Inspired by the palaces of the ancient Chola dynasty, India’s third-largest hotel offers some impressive numbers: 12,000 square meters of Italian marble, 27,000 square meters of luxury retail space, 600 rooms and serviced apartments, 10 food and beverage outlets, and the 2,137-square-meter Kaya Kalp, one of the country’s biggest spas. Even with all that cool marble, the property remains inviting with rich, dark earth-tone upholstery and fabrics and classically designed furniture and chandeliers. It also has solid environmental credentials, being the world’s largest LEED Platinum certified hotel.

63 Mount Rd., 91-44/2220-0000; ITC Grand Chola website; doubles from US$172

See more from The Luxe List 2013