A journey long in the making finally unfolded—and every expectation we held was surpassed the moment we arrived. When the chance to explore Chennai came to us, we seized it with excitement. Tamil Nadu, a state draped in ancient temples, salt-soft beaches, and a culture we’ve grown up admiring from afar, promised a sensory escape. From cuisine to architecture, language to energy—we experienced it all in vivid colour.
The trip began on a dramatic note. Mumbai was suspended under weeping monsoon skies—thunderstorms shook the coast, and the flight felt doubtful. Two hours of waiting in an aisle seat later, the aircraft finally rose past the storm, and we arrived in Chennai exhilarated, grateful, and completely intact. The airport-to-hotel transition was seamless. Chauffeur, chilled towels, warm smiles, a refreshing welcome drink—Pullman Chennai Anna Salai made sure the fatigue of travel dissolved instantly. And Chennai? It wasn’t what we imagined. Wide streets reminiscent of Andheri, the language on billboards the only differentiator—surprising, familiar, beautifully alive.
From the very first moment, Pullman Chennai Anna Salai feels unmistakably artistic. The entrance sets the tone: dramatic doors opening into a lobby that abandons the predictable marble-and-granite formula in favour of layered textures, sculptural silhouettes, curated flooring, and contemporary lighting. Designed in collaboration with acclaimed Singaporean designer Jeffrey Wilkes, the aesthetic channels intimacy through detail—soft corners, tactile materials, inventive seating, and art installations that turn every common space into a living gallery.
With six modular meeting rooms, smart social lounges, and event venues equipped for seamless transitions, the property caters effortlessly to work, leisure, and luxury.
A delightful surprise awaited at check-in—an upgrade to a suite. Spacious, indulgent and composed like a modern residence, the suite flowed from a plush living room into a serene bedroom and a sprawling bathroom. The colour palette echoed the hotel’s language: refined neutrals, expressive textures, and soft contemporary elegance. Ergonomic furnishings, recessed storage, blackout curtains, rain showers, 4K smart TVs, and a sleep-perfect bed amplified the sense of thoughtful luxury. The room invited daylight in sweeping, soft layers, with views of the city and pool sharpening the sense of immersion.
Dining — Mercato & Up North
Mercato
Mercato, named after the historical trade routes once connected to Marco Polo, celebrates Chennai through global culinary imagination. From lavish buffets to curated à la carte plates, the food journey here oscillates between South Indian classics and continental favourites—rich in flavour, modern in execution, and deeply satisfying. Every meal felt like a story we designed on our plates—fresh produce, bold spices, and indulgent textures.
Up North
Located under a glass canopy on the rooftop, Up North delivers refined North Indian cuisine illuminated by the city skyline. Kebabs, tikkas, ambient lighting, cool air, and a tequila cocktail—it was an evening that balanced romance with gastronomy. Brunch service launches soon; we cannot wait.
The Bar
The bar team deserves its own chapter. Amal, our bartender for the night, experimented with flavour, culture, and storytelling to create drinks like Beyond Andromeda and Curry Leaf Gimlet—bold, fragrant, playful, and beautifully structured. Dinner rolled into South Indian plates bursting with authenticity.
Wellness & Spa
The spa at Pullman Chennai Anna Salai is a quiet world of sensory restoration—where Indian wellness traditions meet scientific precision. Guided by gifted healers such as Ms Cycy, Ms Oppye, and Ms Wandame, each corridor radiates warmth through soft lighting, aromatic oils, and meditative stillness. And while we settled for the 90-minute Full Body Glow Massage with Ojas oil, they offer signature treatments like Tattva Therapy, Potali Massage, and Jet Lag Therapy, which are curated for detoxification, stress release, energy balance, and sleep repair. In-room touches—private showers, curated playlists, and the most comfortable robes ensure the ritual lingers long after it ends.
Day Two — Culture & Comfort
After a hearty breakfast of masala omelette, pancakes, and rich tea, we stepped into Chennai’s heartbeat. Temples, beaches, churches—the city unfolded through layers of heritage, storytelling, and spiritual depth. Lunch was an authentic South Indian thali served over a banana leaf: soulful, satisfying, and full of flavour memory. Evening settled with Pullman’s signature filter coffee and an impromptu cocktail session at Oasis, followed by comforting in-room dining—sandwiches, dumpling soup, and Netflix.
Pullman Chennai Anna Salai offered us a stay that wasn’t just luxurious—but deeply meaningful. Thoughtful service, exceptional design, modern gastronomy, cultural sensitivity, and a sense of emotional belonging shaped every moment. For travellers seeking a destination that fuses South Indian charm with cosmopolitan elegance, this is the retreat.
Images: Pullman Chennai Anna Salai
