Established in 1975, a landmark property on Cathedral Road, Chennai, Welcomehotel by ITC Hotels is known to be the first property of the luxury hospitality chain. Closed for almost seven months, Welcomhotel has reopened with a new and revamped look. The premium hotel is known to enhance Chennai’s tourism and business environment with its renowned hospitality services. The revamp of the hotel is intricately done with contemporary designs inspired by the vibrant South Indian culture. The art and architecture of the hotel aesthetics have a touch of Chennai’s local flavour. Welcomhotel, Chennai draws inspiration from a rich legacy, and cultural icons and is a preferred choice for consul generals and members of the Indian Armed Forces.

The all-day dining restaurant called the WelcomeCafe Marina is named after Marina Beach. Just not the name, the decor is also inspired by the waterbody and decorated with shades of blue, copper and white denoting the sand and waves of the sea. The 93-seater restaurant also has a private dining space called the Mylapore Room. Focusing on the taste of Chennai, the restaurant serves culinary creations where global flavours meet the local treasures

With 90 well-appointed rooms, including executive suites, club rooms and superior rooms, the hotel aims to provide a comfortable and elegant stay. The sincere focus on flawless service and the warmth of Indian hospitality adds to the overall experience. Coming to the F&B section, Welcomhotel features ITC’s best brands like the Sunbeam Cafe, Durrant’s Bar, Mahjong Room and the newly introduced WelcomCafe Marina for you to experience the best culinary experience. The hotel also has two banquets. Mandapam, which can hold 375 guests, and a theatre seating, has hosted the Indian cricket team and various political icons. The rooftop banquet, Saagri, which was screen legend Rajinikanth’s go-to-go place, accomodates 70-80 guests. K by Kaya Kalp is a rejuvenating indigenous spa centre with holistic and comforting treatment rooms.

The refurbished lobby captures the local essence of Chennai. The use of brown, white and black on the floor represents the waves of Marina Beach, while the steel backdrop of the reception counter has illustrations of kolam, a form of traditional decorative art that is done in households and temples in Chennai during Pongal. The deity of Nataraj in the corner is considered to be lucky for the hotel and has been in the same spot since the beginning. The diety was not removed from its designated place even during the refurbishments

Welcomhotel Chennai exemplifies ITC Hotel’s commitment to ‘Responsible Luxury’ with LEED Platinum and LEED Zero Carbon certifications, showcasing dedication to sustainability, renewable energy, water conservation, and ecosystem preservation.

Strategically located at No.2 Cathedral Road, the renovated hotel stands as a symbol of a new era in hospitality, where tradition meets modernity. t2 had an opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of Welcomhotel Chennai.

The Sunbeam Cafe is located at the beautiful poolside and garden of the hotel. The cafe is adorned with shades of orange and beige complimented with wooden furniture and checkered flooring, defining the hotel’s old-world charm. The cafe also has a distinctive coffee wall mural which tells the story of coffee in South India, making it the perfect Instagram-worthy spot. Sunbeam Cafe serves ITC’s signature coffee blends — Nacamalai and Panagiri — along with freshly brewed kaapi (filter coffee), a wide array of beverages, sandwiches, puffs and more.

Culinary Delights

‘Taste of Madras’ is an interesting section on the menu at WelcomCafe Marina which serves familiar comfort flavours of the city in a fun, creative and quirky avatar. Think Rasam Ramen, Panniyaram Takoyaki, ThattauIdli, Kottu Paratha and Madras Mezze Platter, amongst many other dishes. At Cafe Marina, South Indian cuisine is redefined.

Zubin Songadwala, vice president of ITC Hotels (South and East), said, “The new avatar of this property epitomises the esteemed standards synonymous with ITC Hotels in delivering unmatched quality and enriching guest experiences. Welcomhotel Chennai endeavours to uphold the legacy of being the chain’s first property. We are grateful to the people of Chennai for their patronage and shall continue to create experiences as a reminder of everything that this city represents.”

Places to Visit

While the city is filled with traditional South Indian temples, Chennai is also the home of the country’s oldest churches among which is the St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica on Santhome High Road with a neo-Gothic architecture.

A shopaholic for saris? T Nagar is the perfect place for the sari connoisseur in you as you will find several stores featuring a wide variety of South silks, cottons and more.