A prominent fixture in Chennai’s posh Alwarpet area since it first welcomed guests in July 2005, The Raintree combines beauty and efficiency. While its facilities have earned it the ISO 22000 certification, its best practices in ecology preservation have
won for it the Srishti Green Cube award in 2006 for Good Green Governance and the Golden Peacock Award from the World Council for Corporate Governance in 2008.

 

It is the first hospitality initiative of Ceebros Hotels Private Limited, a division of the real estate stalwart Ceebros, helmed by Managing Director C Subba Reddy.

 

The company’s construction and design prowess were crucial to the concept of The Raintree; key aspects of its architecture have been tuned to minimise wastage and recycle resources. The swimming pool on the 15th floor doubles up as a heat
insulator, and the well-ventilated hotel with facilities for rainwater harvesting is built to maximise the inflow of natural light. Depressions and protrusions in the façade provide  shade, reducing the need for energy-consuming cooling systems. 

 

Expectedly, ‘Reduce, Re-use and Recycle’ is a mandate that is given high priority here, the staff encourage guests to do so too. The hotel also involves the community in green initiatives by distributing saplings, and holding seminars and competitions to raise awareness.

 

 

The bar at Raintree

 

 

Come lunch time and the fragrance of steamed noodles drizzled with a hint of vinegar leads us into Lemon Grass, the specialty Chinese restaurant. Chefs at the live Mongolian counter rustle up an array of subtly flavoured soups, a variety of delectable meats and dessert.

 

For sundowners we head to the lobby bar Liquid for a Tequila Sunrise and then to the hotel’s lounge bar Havana, where signature drinks like Pink Floater and Blue Hawaiian keep guests in good spirits. The cool evening breeze tempts us toAbove Sea Level, where we manage to work up an appetite for delicious herb crusted pink salmon and peppered New Zealand lamb chops cooked on Continental lava stone grills.  

 

The Raintree is spreading its branches and will soon have a sibling on Mount Road. It will have almost twice the number rooms, more food and beverage options and larger conferencing facilities and yes, will tread the same green path.