Itc Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers

ITC Sheraton Park Hotel Chennai: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The ITC Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers, a cornerstone of Chennai’s hospitality landscape, has served as a symbol of luxury, cultural heritage, and modern comfort for decades. Established in the mid-1970s as part of ITC Limited’s expansion, the hotel evolved from Welcomhotel Chennai on Cathedral Road to the iconic Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers, and finally the Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park. Its architectural design harmonized international elegance with traditional South Indian motifs, while its historical site—once home to Kasturi Ranga Iyengar and frequented by Mahatma Gandhi—became woven into the cultural fabric of Chennai.

Although the original hotel closed in December 2023 for redevelopment, its legacy endures. The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Dakshin, set a national benchmark for South Indian fine dining, while its event spaces and lounges hosted a spectrum of cultural and social events that shaped Chennai’s urban identity. This guide presents a comprehensive overview of the hotel’s origins, architecture, visitor information, amenities, cultural programs, and enduring influence on the city’s hospitality scene.

For official updates and further details, visit the Welcomhotel Chennai official website and the ITC Hotels portal.

Origins and Early Development
Architectural Significance and Features
Brand Evolution and Rebranding
Visitor Information: Visiting Hours, Reservations, and Access
Accessibility and Nearby Attractions
Cultural and Social Impact
Modernization and Recent Developments
FAQs
Legacy in Chennai’s Hospitality Scene
Architectural and Design Highlights
Culinary Experiences and Gastronomy
Cultural Programming and Wellness
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Visitor Tips
Summary and Further Resources

Origins and Early Development

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Chennai—formerly ITC Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers—was launched on 18 October 1975, marking ITC Limited’s foray into hospitality (ITC Hotels). The hotel stands on the historic grounds of Tilak Bhavan, a site with deep roots in India’s freedom movement. Mahatma Gandhi’s 1919 stay here was pivotal in the development of the Satyagraha movement (Chennai Historical Sites). A commemorative pillar at the hotel entrance honors this legacy.

Architectural Significance and Features

The hotel’s architecture embodied 1970s India’s aspirations, blending contemporary international design with indigenous motifs. The property originally consisted of two distinct wings: the Park Wing (renovated in 2006) and the Tower Wing. The Park Wing offered a sleek, modern ambiance, while the Tower Wing featured ornate, spacious rooms. Both wings were equipped with advanced amenities and the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Beds (Business Traveller).

Brand Evolution and Rebranding

ITC’s partnership with Sheraton Hotels in 1978 led to the property’s rebranding as Chola Sheraton in 1980. Over the years, the hotel underwent several name changes—including Welcomgroup Chola Sheraton, My Fortune Chennai, and WelcomHotel Chennai—reflecting both industry trends and evolving traveler expectations (Official ITC Hotels).

Visitor Information: Visiting Hours, Reservations, and Access

Visiting Hours: The hotel formerly operated 24/7 for guests. Restaurant hours, such as for Dakshin, were typically 12:30 PM–3:00 PM (lunch) and 7:00 PM–11:00 PM (dinner), subject to change. Always consult the official website for the latest information.

Tickets and Reservations: No entry tickets are required. Reservations are essential for stays, dining, and event spaces. Book via the official ITC Hotels website or authorized travel platforms.

Contact Details:

Phone: +91-44-2814 1234
Email: [email protected]

Accessibility and Nearby Attractions

Strategically located in the Boat Club and Alwarpet neighborhoods, the hotel provided easy access to:

US Consulate Chennai
Cosmopolitan Golf Club
Santhome Beach
Marina Beach
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Chennai Central Railway Station (~6 km)

The hotel offered wheelchair accessibility, shuttle services, and was well connected by public transport.

The Sheraton Park integrated Indian hospitality rituals—such as welcoming guests with garlands and vermillion—into its service culture (Business Traveller). Its flagship restaurant, Dakshin, became a trendsetter for South Indian fine dining, influencing culinary standards nationwide.

Modernization and Recent Developments

The hotel underwent major renovations in 2006 and planned further upgrades before its closure in March 2023 (ITC Hotels News). Modern amenities included high-speed Wi-Fi, a business center, fitness facilities, a swimming pool, and a grooming salon.

