The Loft

This has been my regular place to stay in Chennai for the last three months, and I recommend it, especially to sales professionals visiting the city. It's centrally located, with easy access to the main areas. The property is clean and well maintained, the hospitality is excellent, and they provide towels and basic toiletries.

A clean, affordable dormitory in the heart of the city, with responsive staff and special rates for monthly stays. It's close to the US EMBASSY, music academy, YMCA and Marina beach. Works well for budget travellers, whether staying briefly or for a longer time.

Getting here is convenient: it's about 70m from the hotel Anjanta stop, reached from Chennai central on the A1 bus. But the place is nearly invisible from the road. The sign is at a blind spot, and I almost passed it. It's in the same building as induslnd bank. The check-in rules are a big concern: check-in is 12 noon and check-out is 11am next day. They charge almost 300-350 for early check-in, which feels like a scam, and won't even let you use the wash room before checking in. That makes the cost more than a good single occupancy room on Airbnb in Chennai. There's a decent reception and sitting area for chatting or eating, though it isn't as premium as Zostel or Go stops. Good RO water is available all the time. The hall has AC and a fan, but the AC seems to be turned off often, a big bummer in summer. The bathrooms and toilets aren't very clean, with cockroaches and loose doors, and there's no HOT WATER. The beds are bunkers, but everyone pays full price while the top bunk gets no privacy screen, unlike the lower bunks. They should lower the top bunk price or make changes. There's no storage or cupboard for bags and clothes, so everything has to be squeezed into the bed. If you're on top, you're out of luck. You also have to argue with the reception guy to get a locker for valuables, as if only special people get one. There is a separate changing area like a trial room with a mirror. I managed without hot water since it was summer. For the price, this isn't a premium stay like Go-Stops or Zostel. They should improve a lot of things given the cost and the 12pm to 11am setup that overcharges customers.

It felt safe and was fine for my one-day stay, apart from the bathrooms. They're shared by men and women, and the strong musky smell was unbearable for me. It's an okay place if you can tolerate that smell.