OYO 7576 Varuna Inn

The staff were courteous and helpful, and the hotel is around 150 meters from the beach, reached by a straight street. The beach area was really clean, and the sea facing location makes it possible to enjoy a lovely early morning or sunrise without paying for an expensive beach facing resort. It’s a nice budget place for a day or two if you plan to walk around the beach. The rooms were a little stinky and had no windows, and there’s no direct connection to Mahabalipuram city.

The location was okay, but my bad experience started at check-in. A guest was checking out, so I had to wait in my car for 10 minutes at the very narrow entrance until they could leave. Then I saw the room. I’d booked a suite, but got a room just 8 by 10 feet with a small couch and a bed smaller than a queen. It felt like the room ended before it started. Breakfast was no better. They started serving at 9 am, but within 35 minutes had run out of the stoner idlis and other items, with little variety to choose from. Most of the occupants were hooligans, drinking and shouting all night, so this isn’t a place for families. Dinner was okay, though one item came after we’d finished eating. It felt like a lodge rather than a hotel, and was expensive compared with other hotels. My advice is to stay away from this so called hotel.

This hotel is close to a calm, clean beach away from the crowds, and Tiger Cave is just a 10 minute walk. The room was clean and well maintained, but small. Food was only okay and staff service was average. It’s a little far from central Mahabalipuram, so without your own car or bike you’ll need to wait for a bus or shared auto. I’d suggest it for budget travelers who want a peaceful place to stay.

You can hear the sea hitting the shore the whole time, and the sunrise is superb. The view is awesome, and Tiger Cave is nearby. It’s in Mahabalipuram with a sea view and a hotel restaurant, though the restaurant isn’t good. The main city is easy to reach by auto or bus, and there are plenty around. Room service was good, the rooms have A/C, and the service was good too.