Whose up for heading over to eastern India to discover the best hostels in Chennai? Come with us!
This city on the Bay of Bengal is probably not as popular as other Indian destinations like New Delhi and Jaipur. Yet it has a lot up its sleeve as a great backpacker destination.
Our favorite hostels in Chennai are:
- Cayzen - best for Solo Traveler
- Pocoyo - Backpackers Hostel - best for Social Travelers
- The Sheltor - best for Male Travelers
Good to know: in this part of India the main language spoken is Tamil, not Hindi.
We’re excited to show off the modern design and spacious rooms at our Chennai hostel collection.
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Cayzen
2. Pocoyo - Backpackers Hostel
3. The Sheltor
Any questions about hostels in Chennai?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
As for party hostels? These are not a thing in Chennai, unfortunately.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
Quick Introduction to Chennai
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Chennai cost 7€ – 9€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 10€ up to 24€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Party Hostels in Chennai? Although alcohol is legal in this part of India, there isn’t much in the way of party hostels. In fact, partying isn’t really encouraged in this city.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Chennai are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Chennai.
- Cayzen – best for Solo Traveler
- Pocoyo - Backpackers Hostel – best for Social Travelers
- The Sheltor – best for Male Travelers
These are our favorite hostels in Chennai. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Cayzen
2. Pocoyo - Backpackers Hostel
3. The Sheltor
We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
1. Cayzen
Cayzen hostel might be small in size, but it makes a big impression — especially if you’re flying solo.
Cayzen is calm, clean, and created with the solo traveller in mind.
“There’s a lot of love in the little details here.”
What makes Cayzen special is how easy it is to strike up a conversation in the cozy common areas — or retreat to your own space if that’s what you’re after.
This is not a party hostel. It’s a thoughtful one.
The rooms? Minimalist and peaceful. Dorm beds are comfy and private, while private rooms feel like a step up from the usual hostel fare.
Location: Right in the heart of Anna Nagar — an upscale residential area with parks, cafés, and quiet streets. The metro is nearby, making it easy to get around the city.
The best choice in Chennai for
- Solo travellers
- Introverts who like meeting cool people in small doses
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Pocoyo - Backpackers Hostel
If you’re the kind of backpacker who wants company with their chai, Pocoyo - Backpackers Hostel is your spot.
This hostel is all about shared experiences — be it late-night chats, local food tours, or just lounging in the colourful common room.
“People come for the beds, but stay for the vibe.”
Yes, this is the social hostel you’ve been looking for. But no, it’s not a loud party hostel.
It’s a mix of comfort and community. Private rooms are also available for when you want your own space without missing out on the action.
Location: Situated in Nungambakkam — a lively neighbourhood full of food joints, art galleries, and cultural spaces. The metro is nearby and so are plenty of cool hangout spots.
A great choice for
- Social butterflies
- First-time India travellers
- Solo travellers looking for new friends
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. The Sheltor
The Sheltor is where function meets comfort — a solid choice if you’re after a chill, straightforward stay without the frills.
“Quiet, clean, and safe — what more do you need?”
This male-only hostel is designed for travellers who want a peaceful, well-run place to rest.
Not a party hostel. Not a trendy scene. But it gets the basics very right.
Location: Located in Adyar, one of the greenest and calmest areas in Chennai. The beach is nearby, as is the Theosophical Society — a hidden gem if you enjoy peaceful walks.
This is one of the best hostels in Chennai for
- Male travellers
- Budget-conscious guests
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
We’d like to throw one more hostel in the mix for you.
The owner of Hostel Gandhi will ensure you have nothing but a great time.
This hostel is spread over two floors with spacious common areas and rooms. It’s completely air conditioned, there are safety lockers and the breakfast is free!
Stay here and you’ll be in the heart of the city close to fine restaurants and shopping malls.
From female and mixed dorms to twin and double privates – it’s all here at Hostel Gandhi!
