A city that’s about atmosphere rather than major sights, knowing where to stay in Chennai becomes even more important. You can browse hotels in Chennai. Of all its neighborhoods, Mylapore is the oldest and bursts with culture. Royapettah sits right at the heart of the city alongside Triplicane, though Besant Nagar takes the crown as the coolest. Anna Nagar is the place to stay if nightlife is your raison d’etre, while it’s Nungambakkam that attracts the younger crowd. Figure out what to do with your time here using our guide to 2 days in Chennai.
Where to Stay in Nungambakkam
On the western side of the city, the well-connected Nungambakkam neighborhood is mixed, being part residential and part commercial. One of the oldest parts of the city, this former village was enveloped into Chennai as early as the 1850’s. Many of its major roads have remained unchanged since the early 1900’s. It’s the center of city life, and most of our tours in Chennai cover some of its incredible architecture.
Taj Connemara, Chennai
Taj Connemara, Chennai is the oldest hotel in the city, first opening its doors in 1854 as the Imperial. It maintains much of its original elegance and grandeur, and features including the foyer’s latticework ceiling and refurbished wooden staircase. The palatial surrounds match the traditional style of the tastefully decorated bedrooms, which hang with Chennai artworks. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea at The Lady Connemara Bar & Lounge, or wellness treatments at the Jiva Spa. Taj Connemara also has an outdoor pool, surrounded by carefully maintained gardens.
2 Binny Road, Chennai
Taj Coromandel
An icon of Chennai, Taj Coromandel has played host to two US presidents, British royalty, and the Emperor of Japan. Its Indian design blends with a traditional elegance of subtle decoration and polished dark woods in otherwise light and spacious rooms. Facilities include a large landscaped outdoor pool, the Jiva Grande Spa, and exclusive Taj Club Lounge.
37 M G Road, Nungambakkam
The Park Chennai
To some, The Park Chennai looks like a cruise ship docked in Chennai’s central business district. Its gleaming white exterior continues inside, helping to create large welcoming public spaces. Its rooms are just as modern, with hardwood flooring and seating area. On the roof, guests will find not only great views across the city, but also a swimming pool. Other facilities include a spa, and fitness center.
601, near US Embassy, Anna Salai, Nungambakkam
Where to Stay in Guindy
The Guindy neighborhood of Chennai is home to many of the city’s major landmarks. It is also the location of Guindy National Park. Family-friendly, it offers the perfect blend of attractions and entertainment, all within striking distance of Chennai’s train station and airport. Our wildlife tour takes you to the heart of this incredible park to discover the many animals that live here.
Hilton Chennai
The Hilton Chennai is 12 kilometers from the city’s central train station and a similar distance from the international airport. Its public spaces are opulent in style, while the rooms have a subtler decoration centered around large picture windows. Further views can be enjoyed from the hotel’s roof, where there are cabana-style seating areas, and an open-air pool.
124/1, J N Salai, Guindy
ITC Grand Chola
A modern palace, ITC Grand Chola is only eight kilometers from the airport. Its lavish structure is complete with domes, turreted rooftops, and grand central staircase. Natural stone makes a significant appearance throughout, from the ten restaurants to the 12 treatment rooms of Kayakalp – The Royal Spa. Within the grounds, there is also an attractive outdoor pool space. Named after the Chola kings, you can learn more about this famous empire on our 2 day tour to see their temples.
63 Mount Road, Guindy
Park Hyatt Chennai
The Park Hyatt Chennai offers cool, sophisticated interiors with marble flooring matched with natural and neutral tones. Their large picture windows look out over Guindy Forest Reserve and the serene lily pond that lies at the hotel’s heart. Boasting some of the city’s largest room sizes, Park Hyatt Chennai also has a range of impressive facilities. These include a rooftop infinity pool, fitness center with panoramic views, yoga and Pilates studio, and the award-winning Antahpura Spa.
39 Velachery Road, near Raj Bhavan, Guindy
Where to Stay Elsewhere in Chennai
Both Besant Nagar and Mahabalipuram, outside of the city itself, have fine coastal locations. Besant Nagar is the more cosmopolitan of the two, with well-loved cafes and restaurants in and around Edward Elliot’s Beach. By contrast, Mahabalipuram is best well known as the place of temples dating back more than a thousand years. You can take our day tour to Mahabalipuram.
The Leela Palace Chennai
Occupying a prime spot on the Chennai beachfront, The Leela Palace marries western elegance with eastern promise. Chandeliers light the luxurious rooms, while floor to ceiling windows off the possibility of Bay of Bengal or River Adyar views. Set within two hectares of perfectly-manicured gardens, The Leela Palace also boasts an outdoor pool, and a well-equipped gym.
Adyar Seaface, MRC Nagar
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort
The InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort is a 20-minute drive from the World Heritage Site. Located on a thin strip of land separating Great Salt Lake from the Bay of Bengal, it has a pristine private beach. It is built around a vast square courtyard, which is split by a walkway between palm-lined pool and lotus pond. Each of its rooms look out over this courtyard. Their contemporary interiors make great use of color, light, and texture. The resort also includes an ayurvedic spa, and tennis court.
212 East Coast Road, Nemelli Village, Perur Post Office, Mahabalipuram
The Raintree Hotel, St.Mary’s Road
The Raintree Hotel, St Mary’s Road is located in a quiet residential area. Its contemporary rooms are finished with wooden flooring and touches of Indian elegance, and use sustainable materials wherever possible. Its rooftop, high above the city, plays host to both an outdoor pool and restaurant.
120 St Mary’s Road, Alwarpet
Escaping to Chennai
This colorful and clashing city is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers. Wherever your journey takes you, we hope you enjoy yourself. Chennai is one of our favorite cities, and we hope you love it too.
