A - LemonTree Hotel (4/5 Star Business Class Hotel)
B - ACL's upcoming 5 Star Hotel
C - SRM Hotel (3/4 Star)
D - ITC Grand Chola (5 Star Deluxe)

Total Distance from A to D is 500m. FYI There is also a Shangri La Hotel (5 Star) coming up about 1 km down the velachery main road at Phoenix Market City. :cheers:

^^^ and another five star hotel opposite to Guru Nanak college i guess.

^^^ and another five star hotel opposite to Guru Nanak college i guess.

Add checkers also

^^^ and another five star hotel opposite to Guru Nanak college i guess.
Add checkers also

oh yes... i forgot to add that also... Thanks!!!!

But what i really wonder is that, will there be enough patronage in all these hotels to keep them running, considering the fact that they are all so close to each other!!!!

Add checkers also

Hotel Lobby was damaged badly by thugs organised by Sun TV, MD, Sexana as a result of some road rage incident.

Good Info DP and CoolM. The hotel opposite to Guru Nanak college is going on in full swing and already it is at least 8 to 10 floors up. Lot of construction I saw in Phoneix market city site when I was in India bet July 22nd to August 25.:banana:

My general observation during recession IT based cities like Bangalore and Hyd saw dip in real estate prices but in Chennai the prices were stagnant and now it is going up significantly. The reason is alround growth of Chennai economy(including Manu.) and reasonably good Infra growth in South and Central Chennai.(No idea about north chennai)

http://i55.tinypic.com/2gv78f9.jpg

Stains in the pic are due to MTC 11g bus glass ... :P :lol:

Hotel Lobby was damaged badly by thugs organised by Sun TV, MD, Sexana as a result of some road rage incident.

Was there any police action after that?

Was there any police action after that?

FIR has been filed

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/1358/dsc0018c.jpg

^^ Cool update. Wish it were taller. The color is different from the one in the render.

http://sify.com/finance/sarovar-plans-rs-65-crore-hometel-in-chennai-news-equity-kkjeukaecgc.html

Delhi-based hotel management company Sarovar Hotels and Resorts is coming up with a three-star budget hotel under its ˜Hometel™ brand in Chennai with an investment of about Rs 65 crore, according to its managing director Anil Madhok.

"The 170-room property in Chennai will be company-owned, and will be operational by the beginning of the next financial year," he told Business Standard. Of the 47 hotels that Sarovar currently operates, two are company-owned while the remaining are management contracts under the Sarovar Premiere five-star and Sarovar Portico four-star full-service brands.

The company already has two hotels in Puducherry, one each in Chennai and Kochi, three in Bangalore and two in Hyderabad under its fold. It is in the process of opening one more hotel in Hyderabad and three in Bangalore by the end of this financial year.

Wow looks good in the end.. :cheers:

Any idea when it will be opened?

^^ if you are asking about Hilton, it is opening on 31st December!!!!

^^ Awesome!! Any idea about the Hyatt Regency on Mount Road? It has been looking close to completion for a fairly long time now..

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/3854/hotel01.jpg

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/9316/hotel04.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/783/hotel06.jpg

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/2108/hotel07.jpg

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/6715/hotel08.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/7626/hotel09.jpg

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/4889/hotel12.jpg

Source: http://www.raintreehotels.com/photogallery_annasalai/photogallery.html

Great pics SatishAnu. Nice clarity .. Great post.

The rooms rock:banana:

Very tempting to try staying there a night on the next visit. Need more of these though.

FIR has been filed

Well I think you mis-understood his question. He didn't ask if formalities were followed. He specifically asked if any ***actions*** were taken. J/K:lol:

Awesome pics Satish. The hotel seems to be a replica of the Marriot Hotel down the road.

Nice snaps Satish!!

Did you take those photos? Which camera / lens did you use?

Guys, forgot abt mentioning the source. It is straight from their website

http://www.raintreehotels.com/photogallery_annasalai/photogallery.html

ITC Chennai Hotel

http://picasaweb.google.com/priya5590/SIteVisitITCHotel

Courtesy: Suncity

Courtesy: Suncity

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_0bs2ydixmLw/TLXdr_yVtiI/AAAAAAAACt0/JwZ6qILEDZk/s640/DSCN3501.JPG


It's such a shame to waste so much prime land in the heart of the city, considering there has been no horse racing in Chennai for years..

I'm surprised the MRC hasn't sold off the land to developers - maybe they're hoping that racing will be legalised again at some point in the future?

They have converted the land into a 16 hole Golf course.
I think they should plant a 1000trees to make the place green enough. Keeping the land barren is an offence to the environment of the city.

It's such a shame to waste so much prime land in the heart of the city, considering there has been no horse racing in Chennai for years..

I'm surprised the MRC hasn't sold off the land to developers - maybe they're hoping that racing will be legalised again at some point in the future?

what? chennai is already among the most populated cities in the world. more concrete instead whatever little open spaces within city limits?

and btw, it is a 18 hole golf course within race course. and earns them subscription & green fees. even on a very hot sunny day in may, you would see many korean women using the golf course.

what? chennai is already among the most populated cities in the world. more concrete instead whatever little open spaces within city limits?

and btw, it is a 18 hole golf course within race course. and earns them subscription & green fees. even on a very hot sunny day in may, you would see many korean women using the golf course.

Is horse-racing illegal? I remember visiting the club 10-11 years ago and seeing a race in progress.

I'm not so sure if how ideal it is to have an 18-hole golf course that guzzles water in the city. Of course, that's a different debate. I'd personally like to see some open space, a public park or something like that there.

http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/MAAHIHI-Hilton-Chennai-Guindy/index.do

Interior pics: http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/MAAHIHI-Hilton-Chennai-Guindy/photoGallery.do

^^ Website looks extremely ordinary, I'm surprised.

Somerset Greenways Chennai (Opening 1H2011). One more mid rise in MRC Nagar.

Is there any minimum stay timeperiod for serviced apartments?

http://www.ashokbuilders.com/images/img18-big.jpg

http://www2.somerset.com/en/india/chennai/somerset_greenways.html

Another dabba. Who designs these buildings ?

Another dabba. Who designs these buildings ?

Not really a dabba. Seems pretty good looking to me. We have real glass cladded dabbas on OMR

Somerset Greenways Chennai (Opening 1H2011). One more mid rise in MRC Nagar.

Actually it's not one more mid-rise - it's already been topped out for over a year now..

This is the building immediately adjacent to the entry to Chettinad School..

All IT Companies insist on a rectangular shape as they can accommodate more seats. With pressure on utilisation of space, costing and quick completion of construction, all IT buildings have to look similar in one way or other. We deceive by adding a few elements outside to make it looking different.

Biggies like TCS, Infosys can afford to experiment for their own buildings. But even they insist on Dubbas when they go for rental places.

One more seat (40 to 100 sft) means min US $ 10 more income per hour.

So Glass Dubbas are here to stay.

Moreover the site shape and set backs demanded by CMDA / DTCP also force us to go for rectangular blocks, combined to form the building.

^^ Kannan .. Apart from IT building ... IS there any out of box modern building that is going to be built(under design) in chennai ??? upto ur knowledge?

^^ Website looks extremely ordinary, I'm surprised.

I think that is their standard website design. if you click on Delhi Hilton, it is the same things. Even US or UK hilton websites, all look very ordinary.

Auromatrix launched Chennai's first mall hotel, Stargate, at Ampa Skywalk, in the city.

http://chennaionline.com/video/city-feature/Chennais-1st-Mall-Hotel-at-Ampa-Skywalk/2410.col

http://www.auromatrix.com/hospitality_stargate.html

http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article857195.ece

Chennai's first mall hotel has officially opened, adding a whole new facet to the city's hospitality industry. The Skywalk Hotel by Auromatrix has 20 rooms, and is situated on the fifth floor of Ampa Skywalk Mall.

The hotel has 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, a doctor on call, safety lockers, three restaurants (Fuego, The Attic Cafe and Spice Mill) and a bar (Altitude 23.26”). The 238-sq.ft. rooms are well furnished, priced between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 4,000 per night and centrally air-conditioned.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv93/hariraam/skyscraper.jpg

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv93/hariraam/skyscraper.jpg

Something wrong with Vastu I suppose. This building has been like this for last 10 years. It has changed so may hands. Wish finally the wait is over

http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article857195.ece

Chennai's first mall hotel has officially opened, adding a whole new facet to the city's hospitality industry. The Skywalk Hotel by Auromatrix has 20 rooms, and is situated on the fifth floor of Ampa Skywalk Mall.

The hotel has 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, a doctor on call, safety lockers, three restaurants (Fuego, The Attic Cafe and Spice Mill) and a bar (Altitude 23.26”). The 238-sq.ft. rooms are well furnished, priced between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 4,000 per night and centrally air-conditioned.

20 rooms and we call them hotel. It can be called as a guest house

Yes its a long history for this building. As you said it has changed hands. Hope things will come to shape as i see Hyatt Logo now. Also cladding work is going at good speed. Hope this will be open in another 2-3 months.

20 rooms and we call them hotel. It can be called as a guest house

Hotel / guest house - this is only an excuse to set up a bar I suppose. Correct me if I am wrong, independent bars are not allowed in Chennai and only hotels can have a bar.

Hotel / guest house - this is only an excuse to set up a bar I suppose. Correct me if I am wrong, independent bars are not allowed in Chennai and only hotels can have a bar.

u r right. now shopping,movie and Drinks together. good one for people in & around annanagar

Hotel / guest house - this is only an excuse to set up a bar I suppose. Correct me if I am wrong, independent bars are not allowed in Chennai and only hotels can have a bar.

Yup. When people cannot run independent pubs they find loopholes and end up like this...Chennai lacks entertainment in all ways. So I feel this is okey.... It is just a hotel for name sake. As far as they run and maintain it properly this should not be an issue...

v=caZWUXJY-KY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caZWUXJY-KY

ITC grandchola as on nov 1 2010

Something wrong with Vastu I suppose. This building has been like this for last 10 years. It has changed so may hands. Wish finally the wait is over

Looks like the wait is over.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/11/03/stories/2010110351301100.htm

http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=9544&sid=1

Chennai-based Auromatrix Group, a technical, management and marketing consultant for hotel developers in India has partnered with John Russell, former Chairman, American Hotel & Lodging Association and a team of lodging veterans to launch Advaya Hospitality.

As per a report in forimmediaterelease.net, titled as Advaya Hospitality, the brands will be launched simultaneously in the US and India, starting in Quarter Two of 2011 and then debut in cities around the globe and will feature iconic style and breakthrough amenities. Also it will develop, acquire, franchise and operate full-service and select-service hotels.

As per plans, Advaya Hospitality services will be located in key cities that include New York, Miami, Atlanta, and Phoenix in the US and Chennai, Tuticorin, Kakinada, Vizag and Vellore in India. It will be later expanded to China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Brazil.

“The new global company aims to bring next generation of lifestyle hotels and related products to major cities worldwide. The economy is regaining back and there are many properties and sites that present outstanding opportunities,” said Russell.

“We are increasingly becoming a transparent world, and there is demand for lifestyle products in economic centres around the globe. Advaya Hospitality will make the most of these opportunities with new approaches for expansion in the US and internationally,” added Russell.

“There are incredible synergies between the US and Indian groups, making Advaya one of the global networks our industry has seen. This partnership creates an exceptionally knowledgeable company catering across the board to all hospitality needs, from real estate and development to hotel operations and more. I am delighted to be part of this venture,” said Kumar Sitaraman, Chairman & CEO, Auromatrix Group.

Advaya is committed to building ten hotels in India over a two-year period starting in Quarter Two of 2011. The company will also create and manage a US fund for real estate acquisitions to accelerate brand growth in key cities, such as New York, Miami, and Atlanta. In US, the properties will have 60–155 rooms, a restaurant, bar and lounge, meeting space, gym, and business center.

“The common thread among Advaya partners is our focus on strategic expansion around the world. During the next 18 months, we will see an environment for acquiring hotels particularly in gateway cities,” added Russell.

While Sitaram will head the Indian team, along with Udday Kumar Krishnan, Shekar Sitaraman, Krishnan Sitaraman, and Bala Kamallakharan. Sonny Khalil, Managing Principal for the company will be based in US. Russell, CEO & Founding Partner, NYLO will head a team in US.

http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article892128.ece

Roots Corporation, a subsidiary of Indian Hotels Company, will have another 60 to 70 budget hotels ? christened as Ginger ? in 23 locations across the country. At present the company had budget hotels in 24 locations. Construction was underway in seven locations and the company has signed for setting up similar hotels in nine cities.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Prabhat Pani, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Roots Corporation, said the company was already constructing budget hotels in Bangalore, Tirupur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Mumbai and Hyderabad. All these hotels put together would have 700 rooms.

Launching the first budget hotel in Chennai, Mr. Pani said the hotel was situated in IITM Research Park campus in Taramani and had 80 rooms. Ginger Chennai would not only cater to the needs to the companies operational in Research Park but also other companies based on OMR (including in Tidel Park). The tariff rates were between Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 3,000 depending on the size of the rooms.

Mr. Pani said the growth rate of budget hotels in India was high. Of the total hospitality industry, nearly 50 per cent came under four and five star category and only 24 per cent were under budget segment. It was estimated that with the growth of tourism by 2015 there would be a shortfall of nearly 85,000 to 1.25 lakh rooms. Of the total shortfall, the gap for budget hotels rooms would be somewhere between 14,000 and 17,000. He hoped that Ginger budget hotels would be in a position to fill the gap and meet the demand. He said that travellers today were open-minded and analysed the various options of accommodation in a city as his or her budget.

Earlier, the company wanted to acquire the land and construct these budget hotels, which they had done it in Pondicherry. With the increase in real estate and cost of operations, the company decided to locate these hotels on leased accommodations in places such as retail malls, research institutions, government institutions among others. He said Ginger budget hotels would also replace company guest houses.

http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/MARG-junction-brings-Shangri-La-to-Chennai/5020450127

Located in the middle of Old Mahabalipuram Road as part of the MARG Junction Mall, a multi-use complex, the hotel will be equidistant to both Madhya Kailash and Siruseri IT Park.

It is more entertainment, leisure and luxury at the MARG Junction. The mall, which is to be the first of its kind to come up at the strategic location at OMR – the IT corridor of Chennai, has announced its tie-up with the Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of Asia’s leading luxury hotel groups. It has signed a management contract with Riverside Infrastructure (India) Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of MARG, to operate Traders Hotel, Chennai, scheduled to open in early 2012 at MARG Junction.

Located in the middle of Old Mahabalipuram Road as part of the MARG Junction Mall, a multi-use complex, the hotel will be equidistant to both Madhya Kailash and Siruseri IT Park. The development will include a mall, office block and the 246-key hotel along with 52 service apartments. One unique feature of the complex is a perennial river flowing across the entire northern side of the mall, offering customers a view and respite during shopping.

“The addition of Traders Hotel, Chennai complements our portfolio of hotels in India - Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel, New Delhi; Shangri-La Hotel, Mumbai, due to open in 2011; and Shangri-La Hotel, Bangalore, scheduled to open in early 2012,” said Greg Dogan, Shangri-La’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Traders caters to today’s business and leisure traveller, who is looking for simple, efficient, down to earth functionality presented with a smile.”

Commenting on the association, Mr. GRK Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director, MARG Ltd. said, “It gives me great pleasure to be associated with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. MARG Junction Mall was created with the purpose of providing world-class amenities to our valued customers and the addition of Traders Hotel, Chennai will add to the value quotient. It gives me great honour to bring this brand to the people of Chennai, and I strongly believe that the association will get stronger in the future.”

Guestrooms are designed to be modern and will reflect a classic yet contemporary style combined with local cultural influences. Wireless and broadband Internet access will be available in each room to meet the needs of business travellers. The hotel will provide four dining and entertaining outlets including a café, a speciality and an all-day dining restaurant as well as the lobby lounge for light refreshments. Meeting and banqueting facilities will offer over 2,236 square metres of function space. A health club, spa with beauty salon and 25-metre outdoor pool will complete the public facilities.

Can someone recommend where a real good Vegetarian Buffet is served in Chennai Hotels

^^

If you want a pure veg buffet ... try Deccan Plaza, Royapettah

^^

If you want a pure veg buffet ... try Deccan Plaza, Royapettah

You mean the below hotel right...

Days Inn Deccan HotelDays Inn Deccan Hotel
36, Royapettah High Road
Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600014
044 66713333

Dhaba express

Can someone recommend where a real good Vegetarian Buffet is served in Chennai Hotels

Quality Pure Veg Fine Dining / Buffet
Olives in Deccan Plaza (Even Jain food ie w/o Onion / garlic) is available)
Matsya in Thanikachalam Road T Nagar (somewhat near Hindi Prachar Sabaha)
Eden in Besant Nagar
Cream Centre in RA Puram 2nd Main & College Road
Mathura, Tarapore Towers
Sangeetha, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar (New one near Kilpauk / Anna Nagar???)
Woodlands, Dr.R.K.Salai
Saravana Bhavan

May be many more.

Thanks, Mr.Kannan quite a choice to pick

^^Amravati in Cathedral Road is one among the best in chennai..(IMHO)

^^Amaravati restaurant may be good for non-veg, but definitely not for veg. (IMHO), im a strict veg.

Hilton hotel is opening on April fools day. Novotel and Ibis hotels have started construction in Egattur.

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/4104/cfcp.jpg (http://img824.imageshack.us/i/cfcp.jpg/)







http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k379/NFDB/Brahmanandam%20-7/brahmi107.gif

lol...but isnt this in trichy?

Trichy?? http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k379/NFDB/Brahmanandam%20-7/brahmi109.gif I didnt know. I just assumed it is in Chennai. Good sense of humour by the owner for sure.

^^ And look at the face on the logo! Come to think of it, there is a Bangalore Fried Chicken in Bangalore too :)

There is BFC (with a local which I cant remember), CFC, even a local KFC. I guess there will be more :lol:

^^ And look at the face on the logo! Come to think of it, there is a Bangalore Fried Chicken in Bangalore too :)

The Hyatt residency and the Ramee Mall will open mid April. I got this from a project Engineer who is in charge there.

Hilton hotel is opening on April fools day. Novotel and Ibis hotels have started construction in Egattur.

^^ Its Hyatt Regency.

^^I guess even the hotel under construction by Ambattur Clothing Ltd in Sardhar Patel Road, Guindy (opposite to Lemon Tree hotel) will be managed by Hyatt (Another Hyatt Regency perhaps).

(Another Hyatt Regency perhaps). Source Please. Thanks in advance

^^That's a very vague word-of-mouth source Shankar (learnt from one of my friends). Will try to find out from reliable sources. :)

http://i.imgur.com/ls8hg.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/rdNxt.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/qyXVx.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QFcZU.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/eHaMb.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8OW6Z.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MhWot.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/FI60Z.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/AeQ4v.jpg

The date on the camera is actually 10.1.2011. I set it as 2010 by mistake.

http://i.imgur.com/JB8yh.jpg

A unique first- of -its-kind experience of food, fun and entertainment on wheels is all set to rock Chennaites. South India’s first Double Decker Restaurant on Wheels, ‘Hijackk’, was launched recently in the city.

Conceptualized by Moistclay Entertainment & Media and franchisee partner The Moving Cart, The multi cuisine mobile restaurant will have open to sky upper deck and a fully air-conditioned lower deck, with a seating capacity of 44. The lower Deck is designed in a luxurious way and provides great ambiance created by variation of lights and soft music.

The Upper Deck will give a fun and sporting experience - first of its kind of dining in the open air, on the move.

For a start HIJACKK would take a ride of 30 km starting from Blue Lagoon to MGM resort and back to Blue Lagoon. The bus will travel at the maximum speed of 40 km per hour and will cover the distance in ninety minutes. There will be two trips everyday staring at 7 pm & 8:45 pm.

Mr Hardik Shah, CEO of ‘The Moving Cart” says, “HIJACKK is a new concept of food, fun and entertainment for the people of Chennai. We have taken great care to ensure that the services offered to our guests should be world class and food to be delicious and hygienic so that they go back with a unique experience.”

“We will be serving 7 course fixed meal including mocktails, soups, salads, starters, main courses, and desserts to complete a full meal. The cost of Veg. meal is Rs. 565 and Non Veg Rs. 765. The menu will change every fifteen days.” he adds.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/appu-hotels-to-go-for-ipo-by-2012/421376/

Appu Hotels Ltd, which owns two five-star hotels -- Hotel Le Royal Meridien in Chennai and Le Meridien in Coimbatore -- is planning for an initial public offering (IPO) to support its Rs 500-crore expansion plan. The company is planning to come out with an IPO by the end of next year.

Palani G Periasamy, chairman, Le Royal Meridien, said the company was planning to double its capacity in the five-star category from the current 500 rooms, with an outlay of around Rs 500 crore over the next two years. The company is planning to set up three more five-star hotels, including a second property in Chennai and two in other parts of the state.

Earlier, he told Business Standard that the company was working on launching a five-star hotel in Puducherry and a resort hotel with 100 rooms on the East Coast road near Chennai.

The proposed investment will be funded through debt, internal accruals and from the proceedings from the proposed IPO. "The value of the IPO will be finalised by merchant bankers soon," he said.

On the industry, he said future growth of hospitality sector would be in the Tier 2 cities in the state and the company plans to open two of its three upcoming projects in such areas. The company would cater to both foreign and domestic customers with international quality of services in these region, he added.

