– KH News Desk (cbedit@imaws.org)
In a graceful nod to Chennai’s storied past, Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai is hosting ‘The Madras Affair’, a curated month-long celebration honouring the city’s 386th birth anniversary with a rich tapestry of cultural, heritage, and culinary events. The festivities kick off with a Madras Heritage Quiz on August 14, led by Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, which engages participants with trivia around the legacy of “Old Madras”. Running concurrently from August 14 to 31, a Heritage Art and Photo Exhibition will grace the hotel lobby, showcasing archival snapshots of Madras from the early 1900s—a nostalgic window into the city’s evolution.
Amidst these reflective events, food lovers are treated to a culinary journey with Madras Ellai Saapadu hosted at Ministry of Chutneys on August 22. Traditional Tamil recipes and dishes take centre stage, embodying the flavours, aromas, and textures intrinsic to the region’s heritage.The property further elevates the experience with themed stay packages every weekend throughout August, offering guests a unique blend of heritage-inspired ambience and gastronomic indulgences. Highlights include curated set-menu lunches at Kari Theory and an imaginative, railway-themed Sunday brunch at Ministry of Chutneys, along with buffet breakfasts and access to the rejuvenating Bodhi Prana spa.
Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, captured the essence of the initiative, saying, “Madras is a city that wears its history proudly while embracing the future with open arms. The Madras Affair is not just a celebration of Madras’ birth anniversary, it’s an invitation to experience its timeless spirit through food, culture, and warm hospitality — something we want our guests from across India to take back as a cherished memory.” His words reflect a heartfelt vision: to foster a deeper connection between the city’s legacy and its visitors by weaving narrative, culture, and tradition into the hospitality experience.
Designed to appeal to both local patrons and travellers, The Madras Affair goes beyond standard celebrations. It thoughtfully spans heritage, cuisine, and hospitality—providing a platform to rediscover Chennai’s evolution over centuries while indulging in authentic experiences. By blending intellectually stimulating quizzes, visual retrospectives, traditional dining, and culturally framed accommodation, the hotel curates an immersive journey that honors the city’s identity with warmth and creativity.
Beyond its current programming, Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai continues to stand as a modern beacon of smart hospitality in the region. Strategically located near Chennai International Airport, the hotel is one of the city’s first “SMART” properties, employing technologies such as AI, NFC, Virtual Reality, Machine Learning, and IoT to enhance guest experiences while emphasizing safety and personalised service.Its wellness offering includes Chennai’s first Turkish Hammam and a Chakra shower within its Bodhi Spa—adding a contemporary wellness dimension to the property’s rich tradition of hospitality.
As The Madras Affair unfolds, the hotel seamlessly bridges the past and present. From archival exhibitions and quizzes that spark curiosity, to curated meals that awaken the palate, the initiative invites both Chennai natives and visitors from afar to experience the city’s heritage in an intimate, sensory-rich setting.
In conclusion, Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai’s The Madras Affair serves as a soulful celebration of Chennai’s 386-year journey—a program where tradition, culture, gastronomy, and hospitality converge. It invites participants to not just observe history, but to live it—through flavour, story, and thoughtful design. In doing so, the hotel elevates its role from mere venue to storyteller and curator of memory, ensuring guests depart with more than a stay—they leave with a piece of Madras in their hearts and minds.
