TAJ CONNEMARA, CHENNAI, Chennai – A Smart Stay in the City
About the Hotel
Historic Heritage Hotel
Vivanta by Taj Connemara, Chennai, built in 1854 as the Imperial Hotel, is the city's only heritage hotel. Renamed Albany in 1886 and later The Connemara in 1890, it honors Robert Bourke, Baron of Connemara, who contributed to Madras' development. The hotel features original colonial architecture and is located in Chennai's commercial district, 200 meters from Spencer Plaza Mall.
Rooms with Modern Comforts
All guestrooms include air conditioning, free WiFi, safes, and pillow menus. Some units have seating areas, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee makers. Private bathrooms feature deep soaking bathtubs and complimentary toiletries. Certain rooms offer views of the garden, city, or outdoor pool.
Dining & Leisure Options
Verandah serves Anglo-Indian, Italian, Indian, and South Indian cuisine with pool views. Raintree Restaurant specializes in Chettinad cuisine. The Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge offers afternoon tea and daily happy hours. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, and access to a nearby fitness center. Jiva Spa provides signature wellness treatments.
Central Location & Transport
The hotel is 0.5 km from LIC, 3 km from Egmore, and 14 km from Chennai International Airport. Nearby landmarks include Express Avenue Mall (0.5 km), Marina Beach (2.5 km), and Connemara Public Library (1.5 km). Public taxis are available, and hotel cars can be arranged by the concierge.
Services & Safety Features
The 24-hour front desk provides area advice. Event facilities include conference space and meeting rooms. Safety features include carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and a security system. Additional amenities include a hair salon, complimentary Wi-Fi (4-device limit), and daily cocktail hours at the lounge.
Choose the Room
Check Dates & Room Rates
Getting around
All Transportation Options at a Glance
Amenities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Lift
- Currency exchange
- Hairdresser
- Coffee shop
- Vending machines
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness centre
- Sports trainer
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Paid shuttle service
- Valet parking
- Pet amenities available
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
- Happy hour
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Business centre
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Babysitting/Child services
- Children's menu
- Children's pool
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beach umbrellas
- Sun loungers
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- BBQ facilities
- Leisure/ TV room
- Spa & wellness centre
- Turkish bath
- Steam room
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Waxing
- Body scrub
- Facial
- Treatment room
- Massage
- Make up services
Room features
- Wi-Fi in rooms
- Air conditioning
- Mini-bar
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- Direct dial telephone
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Parquet floor
Location
Guest Ratings & Reviews
The hotel had immaculately clean and comfortable rooms, but the housekeeping service was a bit slow during the day. The staff was friendly and genuinely hospitable, making us feel very welcome and comfortable. The location was great for malls and restaurants, though the heritage wing rooms could be improved. The dining experience was amazing in the Veranda restaurant. The facilities were of excellent standard.
The hotel is a mixed bag with spacious and comfortable rooms suitable for families but with a stuffy, musty smell. The service fluctuates from uncaring to exceptional, with individuals like Mr Anish, Mr Baskaran, and Mr Kaliyaperumal going above and beyond. The location offers easy accessibility to the city but may feel far from certain areas. The dining experience stands out as fantastic, though sometimes requiring a brief wait. Overall, a decent option with highs and lows.
The hotel is located close to malls and restaurants and very close to Apollo Hospital. The staff, particularly the Armenian lady manager, were helpful and courteous. The dining experience offered good quality meals in the Veranda Coffee Shop, although it lacked variety. The rooms, while equipped with a working desk and chair, were not as clean as expected. The overall value for money is good, catering mainly to foreigners.
The hotel offers spacious and clean rooms, with friendly and exceptional service. Despite a few drawbacks related to the location and dining experience, it provides good value for money.
My stay at the hotel was mixed - the facilities were not living up to a 5-star standard, but the service was exceptional. The location was convenient, and the dining experience was satisfying despite some pricing issues. Overall, a decent stay with room for improvement.
Next best alternative
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road
Evolution Apartments
Park Plaza Victoria London
Peppers Waymouth Hotel
Ibis Southampton
Hotel Du Vin Bristol
Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
The Fitzwilliam Hotel
Apx World Square
Belmont Hotel Leicester
Mantra Southbank