This boutique hotel in Thiruvanmaiyur is the first entry on this list because of how close it is to the beach (3 minutes away by walk). The rooms and food are what you’d expect from a budget hotel (functional, not extravagant), we love it for the open air restaurant on the top floor that has a clear view of the Bay of Bengal. What’s more, you can enjoy the evening sea breeze there with a glass of beer because their restaurant serves liquor too! Sports fans can catch up on the latest goings-on in their sports bar called the Turf Pub.