The Most Comfortable and Convenient Airbnbs in Chennai, India

Before it was developed into a seaport and garrison, the area now known as Chennai comprised a cluster of small villages on India’s Coromandel Coast. The largest of these, Madrasapattinam, inspired the city’s original name of Madras before being renamed Chennai in 1996. This history has resulted in a sprawling metropolitan area with no clearly defined downtown core although the region between the Cooum and Adyar rivers generally defines the tourist zone.

Thyagaraya Nagar (T. Nagar) and Nungambakkam are the best districts to stay in Chennai. Close to historic George Town and Mylapore, these wards have a mix of restaurants, bazaars, and conveniences. Triplicane backs onto Marina Beach – the longest beach in India – which is awesome for fish fry and strolls but treacherous for swimming.

Chennai is huge but the metro system makes it easy to explore. Uber and Ola fill any gaps in the service. These are the best Airbnbs in Chennai for getting a sense of the seaside city.

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We hope you love these Airbnb Chennai vacation rentals! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Bay of Bengal beachside cottage

 

See more photosSwap the bazaars for the beach and spend a night at this Chennai Airbnb in Uthandi. The bungalow has a secure backyard and is minutes from the sandy Uthandi Beach, one of the city’s few swimmable beaches. It’s well-stocked with utensils, kids’ toys, and beach gear. Central Chennai and the airport are roughly an hour by taxi so seize the chance for some sunshine before traveling onwards.

Four guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $45 per night

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New Airbnb next to Chennai Central

 

See more photosThis recently refurbished apartment features two double bedrooms and a modern kitchen with an induction hob and laundry facilities. That chunky sectional is just the tonic after alighting at the train station or returning from the bazaars. Speaking of, the Periyamet neighborhood is awash with vendors selling leather goods and gift items and hole-in-the-wall eateries specializing in home cooking.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $29 per night

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Stylish Chennai apartment on Sterling Road

 

See more photosThis Guest Favorite Airbnb roosts in Chennai’s upscale Nungambakkam neighborhood. The studio consists of one king-sized bed plus a convertible sofa separated by a privacy screen. Minimalist and modern, the apartment is tricked out with all the essentials – a functional kitchen, a workstation, and a TV with Netflix. There are tons of restaurants on the doorstep and a reliable supply of Ubers/Olas.

Four guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $32 per night

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Chennai Airbnb Room with a private bathroom

 

See more photosGet the inside scoop on where to go in Chennai by renting the spare room of an architect in Nungambakkam. This rental is attached to a private bathroom while all other spaces in the home are shared with the host and potentially another tenant. Grab a seat on the covered terrace overlooking a lush garden when plotting out how to spend the day.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $31 per night

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Guest Favorite Airbnb in T. Nagar

 

See more photosThis highly-reviewed apartment is a stone’s throw from the Pondy Bazaar where vendors flog silks, spices, and jewelry galore. The kitchen is appointed with an induction hob and microwave plus there’s a work desk in the master bedroom. The small patio is useful for nursing a morning brew or airing laundry. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam and Nandanam Metro Station are a five-minute walk.

Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $72 per night

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Contemporary condo in Thousand Lights

 

See more photosThis lovely apartment is nourished with natural light courtesy of large windows and a balcony peppered with pot plants. The kitchen is suitable for cooking heavier meals and the rainfall showers in each en suite bathroom are a welcome perk after a day of exploring. Named for the Thousand Lights Mosque, this trendy area is convenient for public transit and nightlife in Chennai.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $48 per night

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Beach bungalow south of Chennai

 

See more photosSupplement a city break with a beach escape at this Airbnb one hour south of Chennai in Mahabalipuram. The town is a hub for Tamil Nadu’s preserved ratha temples and structural monuments including the Shore Temple, all of which are a short drive from the property. Suitable for families, the two-bedroom cottage opens out onto a huge terrace overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $112 per night

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Budget-friendly Chennai Airbnb close to everything

 

See more photosThis Guest Favorite Airbnb in Chennai is a no-frills crash pad for wedded couples and solo travelers. The rental unit is attached to the home of the host family although it has its own basic kitchen, bathroom (brace yourself for a cold shower), and private entrance. The location can’t be faulted: T. Nagar, Mylapore, and Marina Beach are a ride away by metro or Uber/Ola.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $24 per night

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Comfortable apartment near Marina Beach

 

See more photosThis cozy two-bedroom apartment near India’s longest beach comes with an office for remote workers and a mini exhibition of antiques and books. There are several air-conditioning units and a gigantic fridge for when you inevitably order one too many dosas. Chennai Lighthouse and the landmarks of Mylapore are within easy access and the host can arrange a private driver.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $60 per night

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Guest suite Airbnb minutes from Chennai Airport

 

See more photosThis self-contained studio with a private entrance comes with a kitchenette, tiled bathroom, and daily housekeeping. The compound is surrounded by plants and mango trees while the apartment has its own netted patio where you can catch the sunrise and enjoy the sound of silence. It’s only 15 minutes to the airport and the area is well-served by Uber/Ola.

Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $38 per night

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Chennai apartment with a balcony in Mylapore

 

See more photosRich in cultural attractions and ornate temples, historic Mylapore is where to stay in Chennai for quiet – by Indian stands, of course. A handful of sights are within walking distance of this serene apartment and there’s no shortage of walkable places to eat. The kitchen is readied with a starter pack of cooking supplies while handwoven rugs and decorative trinkets add a homely vibe.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $60 per night

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Is Airbnb safe in Chennai?

Airbnb is safe in Chennai. It’s wise to choose a rental apartment in a tourist-centric area close to the metro such as Thyagaraya Nagar (T. Nagar), Nungambakkam, Mylapore, or George Town. As with any destination, consult the previous reviews and prioritize a Guest Favorite Airbnb or Superhost. Note that not all hosts accept unmarried couples in Chennai.

What time is it in Chennai?

Chennai and Tamil Nadu follow India Standard Time (IST) and do not observe Daylight Saving Time. The time in Chennai is UTC/GMT +05:30.

Where is Chennai?

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is located on the coast of southeastern India. It’s the state capital of Tamil Nadu and a major port city responsible for containers and automobiles.

Chennai International Airport sits 12 miles southwest of the city. Spread over 17 platforms, Chennai Central is a landmark station in India with direct access to the Chennai Metro.