The South Indian city of Chennai is one captivating confluence of cosmopolitan neighborhoods and urban villages. Tamil Nadu’s capital has long been a keeper of culinary, religious, and artistic traditions, and continues to be so. Recently, the city has gained a fair bit of cosmopolitan glamor in the form of new-age restaurants, quirky cafes, dazzling boutiques, and hotels. Besides, it’s also known as the ‘Detroit of India’ and is home to India’s automobile industry. If you’re traveling into or out of Chennai and have an early or late flight, then staying in one of the hotels near Chennai airport makes complete sense.
Although you wouldn’t have had many choices earlier, the hotels are now well-designed and feature tons of amenities to cater to all kinds of travelers. Also, they lie across a spectrum of budgets, so you have choices when it comes to your budget too. To that end, here are the 11 best hotels near the airport in Chennai.
Where to Stay in Chennai
Chennai is one sprawling city sitting on India‘s eastern coast overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Even though it’s not as dazzling as fellow South Indian cities Hyderabad and Bangalore, Chennai has museums, temples, and more. It’s also home to the world’s second-longest urban beach, Marina Beach, and Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of the 25 Largest Zoos In The World. So, where does one stay while visiting this Southern city?
If you’re visiting Chennai for sightseeing and are interested in the culture and vibe, then the best place to stay is George Town. The mid-17th-century neighborhood was established by the British as their very first outpost in India. So, it has what is India’s oldest church, museums, and state parliament buildings. Families, shopaholics, and nightlife lovers will love Thousand Lights. This inner-city suburban area lies close to Chennai’s arterial Anna Salai Road. If you’re a foodie, stay in Pudupet or Egmore which has everything from street food stalls to top-end restaurants. Finally, if you’re visiting the city for the first time, then the cosmopolitan T Nagar makes for a good place to stay.
Chennai International Airport, on the other hand, lies in the suburb of Meenambakkam in the southeastern part of the city. It lies on the Grand Southern Trunk Road, or National Highway 45, where many of the hotels near Chennai airport lie. The domestic and international airports lie at the same place, only with separate entrances and exits.
Quality Inn Airport Chennai
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Formerly Hotel Southern Comfort, Quality Inn Chennai Airport is one standout option if you’re looking for budget digs. Besides, it’s one of the nearest hotels to Chennai airport, sitting right opposite to it. The newly constructed, contemporary hotel features a slew of facilities, despite being a budget hotel. Firstly, it offers airport transfers, albeit for a charge. Apart from free Wi-Fi, it also has a gym which is perfect if you don’t want to miss your workout regimen. What’s more, it even has a small spa. The highlight is the lovely restaurant that serves delectable Chettinad cuisine, a type of Tamilian cuisine. It also serves a delicious continental breakfast, which is perfect especially if you have an early flight out.
All 70 rooms at the property are spotless and designed in a contemporary manner. Moreover, they all come decked out with a seating area for relaxing, flatscreen TV, and even a private ensuite bathroom with a nice shower.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Yes, for an additional charge.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport at 1.5mi (2.5km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 5 minutes to the airport lobby.
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ITC Grand Chola
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The ITC Grand Chola is one of the grandest and most luxurious hotels near Chennai airport. It’s not only Chennai’s grandest LEED-platinum certified hotel but is also home to nine award-winning restaurants and even a signature spa. If you’re looking for luxury near the airport, then you couldn’t have picked a better hotel. The best part? The hotel’s airport shuttle is a grand Audi!
Right in the center of the hotel lies the towering atrium, complete with an open-air swimming pool and public areas. The entire place feels like a palace and is peppered with massive floral arrangements and sculptures made by local artists. When you check-in, you even have a brocade shawl draped around your shoulders by the staff. Lounge by the outdoor swimming pools while overlooking the lush greenery or head to one of four fitness centers to get some workout time. Do visit the purple-hued Kaya Kalp spa, which employs local spices combined with aromatics like jasmine and Mysore sandalwood for its treatments. And of course, you have nine restaurants to choose from for satiating your hunger pangs. If you have an early morning flight, then the Madras Pavilion serves the best South Indian breakfast in the city.
Even the entry-level rooms are amazing, complete with plush beds, a bevy of mod-cons, and marble bathrooms. Higher-level rooms also have bathtubs and butler service.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Free shuttle.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport at 5.1mi (8.3km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 13 minutes to the airport lobby.
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Hotel NK Grand Park
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If you’re looking for a nice mid-range airport hotel, then the Hotel NK Grand Park is perfect. It lies in Pallavaram just south of Chennai airport and is a mere 10 minutes away. Besides an airport shuttle, the hotel has a host of offerings that make it a value mid-range hotel. For one, it has a barbeque on the terrace with views of the mountains surrounding the airport area. If you have a longer layover or arrive at the airport earlier during colder climates, then this seems like the perfect way to spend an evening. The multi-cuisine restaurant on-site is open 24 hours and even serves a delicious breakfast. So, you’ll be well-fed when you head to the airport, no matter the time of day or night. Also, for an additional charge, the hotel can arrange for everything from kids’ meals to even cookies and chocolates.
