Chettinad seafront palace
Lively post-work drinks settle into unhurried coastal evenings, balancing executive energy with clubby warmth and sea breezes.
“The dominant aesthetic, whether in the rooms or in public areas, is what can only be described as India contemporary.”
Where it shines
Notable
Chettinad-style stone pillars and Rajasthani gold leaf work frame vaulted, chandelier-lit corridors.
Notable
Dedicated suite butlers offer astute city recommendations and seamless round-the-clock attention.
Notable
Live Carnatic musicians perform daily evening ragas beside the central courtyard fountains.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Wallpaper*.
the standard Asian mega-chain opulence is tempered by a very welcome clubby vibe.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Set along the MRC Nagar seafront where the Adyar River meets the bay, minutes from the mangrove trails of Adyar Eco Park.
The rooms
Spacious quarters feature walk-in dressing areas and deep soaking tubs, with more than half gazing out across the Bay of Bengal.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor mosaic pool sits among coastal gardens, surrounded by loungers and stone pavilions facing the sea.
The spa
Twelve treatment rooms and private garden suites offer ESPA therapies alongside quiet tea lounges and sleep pods.
Thermal suites and gym
Separate thermal suites house circular oakwood saunas and hydrotherapy vitality pools, alongside a gym fitted with Technogym equipment.
Bar
Library Blu
Deep cobalt lighting fills this cocktail lounge, where bartenders pour single malts and shaken drinks beside book-lined archways.
The only Chennai city hotel with sea views, the Leela Palace Chennai - the eighth Leela property in India - is set in five acres…
At the table
Dining spans royal regional curries at Jamavar, Cantonese dim sum at China XO, and Spectra's seven open kitchens.
How it began
Founder Captain CP Krishnan Nair conceived this seaside landmark in 2013 to honor the palatial architecture of Tamil Nadu's Chettinad dynasty.
Good to know
Stay here
The Leela Palace Chennai
See rooms and prices on Expedia or Booking.com.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
We may earn a commission when you book through Expedia or Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.