The company launched its second five-star hotel in Tamil Nadu under the brand Le Meridien, at Coimbatore on December 12, 2010. The hotel, with 255 rooms on an area of six acres, has been set up with an investment of Rs 350 crore.

With the industrial growth in Comibatore and nearby region, the company expects foreign and Indian businessmen to occupy space. Further, it is also designed as a resort to attract tourists for leisure activities, said Periasamy.

The Rs 1,250-crore Appu Hotels Ltd is a part of PGP group which has diversified business activities including property and infrastructure development, educational institutions and sugar and chemicals business.

ITC-Welcomgroup, the second largest hotel chain in the country and a division of ITC Ltd, plans to invest over $2 billion (around Rs 9,000 crore) in the next 2-3 years to double its room inventory across the country.

“We are pursuing an aggressive investment-led growth strategy, and are adding large properties to our portfolio of super luxury hotels,” said Mr Nakul Anand, Executive Director, ITC Ltd.

In the near term, two ITC Luxury Collection hotels are planned — a 600-room hotel in Chennai and a 400-room hotel adjacent to ITC Sonar in Kolkata.

..

SRC: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2011/01/11/stories/2011011151420200.htm

^^that 600 room hotel is the grand chola under construction.

http://i.imgur.com/JB8yh.jpg

A unique first- of -its-kind experience of food, fun and entertainment on wheels is all set to rock Chennaites. South India’s first Double Decker Restaurant on Wheels, ‘Hijackk’, was launched recently in the city.

Conceptualized by Moistclay Entertainment & Media and franchisee partner The Moving Cart, The multi cuisine mobile restaurant will have open to sky upper deck and a fully air-conditioned lower deck, with a seating capacity of 44. The lower Deck is designed in a luxurious way and provides great ambiance created by variation of lights and soft music.

The Upper Deck will give a fun and sporting experience - first of its kind of dining in the open air, on the move.

For a start HIJACKK would take a ride of 30 km starting from Blue Lagoon to MGM resort and back to Blue Lagoon. The bus will travel at the maximum speed of 40 km per hour and will cover the distance in ninety minutes. There will be two trips everyday staring at 7 pm & 8:45 pm.

Mr Hardik Shah, CEO of ‘The Moving Cart” says, “HIJACKK is a new concept of food, fun and entertainment for the people of Chennai. We have taken great care to ensure that the services offered to our guests should be world class and food to be delicious and hygienic so that they go back with a unique experience.”

“We will be serving 7 course fixed meal including mocktails, soups, salads, starters, main courses, and desserts to complete a full meal. The cost of Veg. meal is Rs. 565 and Non Veg Rs. 765. The menu will change every fifteen days.” he adds.
Is Blue Lagoon as famous as Fisherman's Cove?

Is Blue Lagoon as famous as Fisherman's Cove?
I had been there to Blue Lagoon. It is horrible. Fisheman's cove is very expensive and far.

Blue lagoon is a badly maintained resort and can never be compared to the Fisherman's Cove. It is a different as Chalk and Cheese.

Is Blue Lagoon as famous as Fisherman's Cove?

^^Fisherman's Cove is quite good, one of the best in India.

The Ascott plans to invest in chennai.. Here is the link
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1104322/1/.html

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carlson-set-to-open-19-new-hotels-in-india-in-2011-113475164.html

Located in the city's central business district, the 161-room Radisson Hotel Chennai City Center will feature 16 suites and 145 rooms, as well as three restaurants, a bar and a nightclub.

Its located in C in C Road, Egmore.

del

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carlson-set-to-open-19-new-hotels-in-india-in-2011-113475164.html

Located in the city's central business district, the 161-room Radisson Hotel Chennai City Center will feature 16 suites and 145 rooms, as well as three restaurants, a bar and a nightclub.

Its located in C in C Road, Egmore.
this is the additional one apart from one near airport?

yep, its a new one.

“The 387-room JW Marriott project coming up at MRC Nagar in Chennai, with an expenditure of Rs 650 crore, is nearing completion. We expect to commission this major project either by March or latest by early April 2011.”

http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=10010&sid=1

What is the condition of Hotel Tamilnadu (TTDC) in Chennai? Can any one post a photo of Hotel Tamilnadu in Chennai?

“The 387-room JW Marriott project coming up at MRC Nagar in Chennai, with an expenditure of Rs 650 crore, is nearing completion. We expect to commission this major project either by March or latest by early April 2011.”

http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=10010&sid=1

Their website says 'Opening in November 2012'.

Opening in November 2012

Experience Chennai's beachfront luxury hotel - The JW Marriott Chennai hotel. Located on the Marina beach overlooking the scenic waters of the Bay of Bengal, JW Marriott Chennai hotel is just 10 kilometers from the Chennai airport. JW Marriott Chennai hotel is ideal for your meeting, event or reception. See our Chennai wedding venues and allow our wedding planners to help you create an unforgettable celebration. With world class Food and Beverage offerings, the JW Marriott Chennai Hotel houses two specialty restaurants with 24 hours coffee shop.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/maamc-jw-marriott-hotel-chennai/

^^ November 2012 is a long time away :ohno:

It surely must be a typo. I heard that they will open mid 2011.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-to-double-five-star-hotel-room-by-year-end/articleshow/7368549.cms

By the end of the year, the Chennai five star hotel market would have nearly doubled in size. Four hospitality players Hilton, Hyatt, Leela and ITC are set to open their new properties.

"In Chennai, there are less than 2,000 rooms of four star and five star hotels as of now. By year end, these four hotels will add nearly 1,500 rooms," said T Nataraajan, honorary secretary of Southern India Hotel and Restaurant Association (SIHRA) and CEO of GRT Hotels.

The 204 room Hilton is likely to come up first with its opening in March. This property is located in Guindy, near Olympia and Tamarai Tech Parks. "The Hilton will enjoy some stability in occupancy since it is likely to find favour from airline crews given its proximity to the airport," says an industry source. The hotel's interiors have been done up by Hong Kong's DiLeonardo and Dallas-based Wilson and Associates and will feature five food and beverage (F&B) offerings.

Action will warm up later this year when the other properties open. The Hyatt, which is coming up on Anna Salai, above the upcoming Ramee Mall, will have 327 rooms (which includes 27 luxury suites) and a spa. The property used to be Aboostbury hall and has been somewhat jinxed with property developments. The mall, which was supposed to open last Diwali with departmental store Shoppers Stop as the anchor store, is also likely to open around the same time as the hotel.

The Leela is looking at replicating its success in Bangalore by recreating the palace in the heart of a city' feel. The 330 room property in Chennai is by the beach near the Adyar creek, with a 25,000 sq ft conferencing and meeting area and a hall and pre-function area of 15,000 sq ft.

The ITC Chennai the largest of them all will have 600 rooms. The property will house 55,000 sq ft of conference and exhibition facilities, which includes a pillar-less main ballroom of 30,000 sq ft. Add to that, nine F&B destinations and a luxury preview theatre targetted at the local film fraternity. Plus 40,000 sq ft of luxury retail a model that has worked in The Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai and The Leela Bangalore.

