CHENNAI: Taj Connemara Hotel — one of the iconic landmarks in the city — reopened on Saturday amid cheer and loud applause, after a year-long renovation. A legacy of the colonial era, the hotel was named after Lord Connemara, the then Governor of Madras. Much to the delight and relief of its patrons, the hotel’s old world charm and illustrious past has been retained.
The hotel’s reopening was a magnificent event where the grand staircase that leads to the lobby was used as a ramp for a fashion show. The guests were then ushered to the poolside where a light and sound show was organised for visitors to understand the history of the city’s evolution as well as that of the hotel. “Taj is built on nostalgia,” said chef Sanjeev Kapoor. “When I walked in, I instantly felt like I had been transported to another era. It feels regal, royal and reminds one of the bygone colonial era. Taj breathes hospitality.”
As the day of reopening also marked the International Chef Day, the hotel recognised the work of Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Chef Arun Sundararaj, Chef Sujan Mukherjee and Chef K Natarajan.
“I spent my fifth birthday here,” pianist Anil Srinivasan recollected. “I always looked forward to The Raintree restaurant’s food. The hotel holds a special place in my heart because it was the last hotel that my father visited when he was alive.”
While the Raintree restaurant was a favourite among most of the guests, others spoke of the plush interiors that added charm to the hotel. “There were a few hotels that personified heritage. Taj Connemara was one of them,” said Rachna Kumar, a FICCI FLO member. “The staircase was my favourite part of the hotel. It had a stunning chariot at the top of the flight of stairs, and I would stand for hours and look at it in awe. I’m so happy that it is back with a bang because it always had the best of everything.”
The hotel’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 timeless refreshing interior design.
The hotel’s 147 rooms and suites are spread across the Tower and Heritage wings. The sensitive preservation of the Art Deco façade and interiors showcases the hotel’s original features including wooden carvings sourced from the 16th- and 17th-Century temples of Mahabalipuram. Ahmar Siddiqui, general manager, Taj Connemara said that the entire process took 22 months.
“Taj Connemara, Chennai’s Grande Dame, 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 to create a world-class hotel. The idea was to ensure that the spirit and character of the hotel is retained while adding modern comforts and elegant charm.” Present at the event was the Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, who said that it felt like a ‘homecoming’ for him as the property that the hotel is built on was originally a house bought by John Binny from The Nawab of Arcot in 1799.
Blast from the past
● The Connemara was famous for what many called Butler or Raj cuisine — South Indian cuisine with a flavour of the West.
● The hotel accommodation was divided between ‘Family Quarters’ and ‘Bachelor’s Quarters.’
● The convention of the time was to have your own private attendant. No matter how long you’ve been away, his business was to recognise, greet and welcome
you back.
● The Connemara preserves the wooden carvings from the 16th- and 17th-Century temples of Mahabalipuram.
● The lovely voice of Betty Lawrenson, along with the music of The Connemara band would resonate through the walls of the Ball Room every Saturday in 1958.
● The Wednesday Club has been meeting at The Taj Connemara since 1975. They take the same table at the ‘Verandah’ every week and always have a lunch buffet.