FAQs

Q: What are the visiting hours of Welcomhotel Chennai?
A: Open 24/7 for guests. Restaurant and event hours vary.

Q: Are tickets required for entry?
A: No entry tickets are needed, but reservations are recommended for dining and events.

Q: Is the hotel accessible for differently-abled guests?
A: Yes, with accessible rooms and facilities.

Q: What nearby attractions are recommended?
A: Santhome Beach, the US Consulate, Marina Beach, and historic temples.

Legacy in Chennai’s Hospitality Scene

Evolution of a Landmark

Opening as Holiday Inn Adayar Gate in 1981, the hotel was Chennai’s first five-star property, setting new standards for luxury. The site, once the gardens of colonial-era figures, became central to Chennai’s urban and hospitality development (The story of Adayar Gate).

Ownership and Brand Journey

Financial restructuring in the 1980s brought the Goyal family and ITC Welcomgroup into the picture, followed by Sheraton’s management and eventual rebranding as Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park (Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park - Wikipedia).

Architectural Distinction

The complex featured a main building, tower, and service block, with 283 rooms and renowned venues such as:

Dakshin: South Indian fine dining (Dakshin at ITC)
The Residency: All-day international cuisine
Cappuccino: 24-hour coffee shop
Westminster Bar: English pub
Gatsby2000: Discotheque and nightlife hub

The hotel was a nucleus for business conferences, celebrity events, and diplomatic gatherings. Its restaurants and nightlife venues set trends for Chennai’s hospitality and entertainment sectors (Best Luxury Hotels in Chennai).

Responsible Luxury and Industry Benchmark

As part of ITC Hotels’ “Responsible Luxury” program, the hotel championed sustainability and local engagement (ITC Hotels).

Architectural and Design Highlights

Blending contemporary luxury with South Indian influences, the hotel’s architecture featured expansive marble lobbies, traditional woodwork, curated art, and serene gardens. Granite and teak were used throughout, celebrating Tamil Nadu’s craftsmanship (ITC Hotels Official).

Culinary Experiences and Gastronomy

Dakshin

Hours: Breakfast 7:30–11:30 AM, Lunch 12:30–3:00 PM, Dinner 7:00–11:30 PM
Cuisine: Authentic South Indian from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka
Ambience: Live Carnatic music, temple-inspired décor (Dakshin at ITC)

The Residency

Hours: 6:30 AM–11:30 PM
Cuisine: International and Indian, lavish buffets

Westminster Bar

Hours: 12:00 PM–12:00 AM
Offerings: Classic cocktails, spirits, and light fare

The hotel emphasized sustainability and local sourcing in its culinary operations.

Cultural Programming and Wellness

Cultural Events: Art exhibitions, Carnatic music recitals, and dance performances during major festivals
Kaya Kalp Spa: Ayurvedic treatments, aromatherapy (9:00 AM–9:00 PM)
Fitness Center: 24/7 access
Swimming Pool: 7:00 AM–9:00 PM
Yoga Sessions: By appointment with certified instructors

Sustainability and Community Engagement

The property achieved LEED Platinum certification, incorporating energy-efficient systems, water conservation, and eco-friendly amenities. Partnerships with local NGOs and curated city experiences showcased Chennai’s heritage (ITC Responsible Luxury).

Visitor Tips

Dress: Smart casual; traditional attire encouraged during festivals
Dining: Eating with hands is customary at Dakshin; assistance provided for unaccustomed guests
Festivals: Check event calendar for cultural programs
Tours: Use concierge to arrange local heritage walks and excursions
Etiquette: Remove shoes at temples, dress modestly, seek permission for photographs

Summary and Further Resources

The ITC Sheraton Park Hotel & Towers was more than a luxury hotel—it was a cultural icon and a benchmark for Chennai’s hospitality industry. Though now closed and under redevelopment, its influence is evident in the city’s current hotel standards, dining culture, and community engagement. Visitors to Chennai can continue to experience its legacy at heritage properties like The Connemara, Taj Coromandel, or Dakshin restaurants in other cities.

For travel inspiration, bookings, and detailed guides, refer to: