The first and only luxury Hotel for four decades, the Taj Coromandel is unarguably Chennai’s most-preferred address, offering the finest accommodation for discerning heads of state travelling to India.

The hotel in the recent past has played host to various personalities and Heads of State, from across the globe. President Jimmy Carter, His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, President Bill Clinton, His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae, iconic Actor Jackie Chan, His Excellency Sergei Stanishev, Prime Minister of Bulgaria and Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, have all chosen to stay here. On her recent visit, the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton resided in the ‘Royal Suite’ which was inaugurated to welcome Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her first visit to Chennai in the 90s.

It is no surprise that Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Imperial Majesty Empress Michiko chose to stay at Taj Coromandel as well. The hotel has been enthusiastically preparing for their visit.

Welcome Experience

The hotel accorded a resplendent traditional red carpet welcome for the dignitaries at the newly-renovated hotel lobby, decorated with a grand pookalam. The General Manager, N Prakash, presented to the Majesty Emperor and Her Imperial Majesty Empress, and joined them in the ceremonious lighting of the kuttuvilakku to welcome them in true South Indian spirit. The highlight of the experience was the high-energy symphony by the talavaadya (percussions) ensemble which showcased the vibrant percussion instruments native to the South including the ghatam, mridangam and kanjira, accompanied by the flute.

Suite Experience

The Emperor and Empress resided at the grand ‘Presidential Suite’, a unique expression of splendour and sophistication, and the most-preferred luxurious residential option for visiting dignitaries and Royalty. It offers an unforgettable bespoke experience that encapsulates a slice of history, legend and contemporary comfort for the true connoisseur of luxury. The experience is enhanced by the highly attentive and personalised ‘Butler Service’, guiding you to the pleasures that lie within and outside the walls of this private retreat.

The Presidential Suite is unique in its architecture and décor; it has a spacious living room, a dining room, an elegant bedroom, two bathrooms and a large dressing area with three-way full-length mirrors. This luxurious suite provides an outstanding setting for business and entertaining, with stunning views of the city. Featuring antique furnishings, original artwork, fine marble, wooden carvings, curios and artifacts, this comfortable living area includes an exclusive pantry, dining space and a bar. The master bedroom offers extra large bathrooms with large shower cubicle and Jacuzzi. High-tech security measures are discreetly integrated, making the Presidential Suite one of the most secure residences for distinguished guests.

To present a quintessential South Indian experience, the Suite was prepared with welcome refreshments including Seedai, Murukku, Thathai, banana chips and groundnut and sesame chikki.

Details of F&B offerings of the hotel

The hotel’s restaurants have proven to be the dining destinations of choice for fine-dining connoisseurs of the city, offering a contemporary culinary portfolio. Anise offers an eclectic selection of world cuisine in a contemporary and informal setting. Authentic Italian cuisine is offered at Prego while its wine cellar Enoteca, features an extensively stocked collection accommodating a large selection of labels. The stylish and contemporary bar Chipstead houses a stunning range of classic malts, and wondrous wines.

The award-winning restaurant Southern Spice, known for its unparalleled and authentic South Indian specialty cuisine, had translated the entire menu to Japanese to help the Majesty Emperor and Her Imperial Majesty Empress familiarize with the special meal experiences.

During their stay at the Hotel, Taj Coromandel prepared a degustation South Indian breakfast by Executive Chef, Alok Anand. The menu included fluffy idlis, hot vadas, mini dosas, lemon sevai, rawa kesari and other specialties of the south, paired with sambar and different kinds of chutneys. The highlight of this offering was the appam and scallop moilee, a specialty from the Southern Spice kitchen.

For lunch and dinner, the South Indian meal experience was paired with rasams including Mysore Rasam, Kozhi Kurmilagu Chaaru and Nenju Elumbu Saaru. The ‘Mahavirundhu’ dinner experience tomorrow will be presented on gold-plated thalis, custom-designed for Southern Spice.

The Taj team, under the guidance of N Prakash, General Manager – Taj Coromandel, ensured that the Royal couple had a memorable stay at this iconic property, offering the true soul and flavour of Indian hospitality.

Source : B.Madhusudhanan