Tirumurthy Nagar Chennai, India
Renovated
2010
Price
$$$
Rated for
Luxe Classic LocalOutside the door
The house
TajDiplomatic grand hotel
This is Chennai's long-standing diplomatic anchor, built for high-level summits and state visits with old-school ceremony.
“Taj Coromandel hotel, my preferred digs whenever I find myself in Chennai.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Hosting corporate summits, state visits, and Chennai family wedding receptions continuously since 1974.
Listed
Southern Spice serves coastal and regional recipes beneath carved temple-inspired columns.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The interiors, on the heels of a major renovation, are very much up to the current Taj standard: a contemporary take of the classic luxe-colonial look, crisp and smart.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Foreign consulates surround the property in Nungambakkam, and the sands of Marina Beach are two miles away.
The rooms
Rooms have plush bedding, executive desks, and spacious marble bathrooms, scaling up to expansive suites with city views.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa and pool
The three-level spa offers Ayurvedic rituals and deep soaking tubs. Outside, palm trees and loungers border the pool.
Restaurant
Southern Spice
Traditional South Indian dishes are served beneath a gilded ceiling dome and intricately carved Kerala wall panels.
At the table
Cocktail bar Chipstead pours single malts behind hanging bead curtains, surrounded by crimson barrel chairs and leather booths.
How it began
Architect I. M. Kadri designed the 1974 building, setting a carving of the mythical Kalpavriksha tree into the marble entrance.
The app
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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.