5 Charming Chennai Hotels for All Budgets

Chennai'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.

Situated an hour's drive from Chennai airport, in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, the Taj Fisherman's Cove makes the perfect getaway from Chennai. The hotel, which used to be a Dutch Fort, has a fabulous beach location. The only drawback is that it's quite far from any town, so do be prepared to pay extra to dine in at the hotel. A wide choice of food is on offer though, and the restaurants are atmospheric. Standard rooms start from around $185 per night, plus tax. However, it's worth splurging on a beach cottage. During the low season, great value packages are often available.

The Raintree Hotel is an attractive mid-range option in Chennai. It markets itself as an eco-sensitive hotel, and has been carefully constructed with resource conservation in mind. 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.

For 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 has a central location 30 minutes from the airport, and 20 minutes from the railway station. Rooms cost 3,000 rupees ($65) plus tax per night, including breakfast. A bonus is free wireless Internet in the rooms.

The Sea Shell Residency is an inexpensive option for those on a budget in Chennai. It's got a strategic city center location, 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.