Hotels in Chennai, the gateway to south India, are less costly than in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. It's possible to stay at a luxury hotel in Chennai for under $200 per night. Mid range hotels also provide great value for money. And, if you want to try something different with a personal touch, try staying at a bed and breakfast! You'll find the best inexpensive accommodations in the Triplicane High Road area, Edgmore Road has the majority of mid-range options, while most luxury hotels are further out towards the airport in southwest Chennai.
Here are five of the best Chennai hotels, with convenient locations, for all budgets. This guide to Chennai airport hotels also has other options.
Looking for somewhere else to stay that's cheap in Chennai? Check out the great deals and reviews on Hostel World (Book direct).
Leonardo MediaChennai's only heritage hotel, the luxury Taj Connemara is over 150 years old, and is a well known landmark in Chennai. The hotel has a very handy, central location right next to Spencer's Plaza shopping mall. Its setting is tranquil, with plenty of greenery and a swimming pool. You'll find it difficult to believe that you're right in the heart of the city! The hotel has a wonderful ambiance inside too, and is elegantly decorated with furniture that reflects its history. Double a rooms at the Taj Connemara are often available for less than $170 per night, including taxes.
The Rainforest HotelThis new hotel, located around half way between the airport and the city center, is amongst the most popular in Chennai. It markets itself as an eco-sensitive business hotel, and has been carefully constructed with resource conservation in mind. Customer service is excellent. The food at the hotel's rooftop restaurant is especially good. There's also a small rooftop swimming pool. Expect to pay around $150 rupees for a double per night, including breakfast and taxes.
Rain Tree HotelThe older branch of The Raintree Hotel, located not far away from the one in Anna Salai, is also an attractive mid-range option in Chennai. The hotel is ascetically pleasing, with the highlight being a huge reclining Buddha statue that graces its entrance. Other appealing features include the hotel's rooftop swimming pool and delicious restaurant with captivating views over the city. Double rooms start from around $130 per night, including taxes.
Foot Print B&BFor those who prefer staying somewhere more intimate, Footprint Bed & Breakfast meets the criteria nicely and won't blow the budget! This upmarket bed and breakfast represents excellent value for money. It's modern, with each of the nine rooms decorated in contemporary style, and spotlessly clean. The hosts are also extremely gracious and helpful. The bed and breakfast is not far from The Raintree hotels, 30 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from the city center. Rooms cost 3,000 rupees ($65) plus tax per night, including breakfast. A bonus is free wireless Internet in the rooms.
Sea Shell ResidencyThe Sea Shell Residency is an inexpensive option for those on a budget in Chennai. It's got a strategic location in the heart of the city, equal distance from the beach and railway station. Rooms are clean and well furnished, although some are on the smaller side. Room service is available, and there's also a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Arabian delicacies. Expect to pay 1,400 rupees ($30) plus tax per night, for a double deluxe room.
