Grand by GRT Hotels where Art Serenades you in every corner

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai
Grand by GRT HotelsGrand by GRT HotelsGrand by GRT Hotels  Grand by GRT Hotels
Grand by GRT Hotels  Grand by GRT Hotels
Grand by GRT Hotels    Grand by GRT Hotels Grand by GRT Hotels

Grand by GRT Hotels

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

We all listened with rapt attention. Our eyes and ears focussed on catching every nuance and every word of what the COO of GRT Hotels, Mr.Vikram Cotah was telling. He was telling the story of Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai, India the flagship hotel of GRT Hotels and Resorts.

I have always been intrigued by the intricacies and complexities of a Hotel ever since I read Arthur Hailey’s novel of the same name. Our travels across the world and exposure to different hotels have only fuelled my interest in hotels and the stories behind them. No wonder that I hung on every word that was being said. It was remarkable that the hotel had risen like the phoenix after being inundated under 24 feet of water during the Chennai floods in 2015.

Within a period of just 3 months, the hotel had a glitzy makeover and had thrown its doors open to its guests to experience its hospitality again.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

As we looked around, we marvelled at the creativity and innovation that had been put into play in quick time to create magic with the interiors. The hotel with its boutique ambience and elegant contemporary design with a quirky tinge was a colourful testimony to the hard work, breadth of vision and ingenuity of the team behind it.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

This story of Grand by GRT Hotels  was fascinating, but as we moved around the hotel, we found that every corner of the hotel had a story to tell from the different corners of the world, whether it be from the bazaars of the world or from the nooks and crannies of the amazing mosaic that is India.

Here is a peek at the unique world of Grand by GRT Hotels.

The Lobby

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

As soon as you leave the busy Chennai roads and enter into the Grand by GRT Hotels through a glass facade, you seem to have entered a different world.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

 

A huge lobby greets you, a chandelier that has been designed keeping in mind the bells that hang in Indian temples graces the centre of the roof.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

The lobby itself stretches and transforms itself into an all day dining area known as Bazaar which is inspired by the different bazaars of the world. Comfortable and tastefully designed seating places dot the lobby.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

A large atrium dominates the centre and lends an elegant charm combined with a vintage and romantic aura. Two aesthetically designed glass elevators that glide up and down complete the pretty picture.

The Rooms

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

The Grand by GRT Hotels has 133 rooms and caters to a diverse range of needs. From the convenience and comfort of Business Class rooms to the lavish luxury of exclusive themed suites, the hotel has it all covered. The rooms come with complimentary Buffet Breakfast, complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi, Coffee/Tea maker, toiletries, Safe Locker, Hair Dryer, etc..

What is indeed interesting to note is that each floor is designed with a different theme in mind and this immediately springs to your attention as soon as you emerge from the elevator. For instance, one of the floors is themed on the Tamil Film Industry and the sight of the posters of some of the legends of Tamil Cinema greet you as soon as you step out from the elevator. Kollywood trivia line the walls to make a fascinating display, banners of the big names like Gemini and AVM occupy a prime position on the walls.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

A  clapper used for mahurat shots and a tin box with film reels add to the enigmatic and glitzy Kollywood aura that pervades the floor.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

The rooms on the floor also echo the Kollywood motif in some way or the other. On another floor the Tamil language theme has been employed to interesting effect, the alphabets of the Tamil language adorn the wall and a blackboard hangs invitingly for those who want to scribble a letter or two.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

Yet another floor is themed on the traditional jewellery of the region, a fascinating attraction here is the painting of a Bharat Natyam dancer adorned in traditional attire and bedecked with jewellery, the face of the dancer has been substituted with a mirror and one can try taking a picture with one’s face morphed on the body of the Bharat Natyam dancer.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

A walk through the corridors and floors of the Grand by GRT Hotels is like a fascinating voyage of exciting discoveries as there is something unexpected, something unique and something innovative in every nook and corner.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

The J.Hind Experience

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

J.Hind which is the short form for Jugalbandhi Hindustani is a place where one can dine amidst the stunning settings of contemporary Indian art sourced from across the country.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

The motifs of Krsna Mehta of India Circus bathe the restaurant in kaleidoscopic hues and one is swept away in a blaze of colours that evoke the colourful diversity of India.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

