Backpackers Inn in Chennai is one of the cheapest hostels in the otherwise rather expensive South Indian city. However, make sure you are aware of the fact that they only have one dorm that has thirteen beds inside and despite only showing their curtained beds in the pictures, if you book the cheaper six-bed dorm, you will not get any curtain.
The Location
The location of the hostel is quite random; it is at a busy junction in downtown Chennai with a hospital on one side and office buildings on the other. The city is so huge and spread out that it would be impossible to find a location that is convenient for everything, but this place is neither close to the beach nor to the most important touristic sights. The bus system of the city is really confusing, so your best bet is to take tuk tuks everywhere.
Rooms and Bathrooms
When you are booking, the hostel lets you choose between six- and eight-bed dorms. However, it only has one dorm with thirteen beds. Their logic is that there are different kinds of beds inside, so they treat them as different rooms. If you book the more expensive room, you will get one of the bunk beds with curtains, which is nice, clean, and spacious; but if you book the cheaper room type, you will get either an individual or a bunk bed that is old and does not have curtains. The problem with this arrangement is that as most people will be sleeping in curtained beds, they will not pay attention to keeping the lights switched off for the few who are in the other type of bed. On the positive side though, the room is cooled by air conditioning, which is of quite good quality. The bathrooms are located outside and are quite messy with water all over the floor.
Common Spaces
There is a cute little socialisation area in front of the reception, which is the most upbeat part of the hostel. However, the receptionist sleeps here at night, which can be somewhat off-putting. There is also a kitchen, which is a nice addition. However, the hostel promises a gym, and what is meant by this is that in the same block of flats, you can find a gym for which you would have to pay to use.
Summary
As it's one of the cheapest options in Chennai, it is a decent enough place. However, try not to get your hopes up based on what facilities they promise on booking platforms, as some of these are not available in reality.
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Sadly, this hostel has closed.
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Backpackers Inn Reviews
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JudyM
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Jun 16, 2019
Location and Contact
Location
• From Chennai Airport
• By Taxi
• You can queue for public taxi at Chennai Domestic & international airport.
• Backpackers inn is 18 KM from chennai domestic & international aiprot, the taxi fee is around 300. The price might be different based on the traffic jam.
• You may call us if you take taxi and let us talk to the driver, it's better to guide them in local language. You can find our contact detail in your confirmation letter after you made booking.
Facilities and Amenities
Digital Nomads
Family-Friendly Hostel
Solo Traveller
Bedsheets
Parking
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
Lockers in Lobby
Luggage Storage
Towels
24 Hour Security
Air Conditioning
Board Games
Cable TV
Credit Card Payments
Elevator/Lift
Food/Restaurant
Gameroom
Gym/Fitness Room
Hot Showers
Laundry
Videogames
Curfew: No Curfew
Reception Hours: 24 Hours
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