The Leela Palace

Overlooking the beach, this stately hotel with a Colonial-style exterior is 8 km from the Valluvar Kottam monument and 10 km from Chennai Central railway station.

Featuring hardwood floors and marble bathrooms, the posh rooms offer free Wi-Fi, 102-cm flat-screen TVs and Blu-ray players; most have ocean views. Suites add living rooms, and some include kitchenettes. Room service is available.

Freebies include parking and a breakfast buffet. There are upscale Indian and Italian eateries, plus a lobby bar, a patisserie, and a chic Chinese restaurant serving dim sum brunch. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool, a spa and a gym