Connemara, Chennai
Colonial-meets-Art Deco heritage — sepia photographs, dark wood, lofty ceilings, and a turquoise outdoor pool framed by white walls. Formal but warm. The kind of place where afternoon tea on the verandah feels entirely appropriate.
Book a Colonial Room with Private Sit-Out — four-poster bed, Victorian floor tiles, private veranda, and pool access for certain rooms. Arguably the most atmospheric category.
Why It Matters
Quite probably Chennai's oldest luxury hotel — origins trace to 1799, formally a hotel since 1854. Underwent work by Sri Lankan modernist architect Geoffrey Bawa at one point. Fully renovated in 2018. A landmark where old-money Chennai has always come to see and be seen.
The oldest luxury hotel in Chennai, with roots going back to 1799 when the land passed from the Nawab of Arcot to a man named John Binny. It formally opened as the Imperial Hotel in 1854, was renamed Connemara after the then-Governor of Madras, and today flies the Taj Hotels flag. Its most recent two-year renovation wrapped in 2018, threading Art Deco styling through a building that already had a hand-carved grand staircase, Victorian floor tiles, and antique ceiling fans. The result is 134 rooms and 13 suites that genuinely feel like they have a past.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
Colonial Room with Private Sit-Out
Hardwood rafters, Victorian floor tiles, antique ceiling fans, and a four-poster bed — this is the most atmospheric room category in the hotel. The private sit-out is the kicker. Pool access available for select units. One-way airport transfer and late checkout (4pm) included.
King · 64 sqm
Colonial Suite
At 116 sqm, this is serious space. Polished timber, abundant natural light, vintage furnishings. Complimentary cocktail hour at The Lady Connemara Bar, city and garden views, two-way airport transfers. For those who want the full colonial manor experience without going all the way to the top.
King · 116 sqmExecutive Suite
Sand-hued interiors, separate living area with private bar, and exclusive residents lounge access on each floor. Two-way airport transfers and cocktail hour at The Lady Connemara Bar are part of the package. Practical for business travelers who need a place to meet.
King · 53 sqmHeritage King Panoramic Pool View Room
Indian aesthetics blended with British flair, looking out over the Art Deco pool. Four-poster bed, luxurious bathtub, and direct access to the hotel's gym and spa. The pool view is the obvious draw here.
King · 35 sqm
Heritage Room
Dark wood paneling, towering ceilings, expansive windows, and refined pastels. Two-poster beds in select units. Feels genuinely colonial rather than just themed. Bathtub and shower cubicle both present, plus Forest Essentials bath amenities.
King · 32 sqmHeritage Room with Twin Bed
Same colonial DNA as the king — antiques, dark tones, light accents — but configured for two beds. A solid option for friends or colleagues sharing. Oversized couch adds to the comfort.
Twin · 32 sqmHeritage Suite
Lustrous wooden floors and pastel palette in a vintage suite that's been carefully renovated to weave in modern comforts. City and garden views. Two-way airport transfers and cocktail hours at The Lady Connemara Bar included.
King · 64 sqmLuxury Grande with King Bed
Sits in the Tower Wing, which has its own exclusive lounge, atrium garden, and personalized check-in. Walk-in wardrobe, rain shower, 49-inch TV. Good for families or extended stays. Tower Wing views are a plus.
King · 42 sqmLuxury Room
More contemporary than the Heritage rooms — natural light, modern furnishings, rain shower instead of a bathtub. A 49-inch LCD TV upgrades this category over Heritage. Good option if you want modern comfort in a heritage building.
King · 35 sqmLuxury Room with Twin Bed
The twin-bed version of the contemporary Luxury category. Soothing color palette, lots of natural light. Forest Essentials bath products, 100% cotton robes, and pillow menu.
Twin · 35 sqmThe Connemara Suite
The top of the house at 180 sqm — chandeliers, a dedicated entertaining space, and panoramic views over Chennai and the gardens. Chef-curated afternoon tea served on the verandah. Two-way airport transfers, late checkout to 4pm. Up to 4 guests. The chandelier alone makes an impression.
King · 180 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A guided walk uncovering centuries of history tied to the hotel itself — from its origins as the House on Choultry Plain, through the Nawab of Arcot, Binny & Co., and its life as the Imperial Hotel. One of the most interesting historical encounters in Chennai for guests who care about context.
A curated tour of landmark Indian and British colonial-era buildings in central Chennai, with stories of the ambitions and struggles of the people who shaped the city. Half-day and full-day options available through concierge.
A proper British-tradition afternoon tea service with scones, finger sandwiches, pastries, and handcrafted chutneys, presented on authentic trolleys and trays at The Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge.
A curated menu of vintage cocktails evoking the era when The Connemara was the epicentre of Madras nightlife. Hand-rolled cigars available. Cocktail hour is also complimentary for suite guests.
Yoga and meditation sessions available through the J Wellness Circle spa program.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Multiple event venues including a Ballroom, Clive Hall, and Boardroom for meetings and social gatherings.
Basic Wi-Fi is included for all guests. Premium Wi-Fi available at a nominal charge.
A turquoise pool framed by brilliant Art Deco white walls and flowering tropical trees. Cream canvas umbrellas poolside. One of the nicest hotel pools in central Chennai.
State-of-the-art fitness facility open round the clock. Good for early morning workouts before the city heats up.
Verdant gardens and courtyards throughout the property — ideal for a stroll or quiet moment. The Raintree restaurant is set within the garden.
Airport pickup and drop-off service available on request (book at least 24 hours prior). Included complimentary for certain suite categories.
Complimentary valet parking available at the hotel.
Pre-therapy steam ritual available as part of spa treatments; also available to guests.
BUILD YOUR TAJ CONNEMARA, CHENNAI PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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