The chairs, the curtains, the wall hangings and everything that makes up the restaurant is a piece of art in its own right.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

Given such a setting the food obviously needs to match up to the vibrancy and that is what it does.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

We experienced a dinner that brought alive in multi-dimensions the flavours and aromas from across India, all brewed together by the magic wand of the Chef and his retinue.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

What is of paramount importance to note here is that food at J.Hind soars from the routine to the romantic with a twist here and a turn there. Some of the magic is created right in front of your eyes.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

They indulge in a lot of drama. Simple slices of pineapple acquire a magic of their own when tinged with a hint of curry leaves and other spices. A traditional pudding assumes an exotic avatar as it is served in a coconut shell adorned with edible flower petals. The food is served with smiles and conversations and ingredients of theatre keep your interests aroused and you wait expectantly for the surprise the next course is going to unveil. J.Hind is the place where you just do not eat your food, you experience it holistically, as your excitement builds up to a crescendo, course by delicious course.

The Bazaar

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

The great Bazaars of the world are fascinating melting pots of culture. From the exotic bazaars of Istanbul to the night markets of Hong Kong and from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk to the Souks of Dubai, the bazaars of the world are a mesmerising potpourri of experiences for the senses and beyond. Of course, food as in street food is an integral part of these bazaars.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

The Bazaar in The Grand by GRT Hotels is an all day dining area that curates the experiences of these great bazaars to thematically bring alive their vitality within its premises. The decor of the place is sure to give you a sense of Deja Vu if you have been to any of the great bazaars of the world. Various street food from different corners of the world feature in the restaurant’s menu.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

A  cart laden with Kebabs,  a chef expertly whirring a cotton candy machine to whip up a pink and soft cotton candy,  a softee ice-cream machine, all integrate seamlessly with the lively and bustling atmosphere of the Bazaar to present a different eating experience altogether.

Steam & Whistles

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

Bringing alive the ethos of the pub culture of San Francisco of the 1920’s is the quaint and vintage bar intriguingly named as Steam & Whistles. An antique display case completed the effect and one can be forgiven for getting lost in the labyrinths of time after a drink or two here.

The Code

Adding an aura of mystery and intrigue is the bar named simply as the code. Before you make a beeline for it, make sure you know the code of the day, or else you cannot enter! The code offers three levels for revelry, ideal for corporate teams looking for a place to let their hair down and have an unforgettable evening.

Some more Pampering

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

The Grand by GRT Hotels has a lovely swimming pool at the basement level where one can drive away the blues and cool off after a hectic schdeule. The Bodhi Spa is another haven of relaxation for the body, mind and soul. If you are the kind who never wants to miss your workout, there is a well-equipped fitness centre to keep you fit and healthy.

Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai

Our stay at the Grand by GRT Hotels was nothing short of an epic experience. We realized that this is not just a hotel, it is much more. It is the gateway to a mind-boggling array of experiences ranging from art, heritage, culture, to the best in experiential and immersive dining in a quirky and contemporary ambience. The experiences are different but all of them firmly stand on solid base of hospitality with a big H! Click here to check out GRT Hotels site.

We were hosted by Grand by GRT Hotels, Chennai. However, the opinions stated here are our own and based on personal experience.

Check out our experiences at other GRT properties:

An Affair to Remember with GRT- A Photo Blog
6 Reasons why a stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel GRT, Chennai is an unforgettable experience
Paradise unveiled at The Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay by GRT Hotels, Mamallapuram
Silk, Stone and Spirituality in the Temple Town of Kanchipuram, India

Grand by GRT Hotels    Grand by GRT Hotels

Grand by GRT Hotels   Grand by GRT Hotels

 

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90 thoughts on “Grand by GRT Hotels where Art Serenades you in every corner”

  1. I am totally in love with the decor of this hotel. Would seriously consider staying in this hotel. The Art work is just simply amazing. Great post and totally loving the photography.

  2. wow what a wonderful hotel! If not the rooms, you could thing you just entered just art gallery 🙂 I would love to stay there one day especially for this amazingly looking food 🙂 Your photos are great

  3. Wow – what an amazing hotel. The trinkets and artwork are worth a visit alone. Not to mention the delicious food.

  4. This looks like a great hotel. I especially love the bathtub. I’m pretty positive l would love it. It also looks like they put on quite a spread. I wouldn’t mind staying here at all. Thanks for sharing.