"While Hyatt and Hilton will be attractive to the four star audience, The Leela and ITC Chennai will attract the five star customer, particularly the expat crowd. The latter two, however, will face stiff competition from J W Marriott which is set to open in 2012," says an industry official. "Chennai has been one of the most challenging markets in terms of pricing, where rates rarely cross the four figure mark. With so many new properties coming up at around the same time, the rates are likely to stay below that mark."

Nataraajan too foresees occupancy issues in the short term: "While in the third quarter (ending December 2010), most hotels saw 80% occupancy, in both the preceding quarters, the occupancy was 65%. However, unlike Bangalore and Hyderabad, where hotels followed the IT industry, in Chennai, the growth will be simultaneous and the hospitality industry is unlikely to see any wild fluctuations in pricing."

On an eco-friendly note, the Leela, will monitor the consumption of heat, lighting and power, as well as water conservation, sewage treatment and LED lighting. The Hilton too will feature energy saving bulbs, LED lamps and solar heating. "We have also have a water treatment plan with reverse osmosis system. There will be zero discharge of waste water and the water will be reused for the landscape areas and for the cooling tower," says Stephen R Magor, general manager of Hilton Chennai. The ITC Hotel has got a Platinum rating (the highest on the scale) from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), an internationally recognised green building certification system, for their property.

Pics from the above article.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/01/27/3/Img/Pc0030900.jpg

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/01/27/3/Img/Pc0031200.jpg
HILTON, GUINDY: The 204-room Hilton is likely to open in March. The hotel’s interiors have been done up by Hong Kong’s DiLeonardo and Dallas-based Wilson and Associates and will have five food and beverage offerings

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/01/27/3/Img/Pc0031100.jpg
THE HYATT, ANNA SALAI: The Hyatt, above the upcoming Ramee Mall, will have 327 rooms (which include 27 luxury suites) and a spa. The mall, which was slated to open last Diwali with departmental store Shoppers Stop as the anchor store, is also likely to open around the same time as the hotel

“India is visited by a huge number of tourists from all over the world”. So runs a statement from India Tour Operators Promotion Council. How huge? Figures are revealing. India had 5.11 million arrivals in 2009 when the world recorded 877 million and improved the figure to 935 million in 2010. In the current year 1 billion will be crossed. In 2009 France had 74 million, China 50.9 million and Malaysia 23.6 million. Earnings globally were $ 852 billion in that year. In another 2 years $ 1 trillion may be exceeded.

India’s default is in contrast to the world’s performance. What is distressing is the inability to change while relishing self adulation. The forecasts by World Tourism Organisation (WTO ) for 2020 are : world 1,561 million, Europe 717 million, South Asia 19 million and India 8.9 million. What a standing condemnation.

TN’s performance in 2009 was 1.8 million in foreign tourist arrivals. No amount of prating that it was 30% of the nation’s can mask the fact of lack luster performance. If India cannot attract tourists, no other country can. If TN cannot excel, no other state can. What is needed is an agonizing appraisal of approaches in their entirety. A clinical diagnosis of the malignancy is called for. To take one example, Malaysia has 165,000 hotel rooms of which 14,460 are in 3-5 star category. TN has less than 2000 rooms of 4@5 star rating. The achievements of TN in recent years are astonishing in several fronts. The stage is set to develop the tourism product and to go beyond an arrival figure of 5 million by 2020.

Note - My presentation with WTO reports and other articles, accessed through internet.

^^ Fantastic stats Keeran. You never fail to amaze me.

“India is visited by a huge number of tourists from all over the world”. So runs a statement from India Tour Operators Promotion Council. How huge? Figures are revealing. India had 5.11 million arrivals in 2009 when the world recorded 877 million and improved the figure to 935 million in 2010. In the current year 1 billion will be crossed. In 2009 France had 74 million, China 50.9 million and Malaysia 23.6 million. Earnings globally were $ 852 billion in that year. In another 2 years $ 1 trillion may be exceeded.

India’s default is in contrast to the world’s performance. What is distressing is the inability to change while relishing self adulation. The forecasts by World Tourism Organisation (WTO ) for 2020 are : world 1,561 million, Europe 717 million, South Asia 19 million and India 8.9 million. What a standing condemnation.

TN’s performance in 2009 was 1.8 million in foreign tourist arrivals. No amount of prating that it was 30% of the nation’s can mask the fact of lack luster performance. If India cannot attract tourists, no other country can. If TN cannot excel, no other state can. What is needed is an agonizing appraisal of approaches in their entirety. A clinical diagnosis of the malignancy is called for. To take one example, Malaysia has 165,000 hotel rooms of which 14,460 are in 3-5 star category. TN has less than 2000 rooms of 4@5 star rating. The achievements of TN in recent years are astonishing in several fronts. The stage is set to develop the tourism product and to go beyond an arrival figure of 5 million by 2020.

Note - My presentation with WTO reports and other articles, accessed through internet.

Actually lot of tourists to India are NRI's who took citizenship overseas so discounting that Indian tourist arrivals are pathetic (reason for tn being number 1 in foriegn tourist arrivals are because of malaysian/singaporean/lankan tamils)

Pics from the above article.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/01/27/3/Img/Pc0030900.jpg

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/01/27/3/Img/Pc0031200.jpg
HILTON, GUINDY: The 204-room Hilton is likely to open in March. The hotel’s interiors have been done up by Hong Kong’s DiLeonardo and Dallas-based Wilson and Associates and will have five food and beverage offerings

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2011/01/27/3/Img/Pc0031100.jpg
THE HYATT, ANNA SALAI: The Hyatt, above the upcoming Ramee Mall, will have 327 rooms (which include 27 luxury suites) and a spa. The mall, which was slated to open last Diwali with departmental store Shoppers Stop as the anchor store, is also likely to open around the same time as the hotel
We need lots of 2-3 star hotels in the range of 1000 to 2500Rs per night. Its very hard for hotels to go for those because of exorbitant real estate price in Chennai unless existing ones are converted or upgraded.

Actually lot of tourists to India are NRI's who took citizenship overseas so discounting that Indian tourist arrivals are pathetic (reason for tn being number 1 in foriegn tourist arrivals are because of malaysian/singaporean/lankan tamils)

Very true, I am a citzen of one such western country. There are plenty of Srilankan Tamils (who migrated under UN refuge status),Fiji Indians (Tamils),Malaysian Tamils and some South African Tamils.

Every Sri Lankan Tamil family in my country visit Chennai atleast once in 5 years for following reasons:

1. Spiritual Tour to Thirupathi,Madurai,Thiruchi and Rameshwaram.

2. Shopping of Silk Sarees and Gold ornaments (T Nagar)

3. Wedding of their family members -SL Tamil boy from UK and SL tamil girl from Canada arrive with their family and conduct their wedding in Chennai - The reason being it is the closest & Safest wedding they can like their old town Jaffna.

4. Some come for Carnatic music concert season in Dec.

Each such trip last for 5 to 8 weeks. Minimum expenditure of such family for 1 much during the visit is 5 Lakhs and over.

Medical tourism is not an issue for SL tamils of Europen,Aus and NZ is not an issue as they get free and high quality care in their adopted country.

Even though the war is over and now they can visit Northen & Eastern Lanka they still spend some time in Chennai before heading to SL.