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about the cheapest hostels in Chennai?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Chennai.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Chennai
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Chennai best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Chennai?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile shops. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Chennai put on a map + sights
Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Chennai hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:
- Marina Beach
- Government Museum Chennai
- Santhome Cathedral Basilica
- Fort Saint George
- Guindy National Park
- Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathyswamy Temple
Any questions about hostels in Chennai? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Chennai?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Chennai.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to other destinations:
- best hostels in India
- best hostels in Delhi
- best hostels in Jaipur
- best hostels in Mumbai
- best hostels in Darjeeling
- best hostels in Pondicherry
- best hostels in Goa
- party hostels in Goa
- best backpacker hostels in Goa
- best hostels in Rishikesh
- best hostels in Dharamshala
- best hostels in Pokhara, Nepal
- best hostels in Kathmandu, Nepal
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
Over to you
Was this useful? Do you have any questions, doubts?
Then please please leave us a comment. This list of awesome Chennai hostels should be as informative and useful as possible.
Your question will help me to understand what I have missed to mention.
Therefore, drop us a comment, we are keen to help you!
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! We ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.
At Hostelgeeks we will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. Our promise is to only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!
Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.
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Closed: Zostel Chennai
This hostel is closed. We’ve left this information here to keep you informed.
When backpacking India there is no doubt that you will come across the successful hostel chain Zostel. And Zostel Chennai is set to impress!
This cosy backpacker hostel is right in the middle of the action.
“Every day in Zostel is happening, complete with doses of laughter and experiences.”
The team here stress that intoxication is not what it’s about. Instead, they prefer to share stories and chill vibes.
Put simply; this is not a party hostel.
Yet this doesn’t mean we’re providing you with a boring hostel, oh no.
Here are a few things to look forward to:
- Air conditioned lounge room
- Rooftop area
- Free Wifi
- Shared kitchen (unusual in India)
It’s kept cosy because of the minimal room choices on offer.
There are two options: an 8-bed mixed dorm, and a private double room.
And boy, are they super spacious and pleasantly clean! You know these guys had big backpacks in mind when they designed the space.
If you’re happy to spare a few extra coins, feel free to arrange a breakfast with the staff.
Other perks include 24/7 reception, free water dispenser and hot showers.
Location: Located in T Nagar area, the shopping hub of the city. All of the major city attractions are within walking distance from here. The metro station which takes you to the airport is just a 5-minute walk.
This is one of the best hostels in Chennai for
- Couples
- Older travellers
CLOSED: Red Lollipop Hostel
This hostel is closed. We’ve left this information here to keep you informed.
Next up is another great backpacker hostel called Red Lollipop Hostel.
“We offer international-standard and affordable accommodation to backpackers and young travelers.”
The best part? There is a 6-bed female dorm!
Start your day with a fresh cup of chai and fill your belly on the free breakfast each morning.
Fill up your water bottle with the complimentary filtered water, and go off exploring by foot – this is easy thanks to the great central location.
If you fancy a day inside away from the craziness, enjoy:
- Common area w/ guitars
- Free Wifi throughout the property
- Air conditioning
- Chess, TV and friendly conversation
Note: these is an age limit here of 18-50 years.
Alongside the female dorm, there is a 6-bed mixed dorm and a budget twin option with two single beds.
There is also a handy kitchen onsite which is suitable for rustling up a basic meal.
Location: Situated close by to the famous Marina Beach, US consulate and T Nagar. There is a bus station right across the road for trips further afield.
This is one of the best hostels in Chennai for
- Female solo travellers
- Friends
CLOSED: Backpackers Inn
This hostel is closed. We’ve left this information here to keep you informed.
Last but not least we have a no frills hostel with possibly the best dorms on offer in Chennai: Backpackers Inn.
No doubt the name gives it away, but this is our top recommendation for backpackers.
Why?
This hostel attracts a lot of Indian travellers so it’s a great opportunity to get to know locals, as well as people from other parts of India.
The dorms are also well-designed for backpackers.
Each bed comes with a privacy curtain and spacious under bed storage. The bunks are really well built so there won’t be any rattling or squeaking from your neighbour.
Good to know: payment on arrival is by cash only.
As there are no private rooms here, it’s an easy option of where to sleep.
A vegetarian breakfast is made to order each morning for an extra cost. In our opinion, this is easier than going out to find some food in this busy city.
For those that feel like chilling for the day you’ll appreciate the A/C, flat screen TV and a cosy sitting area to meet other people.
Location: In the heart of Chennai not too far from the beach, shopping malls, mosque and historical temples. This makes getting around on foot super easy.
This is one of the best hostels in Chennai for
- Backpackers