  5. Oh goodness! I love this hotel – I love the art-deco vibe that it is giving off! So pretty. And I like that the plating of the dishes are so dramatic.

  6. What a place to be. Looks like the team put in a lot of efforts to make each floor unique by designing each floor with a different theme. That food on display looks so colorful and tempting, and I bet it must have tasted even better.The swimming pool in the basement, definitely adds on to the unique experience at the GRT hotel in Chennai.

  7. I love the way they have thoughtfully decorated the walls with local elements. Especially the Kollywood bit and that dancing woman image is my favourite. The biggest of brands know how to be global and think local. Lovely property.

  8. I love how GRT Hotels take such a traditional take with how they designed and decoreated the place. The buffet, the gym, and the swimming pool are the areas that really got my interest. Oh how I love to eat those food!

  9. THis one is quite an artistic hotel. It has changed over time for when I had first seen it as a business traveler, it was not so grand. It looks amazing now.

  10. I love hotels like this. What a wonderful place to stay! I would love to be able to look at all the amazing art.

  11. Wow they must have spent a small fortune decorating this place. So much to take in and see. You would just have to keep turning in a circle to take it all in.

  12. I am impressed by the decor of this hotel. It is so Indian. It will definitely bring the guests a step closer to Indian culture. And then the food spread looks quiet impressive.

  13. Pam Wattenbarger

    Wow, that bath tub looks amazing! This sounds like it is an awesome place to stay during a vacation.

  14. The Grand does live up to its name – It’s amazingly grand indeed. Loved the themes used for various floors. J Hind seems to be an interesting concept, I would love dining surrounded by this! Loved the amenities, especially the swimming pool in the basement. Looks like a perfect hotel for a great holiday!

  15. Another great Hotel review from you. Truly, there’s always something about the Hotel when its adorned with beautiful arts to every almost corner of the Hotel. The Hotel is clean and very spacious, I also like the food as it seemed to be so inviting and luscious. You rarely see a Hotel with a good gym equipment and this is a big plus for this Hotel. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

  16. Claudia Krusch

    Oh my I love everything about this hotel. The decor is fantastic. I would love to stand in that beautiful atrium.

  17. One of the coolest parts of this hotel was the Kollywood atmosphere on some of the floors. It’s always good to understand the culture by looking at their entertainment and it definitely had an old Hollywood 1950s feel to it. I was also intrigued by the pool in the basement to just relax and unwind after a long day.

  18. Angelic Sinova

    What an incredible hotel. I especially love the elegant contemporary design of the hotel. I’d love to stay here someday.

  19. I cannot believe it only took 3 months to renovate this hotel and make look this amazing. I cannot believe all the amazing art in there. I especially like the glass work. What a fantastic vibe and great place to stay.

  20. I like the chairs in the dining area a lot. They look comfortable and colorful. It is definitely an Instagram-worthy place! The baked goods and pastries are also delightful and pretty. I would like to visit this hotel someday.

  21. What an eclectic group of marvels!! If you didn’t wish to leave the hotel, it seems like you could walk through it all day and admire the vastly different decorations. How fun!

  22. The Grand by GRT hotels sure looks like they have your every need and want covered. The rooms look spacious and the beds look really comfy. If I ever get to visit Chennai, India, I would stay in this hotel. How luxurious it is to spend a vacation there.

  23. I absolutely loved the concept of themed walls. It gave me many ideas to decorate the walls of my own room. Another thing which felt like completely unique is the concept of “Bazaar” which serve street food. I want to know from whose mind this idea came! The person must be a genius!

  24. The hotel seems amazing, The decor and ambiance could let you be in there for even weeks. Everything about the hotel seems so executive and prestige. Great place! If I get a chance, would surely visit this place.

  25. This seems like a wonderful place to stay. I love the art on the walls and the chandelier. The Kollywood decor is cool too. And I would love to eat at that amazing restaurant!

  26. I felt the urge to make a plan to visit Chennai and book a reservation at this very hotel while reading your excellent review of it. Looks like the kind of hotel that will give you a magic staying experience not just a place to sleep.

  27. As soon as I saw that tub in the room I fell in love. I’m a sucker for beautiful tubs 🙂 It’s great that the hotel offers complimentary buffet breakfast and wifi. Those are two things I always look for in a hotel.