This SL Tamil community in UK,Canada,Australia,NZ, France, Swiss,Neatherlands etc needs to be targeted, identified, Marketed and Serviced appropriately.

Another market that is unscratched is South African Tamils, Fiji Tamils and Malaysian Tamils who live in wester countries.

95% of them have not seen TN but harbour the feeling to visit the land of the ansestors.

This market needs to be targeted for the development of TN tourism.

^^all this will be highly successful if spicejet, paramount and state government join hands and make their own airport in sriperumbudur and kick AAI to another planet.

We need lots of 2-3 star hotels in the range of 1000 to 2500Rs per night. Its very hard for hotels to go for those because of exorbitant real estate price in Chennai unless existing ones are converted or upgraded.

don't worry..be happy

http://www.citadines.com/en/india/chennai/chennai_boulevard.html

http://www.citadines.com/en/india/chennai/omr_gateway.html

http://www2.somerset.com/en/india/chennai/somerset_greenways.html

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6003/37469457.png

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/502/65535230.png

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5727/18026168.png

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/9341/56651237.png

source: kungumam

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/chennai-turns-hub-hotels-293

Jan. 24: Chennai is emerging as a phenomenal growth market for the hospitality sector, attracting several international multi-brand hotels and leading hotel chains from India.
Many hotels are set to enter the state capital in a big way. The ITC-Welcom group, for instance, will launch its hotel project by the last quarter of 2011. The 600-room hotel will have nine food and beverage destinations, 100 serviced apartments, a preview theatre, over 55,000 sq.ft. of conference and exhibition facilities. It will carry the label of ‘Luxury Collection’, one of the brands franchised from international hospitality group Starwood Hotels.
Hyderabad-based Viceroy Hotels Ltd is to add three properties soon, including two major hotels in Chennai and Bengaluru, with a capital expenditure of Rs 1,200 crore. According to sources the 387-room JW Marriott project coming up at MRC Nagar here with an expenditure of Rs 650 crore, is likely to be commissioned by March or April this year.

...

And what a weird choice of thread you have chosen to make it!!

Thought it was discussions thread...oru aarva kolaru thaan! :D

And what a weird choice of thread you have chosen to make it!!

Thought it was discussions thread...oru aarva kolaru thaan! :D

You dishonest fellow. Now your 3000th post is a total mess.

^^ CI and TShyam, stop your mokka-poattufication :P

We need lots of 2-3 star hotels in the range of 1000 to 2500Rs per night. Its very hard for hotels to go for those because of exorbitant real estate price in Chennai unless existing ones are converted or upgraded.

The main reason why people will not build 2-3 star hotels in Chennai is due to property value. Real estate is so expensive in Chennai that to get return of value, people build only 5 star hotels. I guess we can see cheaper hotels far away from central Chennai. It is similar to a lot of cities around the world, the cheaper hotels are the older ones.

The main reason why people will not build 2-3 star hotels in Chennai is due to property value. Real estate is so expensive in Chennai that to get return of value, people build only 5 star hotels. I guess we can see cheaper hotels far away from central Chennai. It is similar to a lot of cities around the world, the cheaper hotels are the older ones.

Actually the Serviced Apartments concept is precisely to cater to this market range.

Taj Ginger and ITC also have entered into this segment. No Frills. Only Bed and Bath.

Chennai is also getting a lot of apartments like this.

http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=10130&sid=1

Minor International, a hospitality and leisure company with over 1,000 restaurants and 27 hotel and resorts in the Asia Pacific region, plans to operate eight hotels in India in the next five years. The first hotel Anantara Resort & Spa Chennai with 110 keys in Mamallapuram, Chennai will be operational by the end of 2012.

Speaking about Minor’s development plan in India, Dillip Rajakarier, Chief Operating Officer, Minor International said, “As of now the hotels in India will be under management contracts. The partner should understand the brand and his vision should align with our vision. We have tied up with Wadhawan Group for the upcoming projects in India and have acquired lands in Wayanad, Varanasi, Udaipur and Chennai for the upcoming projects.” The average room for the upcoming properties is 80-100.

Will there be good view of ITC Grand Dakshin from the metro rail?

Yes. 3 sides can be viewed.

del

Chennai: Poised for rapid growth
on Jan 25, 2011

To meet the surging demand in the hospitality sector, the hotel room inventory in Chennai is graduating from a nascent stage with considerable hotel development activity planned.

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal, Chennai the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the fifth most populous city in India.

Fondly known as the Detroit of India, the city is also an automobile manufacturing hub for the south. Other than the automotive industry, Chennai’s economy is largely driven by the IT/ITES and BFSI sectors and the port.

Read full article...
http://www.hotelierindia.com/article-10423-chennai_poised_for_rapid_growth/

Chennai hotel market performance
The hotel inventory in the city in the financial year 2008 was approximately 3,800 keys (including branded and unbranded stock), which increased to approximately 4,200 keys in the financial year 2009, showing an increase of 11% and a further 400 rooms in the financial year 2010, registering a growth of 21% over 2008 levels.

To meet the surging demand in the hospitality sector, the hotel room inventory in Chennai is graduating from a nascent stage with considerable hotel development activity planned and ongoing.

Approximately 5,000 to 6,000 new rooms are anticipated to enter the Chennai hotel market over the next five years. While not all these rooms are under active development, it is likely that a considerable proportion of the supply will translate into quality accommodation product.

http://www.hotelierindia.com/pictures/HOTELIER_INDIA/chennai-web.jpg

GUYS DO ANYONE KNOW WHATS THE CONSTRUCTION WORK GNG N OPPOSITE TO THE RAIN TREE HOTEL.........
I SAW JUST DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY AND IT SEEMS TO BE A LARGE CONSTRUCTION........:cheers:

http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article1447686.ece?homepage=true

Starwood Hotels and Resorts plans to have 100 hotels under its brands in India by 2015.

Dilip Puri, Managing Director (India), who visited Le Meridien Coimbatore on Friday with the Chairman and President (Asia Pacific) of Starwood, Miguel Ko, told The Hindu that Starwood had 29 hotels in operation in India and another 18 were under development. It planned to take the total number to 100 in another four years, including those under operation, construction and contracts signed.

The country had just about a lakh branded hotel rooms. Hence, the potential was huge. Most of these were in the five-star category and the potential was high for four-star branded hotels too. For Starwood, ‘Four Points' was already present in Jaipur, Pune and Navi Mumbai. One would be opened in Vishakapatnam in April. The company was actively pursuing plans for ‘Four Points' in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai.

An ‘Aloft' hotel would be opened in Coimbatore in three months. Starwood planned to bring its ‘W Hotels' and ‘St Regis' brands to India in another couple of years. These would probably come first in the gateway cities.

Mr. Miguel Ko said Starwood had 180 hotels in the Asia-Pacific region and contracts for operation were signed for another 130. It had 80 hotels in operation in China and planned to include another 90. Starwood was looking at similar growth in India as “We see the same potential here in terms of economic growth and tourism potential.”

http://expressbuzz.com/states/tamilnadu/kerala-tn-ties-closer-now/247737.html

In a move that would strengthen ties between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, at odds over the Mullaperiyar dam issue, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today inaugurated the state-owned Hotel Complex here.