When it comes to accommodations, you can choose from 42 modern and spacious rooms. All of them come with a lovely seating area where you can relax. Plus, you’ll also find private ensuite bathrooms, kettles, free Wi-Fi, and a flatscreen TV in all of them.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Yes, for an additional charge.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport at 1.7mi (2.8km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 10 minutes to the airport lobby.
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Park Hyatt Chennai
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Another of the top-notch luxury hotels near Chennai airport is the Park Hyatt Chennai. The contemporary, sleek business hotel boasts stellar views of the lush green Guindy National Park, which lies right next to it. There’s nothing about the hotel that won’t impress you. To begin with, a serene courtyard and lily pond at its heart lend the property a Zen feel. You can see artwork that harks back to the city’s textile connection sprinkled throughout. Think waffle weave canvas-made art on one or silk-made whorls on the other. Do lounge at the infinity rooftop pool, which enjoys out-of-the-world views of Guindy Forest, and is one peaceful place to unwind. After a swim and a lounge, head to the Antahpura Spa and relax with a massage or treatment. Finally, two avant-garde restaurants and a bar take care of all cravings.
You can choose from chic and stylish rooms and suites, all of which have marble floors, free Wi-Fi, a slew of mod-cons, and even an extremely comfy and oversized work desk. What’s more, bathrooms are large relaxation spaces with bathtubs. If you are a die-hard fan of lush views, get the suites with sweeping views of Guindy National Reserve out of the floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Yes, for an additional charge.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport at 5.9mi (9.6km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 20 minutes to the airport lobby.
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The Trident
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The Trident is one of the nearest hotels to Chennai airport and lies on Grand Southern Trunk Road a mere 5 minutes away. The luxury hotel is set on acres of tropical gardens and is home to a plethora of amenities.
To begin with, it offers free Wi-Fi which you can use across four devices. Secondly, the outdoor swimming pool is phenomenal, to say the least. The rectangular pool is perfect for both a dip and laps and is fringed by pretty yellow sunbeds that are perfect for a lounge. The swaying palm trees only add to the charm of the pool area. The spa and wellness center is one of the best in the region, so do make an appointment. Apart from the all-day dining, the hotel even has another restaurant and bar serving indigenous Chettinad cuisine. The superb breakfast can also be enjoyed in the comfort of your room.
Every last one of the 167 rooms features sleek wooden furnishings and large, floor-to-ceiling windows. Moreover, they all feature mod-cons, personal safes, minibars, and even ensuite bathrooms. If you want more space, then the suites come with separate seating areas.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Yes, for an additional charge.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport at 2.2mi (3.6km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 5 minutes to the airport lobby.
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Hablis Chennai
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The amazing Hablis Chennai is another of the best mid-range hotels near Chennai airport. No doubt part of its appeal is its amenities for the price it offers. This business hotel lies in the suburb of Guindy and is a short 15-minute drive to the airport. The hotel boasts a beautiful modern white facade, complete with pretty blue windows. Even though the property isn’t large, it’s sprinkled with palm trees and small gardens that lend it a nice feel rather than the look of an airport hotel.
You can choose from four kinds of rooms at the hotel, including a suite if you want to splurge. Every room features mod-cons like flat-screen satellite TV, a private ensuite bathroom, a work desk, and even a minibar. When it comes to the amenities, you’ll find them more than adequate. The hotel has everything from currency exchange to car rental to luggage storage facilities. If you want to get some work done, then you’ll find the business center perfect. A restaurant and a lounge serve multiple cuisines and refreshing beverages, including room service and a superb breakfast.
- Airport Shuttle Service: No shuttle.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport at 4.1mi (6.7km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 15 minutes to the airport lobby.
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Lemon Tree Hotel
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Located in the area of Nandambakkam just 15 minutes away from Chennai International Airport is the elegant Lemon Tree Hotel. The Lemon Tree chain is famous for its sophisticated and trendy offerings throughout the country, and the Chennai one is no different. The hotel features a slew of amenities that makes staying here a breeze. Apart from a 24-hour front desk, the hotel offers luggage storage and concierge services both. If you want to work out, there’s even a small but well-equipped gym on-site. There’s even a billiards room if you want to engage in a game with your fellow travelers. The highlight is the Citrus Cafe and Slounge Bar, which features both local and international fare, as well as a refreshing selection of beverages.
You can choose from a whole lot of rooms and suites at the Lemon Tree hotel, each of which is elegant to the last tile. The air-conditioned rooms feature every amenity from minibars to electric kettles to satellite flatscreen TVs. Plus, they also come with plush en-suite bathrooms with bathrobes and toiletries.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Yes, for an additional charge.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport at 4.3mi (7km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 15 minutes to the airport lobby.