  28. So luxurious. I am sure you guys had a “Grand” time there. The food spread is just awesome. I just had breakfast and I am already hungry 🙂

  29. Grand by GRT is certainly like an art museum, and a beautiful one at that. Just the other day I was making a plan for a visit to Chennai and I think I will bookmark it for the trip. By the way, the food looks delicious too 🙂

  30. Such a Grand artsy hotel! Looks beautiful and I’m glad to know it resurfaced succesfsully after the floods. Would love to visit it myself sometime:)

  31. Valerie Marsden-Gray

    That is amazing it only took three months to reopen after being in 24 feet of water. It looks like a beautiful place to stay. I also have a fascination with hotels.

  32. I hadn’t heard of GRT Hotels until I read your post. It really is a big, beautiful hotel. They have done a wonderful job on the renovations while keeping a mix of old and new by incorporating the art into the culture of the hotel. The J. Hind experience seems like a must and is very unique.

  33. So good to hear how beautifully the hotel has recovered since the floods in 2015. And so quickly, too! The attention to detail is incredible and it’s obvious of your appreciation for this hotel. It’s very beautiful. Thanks for sharing your experience of someplace I wouldn’t otherwise known about!

  34. I do love a hotel with plenty of Art, and this one really has had an amazing glitzy make-over! It’s lovely to hear of a place that didn’t let floods ruin them, instead they came back bigger and better. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous hotel with us #feetdotravel

  35. I love hotels that really pay attention to design, and the artwork in this one is stunning. They did a beautiful job capturing the sense of place. I would love to stay here!

  36. Really this property looks awesome. I liked the restaurant and lobby is too good. That space like a balcony in front of the rooms is damm good. would like to stay soon here.

  37. That’s really amazing that they could re-open so quickly after being flooded with 24 feet of water. That had to have done damage to at least several floors of the hotel. Did they refurbish and redecorate the entire hotel, or just the damaged floors?

  38. This hotel is such an elegant beauty. The interior designs were planned well. I like the idea of the Kollywood theme floor. It is indeed modern but you can still feel India’s culture.

  39. This hotel is so artistic and cosy. It’s always wonderful to have a great ambience and something to look forward to in a hotel apart from the beautiful room.

  40. Wow, what a great hotel. There’s so much going on and the decor is fabulous. The embroidery detail on those chairs is incredible. The food looks great in all the venues you’ve shown and as far as entertainment goes, you don’t have to leave the hotel. Nice job. Thanks for the heads up.

  41. The hotel sounds amazing. I think it is neat to have a different theme for each floor. I really liked the bright colors all over the hotel. The food at the Bazaar looks incredible and very well done. Great job Chef! Don’t forget the code, love it!

  42. What a wonderful place! The restaurant and the swimming pool look amazing. I’ve never done luxury travel in India but this really makes me want to do it!

  43. I’ve stayed i a lot of hotels but have never heard of GRT Hotels before. It is such a grand looking hotel and I know this is one I would definitely love to stay in if I visited here. A very unique looking place and so beautifully designed.

  44. Wow! Even the food looks like art! I do love a good art hotel — it makes the stay that much more interesting and fun. Can you imagine if it were your job to choose all the art to display in a hotel? Wouldn’t that be a great assignment?

  45. That looks lovely! Last time we were in Chennai we booked online and ended up in a horrible place with no wifi. I’ll remember this recommendation! India is always my favourite.

  46. Love how detailed your post was 🙂 This place looks really luxurious, I’ll remember it for when I’ll go to india

  47. That is quite a hotel! We love hotels that incorporate and celebrate local arts, culture and history. It definitely adds to the experience. Love the decor, and the fact that the themed approach isn’t limited to the lobby and restaurant. Very nice!

  48. This hotel looks so luxurious, I love it! The decoration is just perfect and the food in the restaurant looks incredible! I wish I can stay there one day

  49. This looks like such a beautiful hotel. I loved those beautiful chandeliers. I m going to beijing in two weeks, maybe I visit Chennai and check out this beautiful hotel as well.

  50. Oh man, this is just TOO beautiful. I’m a sucker for when hotels really give it their all and decorate. It seems very luxe, but worth the expense I think to stay in such a lovely hotel. Food looks amazing too!

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