Breaking away from convention, Pullman Chennai redefines luxury with design, detail, and distinctiveness.
Pullman Chennai (Image:DC)
From the moment you walk into Pullman Chennai, you sense something different. It isn’t just another high-end hotel; it’s a space that intentionally breaks stereotypes. Gone are the expected tropes—polished marble lobbies, uniform design aesthetics, impersonal corridors. In their place is an atmosphere that feels warm, art-forward, and surprisingly cozy.
“The architecture doesn’t follow the rule book,” says Vinodh Ramamurthy, the General Manager. “You won’t find a formula of glass, steel and shine. Instead, what you get is layered, textural, and human.” Each space within the hotel—from rooms to public areas—has its own identity, brought to life with bold patterns, rich materials, and thoughtful detailing. Carpet designs, wall textures, and even flooring vary across zones, showcasing a brave palette of experimentation rarely seen in business hotels.
Located in the heart of Chennai on Anna Salai, this property is the first standalone Pullman in South India and is set to be the brand’s flagship in the region for the foreseeable future. Why Chennai? “The hotel already had character and storytelling potential,” says the GM. “Accor recognized that. With its layered design, artwork, and strong identity, it aligned perfectly with Pullman’s lifestyle philosophy.”
Owned by visionary hoteliers—the Reddy family—the property is helmed by Managing Director of the Ceebros Group, C. Subba Reddy and his daughters—Shruti and Shwetha. While Shwetha manages the business, Shruthi helped curate the art and architectural direction of the hotel, hand-picking every piece of décor and collaborating closely with Singapore-based designer Jeffrey Wilkes.
The architecture and design focus on creating fluid, multi-functional spaces. The rooms, ranging from 28 to 45 sqm, feel uncluttered—free of the usual hotel desk-and-armoire setup. “We have removed the traditional iron board and fixed desks. It’s about flexibility,” explains the hotel spokesperson. “Our guests could be creative professionals, artists, or tech entrepreneurs—they don’t need rigid spaces. They need thoughtful ones,” he adds.
Experiential luxury drives the hotel’s ethos. From digital check-ins and sustainable amenities to warm, personal touches—a guest stepping out of a car on a humid day is immediately offered an eye-wipe for their fogged glasses—the property emphasizes thoughtful detail. “We don’t want guests to feel they are ticking boxes. We want them to carry back memories.”
Pullman Chennai’s culinary offerings are rooted in both local authenticity and global flair. Mercato, the all-day dining space, offers a multi-cuisine buffet alongside a carefully curated à la carte menu spanning Western, Asian, and Indian dishes. Unlike many hotels that discourage à la carte orders during buffet hours, Mercato encourages guests to explore both.
Up North, the hotel’s progressive North Indian restaurant, is another standout. “It’s not just about kebabs and curries,” says the chef. “We serve chaat, small plates, and dishes that celebrate India’s regional richness with a twist.” Music in the venue follows suit—no sitar or tabla here. Think contemporary, upbeat tunes that mirror the energy of the space.
Pullman Chennai’s culinary offerings are rooted in both local authenticity and global flair. Mercato, the all-day dining space, offers a multi-cuisine buffet alongside a carefully curated à la carte menu spanning Western, Asian, and Indian dishes. Unlike many hotels that discourage à la carte orders during buffet hours, Mercato encourages guests to explore both.
Up North, the hotel’s progressive North Indian restaurant, is another standout. “It’s not just about kebabs and curries,” says the chef. “We serve chaat, small plates, and dishes that celebrate India’s regional richness with a twist.” Music in the venue follows suit—no sitar or tabla here. Think contemporary, upbeat tunes that mirror the energy of the space.
And the Dal Makhani? “We did over 20 trials to get it just right. We wanted to match—and even go beyond—what diners expect from India’s most iconic North Indian restaurants,” says the GM.
The hotel is also experimenting with brunches—not the usual “lavish” spread, but intimate, quality-led culinary affairs. “Our goal is not to overwhelm with quantity, but to impress with finesse,” says Vinodh.
Pullman Chennai is not just a design-forward hotel; it is also deeply committed to sustainability. The property is Gold LEED certified, runs on 100% wind energy, and has eliminated single-use plastics across operations—including in banquets. A solar plant installation is underway, and eco-sensitive practices are woven into every department, from bulk bathroom amenities to biodegradable laundry chemicals.
The hotel’s priorities now focus on brand positioning and guest education. As the only individual Pullman in India—and the only one in South India—it occupies a unique space. “We are not competing with our peers,” says the GM. “We are carving a niche—experiential luxury for the new-age traveller.”
That traveller might come for a residential wedding, a boardroom meeting, or a weekend brunch. Regardless, they will experience service that’s intuitive and authentic, delivered with the kind of precision and personality that defines Pullman Chennai.
The hotel is also experimenting with brunches—not the usual “lavish” spread, but intimate, quality-led culinary affairs. “Our goal is not to overwhelm with quantity, but to impress with finesse,” says Vinodh.
Pullman Chennai is not just a design-forward hotel; it is also deeply committed to sustainability. The property is Gold LEED certified, runs on 100% wind energy, and has eliminated single-use plastics across operations—including in banquets. A solar plant installation is underway, and eco-sensitive practices are woven into every department, from bulk bathroom amenities to biodegradable laundry chemicals.
The hotel’s priorities now focus on brand positioning and guest education. As the only individual Pullman in India—and the only one in South India—it occupies a unique space. “We are not competing with our peers,” says the GM. “We are carving a niche—experiential luxury for the new-age traveller.”
That traveller might come for a residential wedding, a boardroom meeting, or a weekend brunch. Regardless, they will experience service that’s intuitive and authentic, delivered with the kind of precision and personality that defines Pullman Chennai.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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