CHEMMEEN INN sits 701 metres from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health - approximately a 9-minute walk. It is rated 2.8★ from 23 guests on Google Maps. Given the consistent pattern in recent reviews, pilgrims are strongly advised to read guest feedback carefully before making a booking decision.
Location
The inn is located at MVM2+62V, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111, within the main pilgrim accommodation zone near the basilica. At 701 metres, most pilgrims can reach the church on foot in about 9 minutes, or take a short auto-rickshaw ride. The location places you within easy reach of the basilica for early morning Holy Mass, novena services, and the daily processions along the beach shrine road.
Rooms and Amenities
Chemmeen Inn offers budget non-AC and AC room options and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The round-the-clock front desk means pilgrims arriving on overnight buses or early trains will find someone at reception.
Guests have noted that room sizes can be spacious. However, multiple reviewers report significant issues that every pilgrim should weigh before arriving:
- No bedsheets or blankets provided - guests are advised to bring their own linen
- Salty tap water - reported as unsuitable for bathing
- Hot water - reportedly available only at a common area on the ground floor; guests on upper floors must carry it themselves
- AC reliability - several reviews note air conditioning units that were non-functional or not worth the price charged
No lift is mentioned at the property. Wheelchair accessibility details are not available, so elderly pilgrims or those with mobility needs should confirm arrangements directly with the inn before travelling.
The property is noted as family-friendly and welcomes children.
What Guests Say
The 2.8★ overall rating reflects serious and recurring concerns. The average across the most recent reviews over the past year sits at approximately 1.3 stars - a declining trend.
Leo Sebastian (2★) described his non-AC room as spacious but documented several problems: “All the taps inside bathroom were leaking… water is very much salty… you need to bring bedsheet, blanket everything.” He valued the stay at no more than ₹600 under any circumstances.
A concern raised by multiple independent guests is electrical safety. Derrick Pollard (1★) wrote of “earthing problems in bathware everywhere shock” and described strong odours throughout the property, along with a “rude and aggressive” manager at reception. Sukumar Parasuraman (1★) echoed this: “you will get electric shock in wash rooms and hot water area,” and added that the owner collects full rent in advance without issuing receipts, then asks guests to vacate if they raise complaints about facilities.
Jayaraj A (1★) summarised: “Management is bad not responding for any issue. Rooms and bathroom are not hygiene. AC also not working. Overpriced lodge.”
Most recently, Shamshad Makandar (1★, two months ago) described “very bad management and behaviour of owner, everything is unhygienic.”
Important safety note: Multiple guests from different visits have independently reported electric shocks from earthing faults in the bathrooms and hot water area. Pilgrims travelling with elderly family members or young children should weigh this risk carefully.
Contact and Booking
- Address: MVM2+62V, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111
- Hours: Open 24 hours, all days of the week
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
No phone number or online booking link is available in our records. If you plan to stay here, visit in person to inspect the room before paying, and ask for a written receipt for any advance payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Chemmeen Inn from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health? The inn is 701 metres from the basilica - roughly a 9-minute walk for most pilgrims, or a very short auto-rickshaw ride.
Do I need to bring my own bedsheets to Chemmeen Inn? Based on guest reviews, yes. Multiple guests have confirmed that bedsheets and blankets are not supplied. Carry your own linen to avoid being caught out on arrival.
Is the tap water at Chemmeen Inn suitable for bathing? Guests have described the tap water as very salty and not suitable for bathing. Hot water is reportedly only accessible at a shared point on the ground floor, so guests staying on upper floors need to carry it up themselves.
Are there any safety concerns I should know about? Several reviewers have independently reported electric shocks from earthing faults in the bathrooms and near the hot water supply. This is a recurring issue mentioned across reviews spanning two years. Elderly pilgrims and families with children should factor this into their decision.
Is Chemmeen Inn a good choice during the Velankanni feast season? The property operates 24 hours year-round. During the September feast of Our Lady of Good Health (29 August to 8 September), all accommodation in Velankanni fills very quickly. If you must stay here, confirm availability early - but also consider that the town’s budget lodges often fill at similar price points with better track records.
Plan Your Visit
Chemmeen Inn’s location - 701 metres from the basilica - is its one genuine asset for pilgrims. That proximity allows you to attend early Holy Mass, the novena, and evening processions without arranging transport.
However, the volume and consistency of negative feedback across hygiene, non-functional AC, reported electrical hazards, and unresponsive management make this a property that is difficult to recommend without serious caution. Pilgrims who need reliable facilities or peace of mind during their stay would be better served exploring other options in the same distance range.
If you do book here, bring your own bedsheets and blankets, keep receipts for all payments, and inspect your room before settling in.
For service times and schedules at the basilica, see Mass timings at the basilica.
Browse all accommodation options in the area at All hotels in Velankanni.
