Best Places to Stay in Pondicherry

Known as the ‘French Riviera of the East’, Pondicherry is one of the seven Union Territories of India. It is officially known as Puducherry but more commonly referred to as Pondicherry, and sometimes as Pondy. In the decades gone by, this beautiful place was ruled not only by the French but also by the Dutch, Portuguese, and the British. Even now, you can see quite a bit of French influence here. This destination can truly be called the perfect combination of aesthetic French architecture and of traditions that depict Indian authenticity and sentiments. There are a lot of majestic places at this destination that offer visitors an enthralling Pondicherry sightseeing experience. This is especially true for areas like White Town, mainly known for its French Quarters, which is a place where you will find colonial structures coloured in a vibrant mustard-yellow. It is also one of the best areas to stay in Pondicherry for a tourist.

Throughout history, the beauty of this place has attracted travellers from all over the world. Pondicherry also serves as the perfect quick weekend getaway for people living in places like Bangalore. After all, the serenity that Pondicherry offers is pretty hard to find in the chaos of city life. This mesmerising town is also the favourite beach honeymoon destination for newlywed couples.

If you plan to visit this peaceful town, you will, of course, want to know about the best place to stay in Pondicherry for travellers. Well, Pondicherry is full of some amazing options in terms of accommodation as tourism forms a major part of the region’s economy. You will have no trouble finding the perfect place to stay when you visit Pondicherry.

However, to help you out in your search for the best hotel/accommodation, here are some of the most amazing places to stay in Pondicherry that you can consider:

1. L’escale

Topping the chart of budget places to stay in Pondicherry, L’escale offers a French experience, right from its name. Located in the historic White Town on the promenade, this place promises a comfortable stay. The hotel is situated in one of the famous locations of the city which makes it even more desirable for those travellers who don’t want to spend much on their stay but still want the best area to stay in Pondicherry for tourists. The hotel has an amazing rooftop bar that offers a sweeping view of the Bay of Bengal. What’s more, the elegant wicker furniture adds to the aesthetics of the hotel.

Start your day with a hearty French breakfast of croissants and brioches, fruits, and fresh juices after which you can begin your sightseeing tour. This is among the places to stay in Pondicherry that can really spruce up your vacation and are budget-friendly as well. The rooms are very spacious with tasteful and elegant décor and are replete with all the amenities you may need for a comfortable stay. Adding to this, the hotel also offers currency exchange services for international travellers and scooter rentals for all their guests.

2. Palais de Mahe - CGH Earth

If you like taking lazy strolls in the quaint boulevards of the French Quarter, White Town is definitely the best area for you to stay in Pondicherry. Located just a few kilometres from the Seaside Promenade, the Palais de Mahe - CGH Earth hotel depicts French colonial architecture quite distinctly! It is a boutique hotel that has three arcade floors which are equipped with contemporary furniture and luxury, thus promising an amazing time within the premises.

If you love massages, then that is just another reason why the hotel would be the best stay in Pondicherry. You can head to their Ayurvedic Massage Centre where you can pamper yourself and soothe your mind. Palais de Mahe also offers a swimming pool that is located in the majestic courtyard, an arched veranda decorated with leafy planters, a cocktail bar, cafe, and of course, a romantic rooftop restaurant.

3. Villa Shanti

For one of the best stays in Pondicherry, Villa Shanti is another great option for you. It is a contemporary hotel that offers airy rooms designed with eye-catching textiles. With a courtyard that is quite well-lit and sprawling with greenery, the place does ensure ample tranquillity. There are services for massages if you want to enjoy a relaxing time. Alternatively, you can head towards the Wellbeing room to practice yoga when the sessions are held. It may be said that Villa Shanti is surrounded by an enigmatic aura which truly makes it one of the best locations to stay in Pondicherry.

Last but not the least, the food at the hotel is also worth a mention. Here, you will be served dishes that are made with freshly plucked organic vegetables that render a mouth-watering blast of flavours to your taste buds. Right from an Indian breakfast to continental dishes, you can relish a variety of options as you enjoy the ambience of the air-conditioned restaurants or of the patio.

4. Keeth House, Auroville

A beautiful chalet that makes its way into the list of the best places to stay in Pondicherry is the Keeth House. Situated in Auroville, almost 9.7 km from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, this chalet gives you a superb view along with the feeling of camping in a jungle. Nestled amidst a good number of lush green trees, Keeth House has a lounge, garden, and other amenities that you can readily access. There are balconies attached to the rooms and it also has a terrace where you can spend some amazing time with your loved ones.

The hotel also offers car and scooter rental services, helping make your city trips more convenient. The Manakula Vinayagar Temple along with the Sri Aurobindo Hand Made Paper Factory is located quite near to the Keeth House. Along with this, the Pondicherry Airport is just 3.9 km from Keeth House, making it the best area to stay in Pondicherry.

5. Le Pondy Beach Resort

Almost everyone loves a hotel that offers a splendid beach view! And if you are one of those people, then the Le Pondy Beach Resort is the perfect place to stay in Pondicherry. Situated on the expansive and secluded sands of Paradise Beach, which is almost 20 minutes from the South of Pondicherry, this beach resort offers both an outdoor and indoor retreat for its guests. Le Pondy Beach Resort has an open-plan and colonial villa style stay that comes with a misty sea breeze that finds its way into the rooms and lounges.

You can choose between an array of options like sea or lake view rooms, private balcony rooms, villas with private pools, and so on. Adding to this, there is also a sports room with various games and a playground for children, making it one of the best places to stay in Pondicherry for families.

6. Bonjour Bonheur Ocean Spray Resort 

Yet another one of the beach stay options in Pondicherry, the Bonjour Bonheur Ocean Spray Resort is a 15-minute walk from the beach and offers the guests an oasis of serenity away from the chaos of daily life. The resort is well-known for a spectacular nightlife. Surrounded with lush green trees and a large freshwater pond, you can simply relax and enjoy some quality time there. The resort has rejuvenating water views and offers chic rooms with contemporary furnishings.

Guests can also choose from a lot of room options for places to stay in Pondicherry, which offer amenities such as open-air Jacuzzi tubs, private infinity pools, patio terraces, and much more. Another interesting feature of the Bonjour Bonheur Ocean Spray Resort is the flagship Lotosas Restaurant that offers a ‘floating on the water surface’ experience to the guests, making dining even more magical and ensuring that you can enjoy the best stay in Pondicherry.

7. Dune Eco Village and Spa

Bask in the embrace of nature in one of the best eco-friendly places to stay in Pondicherry. The Dune Eco Village and Spa is a hidden treasure. Surrounded by untouched natural beauty, it is the ideal retreat destination that is situated just 20-minutes away from the North of Pondicherry. An interesting feature of this place is that the entire area has been created very minutely by designers and architects from all over the world. Spread across an area of 35 acres that consist of organic gardens and grounds, there are 60 suites and bungalows housed in the Dune Eco Village and Spa. There is also a health and wellness centre inside the campus that offers Ayurvedic treatments as well as western massages, hot water therapies, and yoga and meditation sessions, offering you an unparalleled relaxation of the mind. The beauty that surrounds this resort definitely makes it one of the best places to stay in Pondicherry.

While these are some of the top picks of the best places to stay in Pondicherry, there are a lot of other homestays, budget hotels, boutique hotels, and luxury resorts that you can look for. Irrespective of where you choose to book your accommodation, the beauty and aura of Pondicherry will ensure that your stay is simply enchanting! You can also choose to opt for specially customised Pondicherry tour packages to plan out your itinerary and accommodation in a way that suits you the best.