Besides serving the local Malayalees, the 'Kerala House Hotel Complex' will also help Foreign tourists, who intend to come to Kerala after visiting Tamil Nadu, gain more knowledge about the neighbouring state, Achuthanandan said.

"This is not only a happy occasion for Malayalees living in Chennai but also those living in Kerala. People of both States are living in amity and this (Kerala House Hotel complex) will enhance it. I thank (Chief Minister) M Karunanidhi and Chennai Corporation for providing the support", Achuthanandan said.

He said Malayalees in Tamil Nadu never felt they were living "far away" from their home State as there was "no distinct feature" between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

"Tamil Nadu is not an alien place for Malayalees. Before Independence, parts of Kerala were in Tamil Nadu. Malayalees never feel they are in a far away place. It (Tamil Nadu) is also their home...", he said.

Achuthanandan said five rooms in the complex would be set apart for Malayalees living in Chennai free of rent for conducting any domestic functions.

The Kerala House hotel complex, owned by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is spread across 55 cents on Greams Road and was constructed at a cost of Rs 23 crore. It has 95 rooms besides an auditorium, conference hall, a restaurant and a health club.

Similar complexes had been inaugurated in Delhi and Mumbai.

Kerala Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Chennai Corporation Mayor M Subramanian and a host of leading industrialists were present at the function.

Kerala and Tamil Nadu are at loggerheads over constructing a new dam in place of the existing over a century old Mullaperiyar dam structure. Kerala is insisting on a new dam which Tamil Nadu feels will harm irrigation prospects in the state.

This is the new five-star hotel by Hotel Raj Park under construction at Guindy.

Total number of floors: Basement + 11 floors.
Promoters: Hotel Raj Park, TTK Road.
Location: Anna Salai, Guindy (Near Toyota showroom and Balaji Hospitals, Kathipara Junction)

http://picoolio.com/photos/large/26007-btfax.jpg

http://picoolio.com/photos/large/26008-rayhn.jpg

Image Courtesy: Hemalatha and Guna.

One more picture of the above hotel taken on 21 February 2011.

http://picoolio.com/photos/large/26009-zz7eb.jpg

Photo Courtesy: Hemalatha and Guna. :)

^^ Pics aren't showing.. :(

^^http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/7216/rajpark321feb2011.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/5736/rajpark121feb2011.jpg

Are you sure whether its 5 star hotel?

Thanks Bono.. :) And thanks for the updates Rasnaboy!

^^http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/7216/rajpark321feb2011.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/5736/rajpark121feb2011.jpg

Are you sure whether its 5 star hotel?

Yes! :) From various sources including their website http://www.rajpark.com/ :cheers:

^^ thanks for the pics rasna boy ... :)
More tall nice looking buildings around Kathipara will give an awesome sight for someone entering the city through Kathipara bridge

True. Kathipara is turning out to be a showpiece. Wish some skyscrapers come there.

True. Kathipara is turning out to be a showpiece. Wish some skyscrapers come there.

But there is a catch in the height of building is around kathipara due to its proximity to runway. Yet medium rises should be fine i suppose.

But there is a catch in the height of building is around kathipara due to its proximity to runway. Yet medium rises should be fine i suppose.

Oh yeah I forget.

But there is a catch in the height of building is around kathipara due to its proximity to runway. Yet medium rises should be fine i suppose.

Ayayo idhu veraya ??? :ohno: which direction from kathipara is exempted from this ??? (Sorry for trouble ... am dumb in these details :lol: )

Ayayo idhu veraya ??? :ohno: which direction from kathipara is exempted from this ??? (Sorry for trouble ... am dumb in these details :lol: )

Even I am not so sure abt technical part. I think height of the buildings in the funnel routes to the airport is more affected(not sure though, can someone throw more light on this?)

This hotel lies directly on approach path.

^^ never mind tall buildings, we need some cool mid-rises like the existing Olympia Tech Park, Thamarai Tech Park and Hilton on all sides. Plus the metro line, and the proposed landscaping once the metro's done, will constitute a classy entry to Chennai city.

Hotel Building by Ambattur Clothing Ltd., - Near Halda Jn.

http://picoolio.com/photos/large/25846-8bcpm.jpg

I can't believe that on a forum as well-informed as SSC, no one still knows what brand of hotel is going to operate here! :cry:

^^ hmm, Ambit??

http://picoolio.com/photos/large/25847-sekmd.jpg

Wow gr8 updates.

Never know these building u/c at Guindy were star hotels. Guindy will be accomodation destination in near future with Grand Chola opening.

Grand Chola is looking huge from sky. Hope i get chance to take picture of it when i travel next time :cheers:

Good that local players are building their own hotels. If they work much harder, they can create their own brands.

I can't believe that on a forum as well-informed as SSC, no one still knows what brand of hotel is going to operate here! :cry:

some us based hotel chain

^^ That was nice and specific! :lol:

(Just kidding btw - no offence meant!)

JYI - http://www.kmsnews.org/news/kashmiris-not-allowed-accommodation-chennai

where is this SRM hotel in Guindy? I cant remember this building location from Halda to Kathipara?

^^ It is adjacent to the turn to Velachery from Guindy, on the erstwhile Tata Concorde showroom premises.

^^ It is adjacent to the turn to Velachery from Guindy, on the erstwhile Tata Concorde showroom premises.
Thanks. Got it... i totally forgot that

@ Greatshankar: Ambit is the newly constructed IT park in Ambattur Industrial Estate (again by Ambattur Clothing Ltd.). This one (that we are discussing here) is the Hotel by the same group. :)

I can't believe that on a forum as well-informed as SSC, no one still knows what brand of hotel is going to operate here! :cry:

I too am wondering about this.:nuts: It appears to be a top secret one. But with leaking hints (perhaps deliberate ones :lol:), I guess it's another Hyatt. I can't find any board on-site detailing the project either. :ohno:

Greatshankar. Nice rendering of SRM Hotel. Thanks. :)

By the way, I don't think SRM hotel is a five star.

Greatshankar. Nice rendering of SRM Hotel. Thanks. :)

By the way, I don't think SRM hotel is a five star.

How many 5 and 4star hotels are coming up in Madras? Is there any stand alone vegetarian Chettinadu restaurant in Madras. If yes guys please post the details. Thanks!!!!!!

There isnt any such restaurant in chennai.

^^ What about the Kaaraikudi restaurant chain ?

I think he meant pure vegetarian chettinad. I cant think of any such restaurant in chennai/anywhere.

yeah, karaikudi is good too, but both nv and veg. What is vegetarian chettinad anyway? havent heard of it, vathal, moru?

^^ It is adjacent to the turn to Velachery from Guindy, on the erstwhile Tata Concorde showroom premises.

Actually the SRM hotel is adjacent to the new Ashok Leyland corporate HQ building..

The one on the erstwhile Concorde showroom premises is the unknown hotel (possibly Hyatt as Rasnaboy said) which we've been discussing above..

:)

Diversified business firm Empee Group today unveiled its first five-star hotel - Hilton Chennai - that would be operated by U.K.-based Hilton Hotels and Resorts.

The 204-room hotel, built on 42 grounds (one ground is approximately 2,400 square feet) of land by Empee group, was the first in the city which would be managed and operated by Hilton, Empee Group Chairman Purushothaman said.

Empee Group has invested Rs. 400 crore in the project in which 150 rooms would be added in the next phase, he told reporters here.

