Chennai, India
Taj Connemara, Chennai
Colonial heritage landmark
Chennai, India
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Classic DesignOutside the door
The house
TajColonial heritage landmark
Chennai's oldest grand hotel still functions as a classic social salon, where locals gather over afternoon high tea and heritage cocktails.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Operating since 1854 as Chennai's oldest hotel inside a Grade I colonial landmark.
Remarkable
Hosting Madras society and state banquets continuously across more than a century.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Here the look is beautifully authentic, even ornate, retaining just enough of its regal past to cast a distinguished light on its contemporary luxury style.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet Binny Road sits just off bustling Anna Salai, putting Spencer Plaza and central commercial avenues a short walk away.
The rooms
Rooms keep their ornate period character and generous proportions, refreshed with understated contemporary furniture.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Geoffrey Bawa designed the courtyard swimming pool in the 1970s, setting it beside landscaped gardens and a pillared pavilion.
The spa and gym
Treatment rooms host Ayurvedic therapies and Indian wellness rituals, alongside a steam room and a 24-hour fitness center.
Restaurant
Raintree
Outdoor tables sit beneath raintrees and red-tiled pavilions, serving traditional Chettinad dishes of Tamil Nadu.
At the table
The Verandah prepares Anglo-Indian and Nawabi recipes beside the pool, and Madras's first licensed bar mixes house signature drinks.
How it began
John Binny bought the original garden house here from the Nawab of Arcot in 1799, decades before it welcomed hotel guests.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.