Madurai India – Best Budget, Mid-Range and Top End Hotels

As Madurai is a decent sized city there is no shortage of places to rest your head. The cultural heart of Tamil Nadu, however, is yet to be firmly cemented on the backpacker trail, and as such the accommodation options tend to err towards the more expensive end of the scale. That being said, there are plenty of budget hotels with clean rooms and ensuites, they’re just sadly lacking in the backpacker style found elsewhere in India.

Budget

Travellers looking for budget accommodation in Madurai aren’t exactly spoilt for choice. As a result, those accustomed to staying in the usual guesthouse/homestay might have to fork out a little bit extra. But on the plus side, this will usually get you a higher quality room with a clean bed and even your own air-con to escape from the heady Madurai heat. As the Madurai action is centred around the city centre and the glorious Meenakshi Amman Temple, most of the more desirable accommodation options are found in this area, including the lower-cost options.

Kathir Palace – Dhanappa Mudali St, around INR 900 per night
The Kathir Palace might not seem like your average Indian backpacker hangout, but the prices here are decent and the rooms very clean, albeit a little small. Better yet, Kathir Palace is located just five minutes walk from Meenakshi Amman Temple, and all rooms have aircon and attached ensuites.

The Lost Hostel Madurai – 70 Feet Rd, Ellis Nagar, dorm beds from INR 450, private around INR 1500
At the Lost Hostel you can expect a more European hostel vibe, with dorm rooms, excellent wifi, and even a communal kitchen. Even though the beds are small, rooms are clean, and all have attached ensuites. The hostel is located walking distance from the railway station and Meenakshi Amman Temple.

MR Residency – Vellai Pillayar Kovil St – singles around INR 450, doubles INR 650
It might be a little further out of the city centre, but excellent value for money at this budget classic makes up for the extra rickshaw ride! Rooms are simple and a little on the small side, but all have attached ensuites. We found the staff at this little hotel extremely friendly and helpful.

Hotel Boopathi – 17 Perumal Tank East Town Hall Rd, doubles from INR 700
Being located in the centre of Madurai is both a blessing and a curse for staying at Hotel Boopathi. On the one hand, you can walk to all of the major attractions, but on the downside, the surrounding area is a little chaotic and unclean. At this cheap and (relatively) cheerful option, we found the rooms clean but a little small, and the rooms with fans a bit stuffy, but for a true budget option, the Boopathi is a good choice!

Mid-range

There are some truly excellent mid-range hotels and guesthouses in Madurai, so it can be hard for you to pick the one that suits you best. Most of these are located in the thick of the action, but if you’d rather relax on the outskirts away from the hustle and bustle, it won’t be hard to find something that suits you! Mid-range options in Madurai certainly won’t break the bank, but you’ll still find yourself in perfect cool and comfort.

The Madurai Residency – 14-15 West Marret St, standard double approximately INR 3000
The best thing about the Madurai Residency might just be the location, which is smack bang in the middle of all of Madurai’s top attractions. Though the quality of rooms can vary slightly, most have comfortable beds and clean ensuites, though some twin rooms are a bit on the small side. You can expect friendly staff, great aircon, and working wifi.

Hotel Treebo Simap Residency – 12 Meenakshi Kovil St, doubles from INR 3700
The Hotel Simap is almost as colourful as the Hindu temples just a few minutes walk away. Inside, rooms are simply decorated and comfortable, and great value for their ample space and luxurious bathrooms. Even better, breakfast is included!

Treebo Berrys Boutique – 25 West Perumal Maistry St, doubles from INR 2700
If the heat and chaos of Madurai centre doesn’t appeal to you, come to Treebo Berrys Boutique for a little more peace and quiet. Located a short taxi ride away from the top attractions, the price of a room here is much less than what you’d pay for the same thing in the city centre. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, however we found the hot water unreliable. We would advise against having high expectations for the free breakfast.

Royal Court – 4 West Veli St, doubles around INR 4500
It would be hard to find a better mid-range hotel this close to Meenakshi Temple. Located within metres of the sacred site, the Royal Court is a perfect place to escape from the heat and dust outside. The large rooms are well air-conditioned and comfortable, all with televisions and ensuites. The free breakfast is a large spread with many international options. Believe us, you’ll never want to leave!

Top End

Though Madurai is a travel destination made for mid-range travellers, there are a couple of beautiful luxury accommodation options made for those who travel in extreme style. These are located a little out of Madurai centre and generally offer more space and outdorr facilities like pools, playing grounds and on-site restaurants and spa centres.

JC Residency Madurai – 14 Lady Doak College Rd, rooms between INR 5000 – 10 000
This large hotel on the other side of the river from most of the tourist attractions is decorated in a grand colonial style with wood-panelled walls and chintz armchairs. If pretending to be a colonial isn’t your thing, then other perks include a pool, gym, and extremely friendly staff. Our favourite thing, however, might just have been the terrific buffet breakfast.

Heritage Madurai – 11 Melakkal Main Rd, doubles from INR 7000 – 11 000
The Heritage is by far Madurai’s most luxurious hotel. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the main part of town, this hotel is elegant in a distinctly tropical way, with plenty of outdoor lounges and a beautiful stepped pool. You can expect all of the facilities that come with a top end hotel, such as a gym, spa, and chauffeur service, although we were slightly disappointed with the buffet breakfast. The Heritage is, however, the perfect place to relax!