TravTalk India Online Magazine
Known for its century-old legacy, Taj Connemara has reopened in Chennai. The property is known for its architectural influences of Classic Colonial, Art Deco and a refreshing interior design.
TT Bureau
After undergoing a year-long renovation and redesign, Taj Connemara reopened in Chennai recently. Over a century old, the hotel is a proud relic of the colonial era, and is named after Lord Connemara, the then Governor of Madras.
Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), said, “Taj Connemara is another jewel in the Taj portfolio of iconic heritage hotels. We are committed to continuing our century-old legacy of restoring historical treasures across the globe for our guests. The newly-renovated hotel draws on its illustrious past while offering patrons a distinctive, modern and individualistic experience.”
Restoration of a design icon
Taj Connemara’s refreshed design has eclectic architectural influences of Classic Colonial, Art Deco and distinctive elements from the celebrated architect, Geoffrey Bawa’s ‘Tropical Modernism’ style, coupled with a refreshing interior design. The hotel’s 147 rooms and suites spread across the Tower and Heritage wings are each appointed with elegant four-poster beds, vintage prints and objects d’art. Sensitive preservation of the Art Deco facade and interiors will showcase the hotel’s original features including wooden carvings sourced from the 16th and 17th century temples of Mahabalipuram. Guests will enjoy 4.5 acres of landscaped greens and enclosed atrium gardens. Ahmar Siddiqui, General Manager, Taj Connemara, Chennai, said, “The hotel is the result of the efforts of a team including master craftsmen and artisans who have tirelessly and lovingly worked on restoring the city’s legendary landmark. I look forward to extending the warm Taj hospitality to our guests.”
Food & Beverage
Restaurants and bars at Taj Connemara shall prove to be attractions for Chennaites and hotel guests alike. Informal and formal dining choices convey a 19th-century club-like feel. The Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge – city’s first licensed bar – reclaims its position as the place to be seen at. Novel culinary experiences showcase nostalgic Anglo-Indian dishes and regional Madras specialties in a relaxed ambience at the all-day-diner Verandah, while the quintessentially Chennai experience Raintree continues to serve authentic Chettinad fare in an alfresco setting.
Taj Restores
- Taj Connemara’s 147 rooms and suites spread across the Tower and Heritage wings are each appointed with four-poster beds and vintage prints
- Wooden carvings are sourced from the temples of Mahabalipuram
