Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, ECR (Vadanemmeli, near Mahabalipuram)
Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa is a 5-star Marriott beach resort on the East Coast Road near Mahabalipuram, with 129 sea-facing rooms, an infinity pool and the Shine Spa, around 40 km from Chennai International Airport.
Live rates and availability confirmed at booking. All prices indicative — updated June 2026.
Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa — quick facts
- Category: 5-Star hotel
- Price: Typically ₹10,000–16,000/night
- Check-in / out: 15:00 / 12:00
- Rooms: 129
- Distance to MAA airport: 40 km (~70 min by car)
Overview & History
The Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa is a beachfront resort on the East Coast Road, set along the Bay of Bengal at Vadanemmeli on the route to Mahabalipuram. Part of Marriott's Sheraton Grand collection, it trades the city-hotel format for resort grounds, sea-facing rooms and a stretch of coast, positioning itself as a leisure and weekend escape from Chennai rather than a downtown business address. The resort's appeal rests on its setting: open skies, the sound of the surf and a layout that draws guests outdoors to the pool, the lawns and the beach.
The resort sits adjacent to the Madras Crocodile Bank and within easy reach of the heritage monuments of Mahabalipuram, which makes it a natural base for travellers combining beach time with sightseeing along the ECR corridor. For many guests from Chennai and beyond, it functions as a short-break destination in its own right, a place to spend two or three nights without a long journey from the city.
Location & Getting There
The resort is on the ECR near Vadanemmeli, roughly 40 km from Chennai International Airport, usually around a 70-minute drive depending on traffic and conditions on the coastal road. Chennai has no metro line serving this stretch of coast, so access is by road, whether by private car, taxi or the resort's own transfers. The drive down the ECR, past Muttukadu and the artists' village at Dakshina Chitra, is part of the appeal, shifting from city traffic to coastal scenery within the hour.
Mahabalipuram, with its UNESCO-listed Shore Temple and rock-cut monuments, is around 12 km further south, making the resort a comfortable stopping point for visitors touring the coast towards Pondicherry. Closer at hand, the Madras Crocodile Bank sits practically next door, and the backwaters at Muttukadu, with their boating and watersports, are a short drive north.
Rooms & Suites
The resort has 129 rooms and suites, most with a private balcony and ocean views. Rooms feature the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience bed and glass-walled bathrooms, with categories ranging from Deluxe rooms through Club rooms with lounge access to suites. The emphasis throughout is on the sea-facing setting, with balconies oriented towards the Bay of Bengal so that the view and the breeze become part of the stay. The resort offers a wide spread of room configurations to suit couples, families and groups travelling together.
Dining
Dining leans into the coastal location. The Reef is the all-day multi-cuisine restaurant, while C Salt specialises in fresh-caught seafood, grills and the coastal cuisine of southern India. The seafood focus suits the beachfront setting, and the resort's outlets together cover relaxed breakfasts, leisurely lunches and dinners by the water. Eating with a view of the sea is a large part of the experience, and the kitchens make the most of the regional catch.
Amenities & Facilities
Leisure facilities include an infinity swimming pool overlooking the sea, the Shine Spa for Sheraton, and a fitness centre. The beachfront, open lawns and water-facing spaces support a resort-style stay, with free Wi-Fi, on-site parking and event areas rounding out the offering. The spa and the infinity pool are central to the wellness-oriented positioning, giving guests reasons to slow down and stay on the property rather than venture out, while families find plenty of space to spread out across the grounds.
Meetings, Weddings & Events
With lawns, banquet space and a dramatic coastal backdrop, the resort is a popular choice for destination weddings and celebrations near Chennai. The sea-facing event areas and resort grounds also lend themselves to corporate offsites and incentive programmes looking for a setting away from the city. A wedding or conference here trades the convenience of a downtown hotel for the atmosphere of the coast, which is exactly what many organisers are looking for.
The Neighbourhood
The East Coast Road is Chennai's leisure belt, threading south along the coast through Muttukadu, Kovalam and on to Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry. The immediate surroundings are a mix of beach, backwater and heritage attractions, including the Madras Crocodile Bank next door and the Dakshina Chitra living-history museum a short drive north. It is a quieter, greener environment than central Chennai, oriented towards weekend getaways, watersports and day trips to the ancient monuments further down the coast.
Who It's Best For
The resort is best suited to leisure travellers wanting a beach break near Chennai, couples and families touring the ECR and Mahabalipuram, and anyone planning a destination wedding or a wellness-focused stay. Business travellers needing to be in the city or close to the airport will find the 40 km distance a drawback, but for a coastal escape, a celebration or a few days of rest by the sea, the location is the whole point.
Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa — room types
| Room | What you get |
| Deluxe Room | Rooms with a private balcony and ocean or garden views, featuring the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience bed. |
| Club Room | Upgraded rooms with Sheraton Club lounge access and added privileges. |
| Suite | Larger accommodation with a separate living area and sea-facing balconies. |
Dining at Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa
| Outlet | Cuisine / type |
| The Reef | All-day multi-cuisine dining |
| C Salt | Seafood and coastal South Indian cuisine |
What's near Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa
| Landmark | Distance | Approx. on foot |
| Madras Crocodile Bank | 1 km | ~12 min walk |
| Mahabalipuram (Shore Temple and monuments) | 12 km | short taxi/auto |
| Dakshina Chitra heritage museum | 10 km | short taxi/auto |
| Muttukadu boat house | 15 km | short taxi/auto |
| VGP Universal Kingdom | 25 km | short taxi/auto |
Distances are straight-line estimates; walking times assume roughly 12 minutes per km. Confirm routes locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the resort from Chennai airport?
Chennai International Airport is around 40 km away, generally about a 70-minute drive along the East Coast Road.
Is the resort on the beach?
Yes. It is a beachfront resort on the Bay of Bengal, with most rooms offering private balconies and ocean views.
How close is Mahabalipuram?
The UNESCO-listed monuments of Mahabalipuram, including the Shore Temple, are around 12 km south of the resort.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Standard check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 12:00, with early or late options subject to availability.
Does the resort have a spa and pool?
Yes. There is an infinity swimming pool overlooking the sea and the Shine Spa for Sheraton, alongside a fitness centre.
Is the resort suitable for weddings?
Yes. Its lawns, banquet spaces and coastal setting make it a popular venue for destination weddings and celebrations.