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Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai
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The Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai is one of the most popular luxury hotels near Chennai airport. Located right on the Grand Southern Trunk Road, the hotel is rather like a welcoming oasis amid the drab, clinical surroundings of the National Highway. Also, it boasts a bevy of amenities and facilities that are rather fetching for an airport hotel. To begin with, it has a fabulous spa and health club which is perfect if you’re in the mood of some serious pampering between flights. The Chakra Spa is one soothing place to unwind, complete with a selection of massages and body treatments. The signature on-site restaurants offer a wide selection of food options. The highlight of the hotel is the oval-shaped outdoor pool, complete with cushy striped sun loungers.
If you were impressed by the hotel, then wait till you see the rooms, which also includes seven suites. Besides sleek wood furnishings, the colonial-style rooms feature all 21st-century creature comforts including minibars and free Wi-Fi.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Yes, for an additional charge.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport at 2.1mi (3.4km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 7 minutes to the airport lobby.
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Royal Chennai Residency
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The Royal Chennai Residency is the perfect hotel near the airport if you’re looking for something on a budget. The small, 15-room hotel lies just 15 minutes away from the airport on a quiet side street in Jafferkhanpet. Rooms here, albeit small, are especially immaculate and well-designed. All of them come with plush beds, flatscreen TVs, private ensuite bathrooms, and even a desk and seating area. It might be cozy, but it’s the perfect and comfortable place to rest while you wait for your flight.
Even though the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, it lies in a good area that has lots of cheap options to eat right outside. What’s more, it does serve a hearty complimentary breakfast in the comfort of your room! Besides a nice sun terrace, it also has free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and even a shared lounge where you can sip on a cuppa or relax with a book.
- Airport Shuttle Service: No shuttle.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport at 5.1mi (8.3km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 15 minutes to the airport lobby.
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Le Royal Meridien Chennai
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There are but just a few hotels near Chennai airport like the Le Royal Meridien Chennai. For one, its set amidst acres of landscaped gardens, which very few airport hotels have the luxury of. Secondly, it offers a slew of amenities which include a fabulous outdoor swimming pool. Finally, it offers all this at an extremely wallet-friendly price, unlike five-star hotels.
The star of all facilities here is definitely the freeform outdoor swimming pool. It even has a shallow end, which makes it perfect if you’re traveling with children. Its gamut of recreational facilities also includes a well-equipped fitness center, as well as a whirlpool where you can enjoy a soak after a round of working out. Moreover, the hotel even has a luxurious spa, which has a gamut of massage and treatment options. Besides these, Le Royal Meridien has as many as six dining options! Right from baked goodies to Chettinad cuisine to Continental and even seafood, the hotel has it all.
Rooms at the hotel are modern and fully air-conditioned. Even though they differ in size, every room has a modern ensuite bathroom, seating area, flatscreen TV, and a minibar.
- Airport Shuttle Service: No shuttle.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport at 3.4mi (5.5km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 10 minutes to the airport lobby.
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Hilton Chennai
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The Hilton Chennai is one of the trendiest hotels near the airport in Chennai. This chic cocoon in Chennai’s backyard lies a mere 10 minutes from the airport and impresses you with impeccable service and modish décor. Just like it’s other hotels, the hotel is bedecked with interesting designs that pay homage to the mid-century-modern aesthetics.
The lobby is warm and inviting, complete with a mesmerizing golden screen and a showstopping pink-and-blue shaded crystal chandelier. The entire place is an ode to traditional local touches with elegant fabric murals, pretty water bodies, exotic stones, and more. Its three restaurants are noteworthy additions to Chennai’s dining scene. In fact, the all-day dining restaurant even serves an extensive breakfast buffet, which is a blessing if you have an early flight. The star, however, is the rooftop poolside Q Bar which is very popular with Chennaites. The rooftop swimming pool is an enchanting glistening retreat, complete with daybeds. Tons of pretty little gazebos with little water structures next to it lie all over and are the perfect hangout spots.
Moreover, you’ll fall in love with the chic and spacious rooms here. Besides floor-to-ceiling windows, they feature a slew of high-tech mod-cons. Elegant bathrooms with rain showers are real soothing after a long day of travel. Perks include premium toiletries and minibars in every room.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Yes, for an additional charge.
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport at 3.9mi (6.3km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 10 minutes to the airport lobby.
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Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Chennai:
- The RainForest: This amazing restaurant has a rainforest theme and serves multiple cuisines including Chettinad, Continental, Mughlai, Chinese, and North Indian ones.
Recommended Activities In Chennai:
- Chennai Marina Beach Heritage Walk: Explore the temples, statues, and stories of Marina Beach, the second-longest urban beach in the world.
- Private Tour Chennai Sightseeing: Discover the architectural delights of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