Empee Group Managing Director Nisha Purushothaman said the expansion would be completed in another three years.

It had also taken up a three-star 150-room hotel project at an investment of Rs. 150 crore replacing the “Grand Orient” restaurant on the arterial Anna Salai, she said.

She said the company also planned to foray into real estate business with construction of 1,350 residential apartments in Kuthambakkam on the city outskirts.

“We have good land bank... about 13 acres in Kuthambakkam and another 20 acres in Sriperumbudur…In Bangalore we have about five acres in Whitefield. We are looking for residential properties which will also have a restaurant,” Ms. Purushothaman said.

Hilton Chennai, to be inaugurated on Monday by Indian Overseas Bank Chairman and Managing Director M. Narendra, is the fourth Hilton worldwide property in India.

At present, Hilton has two hotels – one in New Delhi and the other in Mumbai.

Official website.

http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/MAAHIHI-Hilton-Chennai/index.do

Which are the other hotels likely to start operations this year in Madras?

^^ AFAIK - This year - Hilton, Hyatt @ Ramee mall, JW Mariott, Leela Kempensiki... & Next year - ITC Grand Chola - a massive one If you read previous pages in this thread may be you will get a fair idea.

It is Chennai - no more Madras.

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/hiltons-chennai-property-to-open-today/755538/0

Global hotel chain Hilton Worldwide will open its fourth India property in Chennai on Monday. The five-star 204-room Hilton Chennai, owned by Empee Group, which has diversified interests from alcoholic beverages to property development, was built with an initial investment of Rs. 400 crore. Empee Hotels, the hospitality division of Rs. 20 billion Empee Group, has plans to complete its proposed second phase of the hotel, stretching to the adjacent piece of land, in another three years.

Nisha Purushothaman, managing director, Empee Hotels, said, “We will be investing another Rs. 150 crore in the second phase of development which will see an addition 150 rooms. As we own the land it will be much easier to carry out the expansion works.” Positioned as a business hotel, Hilton Chennai is strategically located in Guindy and close to major technology parks. It is also near to popular tourist attractions such as Guindy National Park and Marina Beach. M P Purushothaman, chairman Empee Group said, “The collaboration with Hilton Worldwide will add depth and breadth to our hospitality portfolio. We are confident that through Hilton’s international hotel management expertise and Empee Group’s strong local knowledge and network, Hilton Chennai will be the preferred hotel for local and international business as well as for liesure travellers in India.” Hilton Chennai will be the fourth Hilton property in India, joining Hilton New Delhi, Janakpuri, Hilton Garden Inn, New Delhi, Saket and Hilton Mumbai international airport. Giving details on Empee Hotels' ongoing projects, Nisha said the hospitality company was in the process of building a four-star hotel in the city after demolishing its own property, at an investment of Rs. 150 crore, for which it is scouting for hospitality majors for managing it.The hotel will have a total of 100 rooms.

“We have land banks at locations such as at Kuthambakam and Sriperumbudur, both on the outskirts of Chennai as well as in Coimbatore and Bangalore. We plan to build hotel properties at these sites. Additionally, we will be building residential apartments and will be floating a separate arm for the purpose.” She said the company's planned foray into real estate business will be with the construction of 1,350 residential apartments in Kuthambakkam on the city outskirts.

“We own about 13 acres in Kuthambakkam and another 20 acres in Sriperumbudur. In Bangalore, we have about five acres at Whitefield,” she said.

^^Location of proposed 4 star hotel
http://i.imgur.com/j01I3.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UiNNU.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article1498539.ece?homepage=true

The city is now home to yet another star hotel, with the inauguration of Hilton Chennai on Monday.

Spacious and swanky, the 10-storeyed hotel is located on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Ekkaduthangal.

With over 200 guest rooms and suites, a contemporary café, a restaurant showcasing coastal cuisine, a wine and cheese bar, an all-day restaurant serving global cuisine, a bar, conference halls, and interesting leisure and entertainment options, the hotel promises to add excitement to the city's hospitality canvas.

The interiors have been designed with the aim of evoking a feel of old Madras, both in the restaurants and in the room décor.

Speaking at the launch, M.P. Purushothaman, chairman of the Empee group, said the group made a humble beginning in the early seventies with a small restaurant in Chennai and had, over the years, spread its wings to several businesses, including distillery, brewery, hotels, power and construction. He was happy to see Hilton Chennai, a five star deluxe hotel, he said, adding that it was all set to become another landmark in the city.

Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Overseas Bank M. Narendra, who inaugurated the hotel, congratulated the Empee group on coming up with such a facility.

Managing director and CEO of United Stick Exchange T.S. Narayanaswamy and managing director of Empee Hotels Ltd Nisha Purushothaman were among those present. The hotel, Hilton Worldwide's fourth property in India, will have the advantage of being in close proximity to the airport and IT parks, speakers said.

MUMBAI: Hotel Leelaventure Ltd, which runs five-star hotels, plans to raise about Rs 9.5 billion over the next 28 months by developing residential projects in Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad and selling a property in Chennai, a top official said.

The company will use the proceeds mainly to cut its debt which currently stands at about 38 billion rupees, Vice-Chairman Vivek Nair told Reuters on Tuesday.

He also said the firm has put on hold its plan to sell shares to institutional investors and also to issue foreign currency convertible bonds. He said the company would wait for market conditions to pick up.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/hotel-leela-to-tap-land-bank-raise-rs-95-bn/articleshow/7600897.cms

Apparently they have a land parcel in Chennai near the u/c hotel that they are going to sell for 250 crores within the next 4-5 months

Hopefully, they will remove the tasmac on the next door. last week, one of the kudi magan was relaxing on the plantations in front of the wall. security guys were having tough time with that guy in full day light. :ohno:

http://i.imgur.com/UiNNU.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article1498539.ece?homepage=true

The city is now home to yet another star hotel, with the inauguration of Hilton Chennai on Monday.

And what happened to Trident Hilton. Recently they have changed the name to just Hotel Trident ?

When is Leela Kempinski and JW Marriot opening?

Photo updates of the Leela Palace and JW Marriott...

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4818/photo0148d.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/610/photo0151f.jpg

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/9938/photo0154n.jpg

:cheers:

Nice update!

Both the properties are shaping up really nicely. Both these hotels will add more than 700 rooms. Hilton has another 205 rooms and Grand Dhaksin will add another 600 + rooms. Just these 4 hotels alone will add 1500 rooms to the city.

Hope the room prices will come down in Chennai.

what about hyatt? how many rooms is that?

^^ Hyatt 320+

http://chennai.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/

Is this another star hotel u/c at Guindy?

taken 2days before

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/3791/dsc08128y.jpg

Gigantic Grand chola! We can see panoromic view of this hotel from Guindy ROB

but poor quality pics...

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/2056/dsc08131h.jpg

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/2959/dsc08132t.jpg

Another one U/C between Ashok leyland corporate office and Lemon tree

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/2199/dsc08141v.jpg

Hyatt Chennai...

So only hotel is coming up here? not Ramee mall? but we can see the Ramee mall board still up there


http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/306/dsc08158.jpg

same hotel... few more

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/7324/dsc08156p.jpg

http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/6087/dsc08157n.jpg

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6131/dsc08155f.jpg