If you're stuck at the airport without enough Rupees to pay the dreaded tax, and only a VISA card, try the airline. Some of them will handle the departure tax for you, and charge it to your VISA card. Perhaps somebody ought to inform the state government that both the war and the Empire are over.
Some guides seem to think that the only options for transport out are buses or hiring a whole taxi.
The Ashok Varsti next door, another government place, has the singles pegged at Rs 500, but the interior gives the uncanny impression that it's not quite built yet. Before staying at any of the high-rise hotels, you may want to take a look at Himalaya House on Kasturba Ghandi Marg, where Indian Airlines have their offices. However, falling apart as it alarmlingly is, it is still standing, which is rather more than another high-rise in Bombay, which collapsed recently due to shoddy building. The YMCA is charging Rs350 for a vanilla single bedroom with common bath and about Rs850 for air-con single with bath. YMCA allow 2 hours grace, and you may check-in if a room is available.