Taj Connemara, Chennai

Taj Connemara’s story begins in 1799, when John Binny bought a modest house that once belonged to the Nawab of Arcot. By 1854, T. Somasundara Mudalyar envisioned transforming it into the Imperial Hotel, with guidance from Triplicane Rathinavelu Mudaliar. The property evolved into the Albany in 1886 and was renamed The Connemara in 1890, in honor of Lord Connemara, then Governor of Madras.

The property changed hands again in 1891 when Eugene Oakshott of Spencer’s acquired it along with nine acres of land. In the 1930s, under James Stiven, the hotel embraced Art Deco design and introduced a modern air-cooling system, a rarity at the time. During World War II, it offered a peaceful refuge for soldiers, while Lady Connemara herself would stroll the gardens with her cup of tea.

In 1984, the hotel joined the Taj family, gaining a new lease of life while retaining its colonial charm. The two-year renovation in 2016, led by London-based designer Sue Freeman, carefully blended Classic Colonial with Art Deco, honoring Geoffrey Bawa’s 1974 ‘Tropical Modernism’ touches, and preserving the hotel’s timeless elegance for today’s Chennai.

Dating back to 1854, the Taj Connemara is a proud reminder of the colonial era, named after Lord Connemara, then Governor of Madras. Over time, the hotel’s architecture evolved, most notably under Geoffrey Bawa, who introduced a sweeping grand staircase and two elegant swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor. You can see his style in the Mahabalipuram carvings added to the staircase back in 1974. The lobby sets the mood instantly, sepia-tinted, with dark timber, brass, and stone.

The Taj Connemara, which re-opened in October 2018 after a two-year renovation, redesign, and rebranding, was refreshed by London-based interior designer Sue Freeman, who preserved its Anglo-Indian character while updating its spaces. Today, 147 rooms and suites span the Tower and Heritage wings, styled in powdery blues, sepia, and accents of green and gold. British detailing blends with Indian fabrics. The Colonial Rooms, once bachelor quarters for British officers, now offer serene spaces with timber ceilings, four-poster beds, and private balconies. A vintage piano from 1922, once played in the ballroom, now fills the lobby with music on weekdays.

The hotel also caters thoughtfully to every guest, offering facilities for disabled visitors, wheelchair access, and elevators for ease of movement. Other conveniences include a gift and souvenir shop, a library, and a salon, making your stay comfortable and complete.

The Lady Connemara Bar and Lounge

Step into a slice of Old Madras, where The Connemara once pulsed with the city’s cosmopolitan nightlife. Today, it’s a place to settle into a window-side booth for a leisurely afternoon tea, or linger over vintage cocktails and premium hand-rolled cigars in the bar, evoking a sense of nostalgia and old-world charm.

Opening hours: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Cuisine: Finger food
Dress code: Smart casual

Raintree

For a taste of Tamil Nadu’s Chettinad heritage, Raintree offers an alfresco fine-dining experience amidst lush gardens. Aromatic spices, sun-dried meats, and locally sourced vegetables create rich flavours. It is widely regarded as one of Chennai’s finest South Indian restaurants.

Opening hours: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Cuisine: Chettinad fine dining
Dress code: Smart casual

The Verandah

The Verandah is a chic, serene retreat in the heart of the hotel. Over the years, it has catered to global travellers with an eclectic menu of international dishes, lavish buffets, quintessential English tea, and alfresco dining under the Chennai sun.

Breakfast: 7:00 am – 10:30 am | Lunch: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Dinner: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Cuisine: Multi-cuisine
Dress code: Smart casual

Added comforts like BBQ facilities, a coffee shop, and kids’ meals on request ensure that every dining moment feels easy.

Planning a wedding in Chennai comes alive at Taj Connemara. From Haldi and Mehendi to Sangeet and grand receptions, every celebration is steeped in tradition, love, and togetherness. Capture the magic in beautiful photoshoots, and unwind afterwards with bespoke honeymoon packages designed for privacy and luxury.

The Arcot Room
Venue type and style: An intimate banquet hall with elegant marble floors, the Arcot Room exudes refined charm. Perfect for small wedding ceremonies or pre-wedding celebrations, it offers a serene, heritage-inspired setting.

Capacity: Up to 40 guests

The Wallajah Room
Venue type and style: Inspired by the Nawab of Wallajah, this spacious hall is ideal for lively wedding events, mehendis, or sangeet celebrations.

Capacity: Up to 80 guests

The Binny Room
Venue type and style: Steeped in history, the Binny Room combines vintage charm with modern amenities. Perfect for intimate wedding receptions or exclusive gatherings, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Capacity: Up to 120 guests

The Ballroom
Venue type and style: Taj Connemara’s grandest wedding venue, the Ballroom, exudes elegance and sophistication. With indoor-outdoor flexibility and pre-function areas, it is ideal for lavish wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Capacity: Up to 450 seated guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

For those who like to stay active, the hotel offers a gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and nearby hiking trails for a refreshing escape, while the nightclub provides evening entertainment. The hotel is also a great base for exploring Chennai’s rich culture and heritage. A short drive takes you to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a 7th-century Dravidian marvel, where evening aarti ceremonies provide an immersive spiritual experience.

Art and history enthusiasts will appreciate DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum, a living-history village showcasing South Indian architecture, arts, and traditional lifestyles through interactive workshops and local bazaars. Families and nature lovers can visit Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of Southeast Asia’s largest zoos, with safari rides, butterfly parks, and educational programs that make for a memorable day out.

In addition to its array of experiences, wellness is a focus at Taj Connemara. The J Wellness Circle blends ancient Indian traditions and the five sacred elements to refresh mind, body, and soul. Inspired by Ayurveda and royal rituals, the spa offers therapies like Svastha Pain Relief, Nidra Sleep, Shodhana Detox, and Trupti Contentment, alongside beauty and body treatments such as Ānana Lepā facials, Narikelā scrubs, and Prithvi Mrīt wraps.

Couples can indulge in romantic experiences like Somā Nectar of the Gods, while solo guests enjoy extended treatments like Sukha Bliss. Facilities include single and couple treatment rooms, manicure and Pedi-spa stations, a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and yoga and meditation areas.

Other Celebrations

For those celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary, proposal, or intimate milestone, Taj Connemara offers several secluded alcoves perfect for a romantic dinner. Share your preferences with the concierge, and they’ll help craft a setting that’s just right for you.