The Best Boutique Hotels in Pondicherry, India

Situated in the French Quarter and just a few miles away from the seaside Promenade, the Palais de Mahe reflects distinct French colonial-style architecture. Thoughtfully designed and aesthetically pleasing, this boutique hotel features three colonnaded floors of stylish suites, complete with period furniture and modern luxuries. Guests can be immersed in the colonial vibe while pampering the body and mind by indulging in the Ayurvedic massage center, dipping in the plunge pool nestled in the majestic courtyard, or simply taking a short walk on the arched verandah dotted with leafy planters. There’s also a cocktail bar, café, and a rooftop restaurant, which is perhaps the hotel’s best feature and quite popular as well.

More than just an accommodation, staying at this 170-year-old French house converted into a boutique heritage hotel could easily be a journey to the past. The hotel features 12 rooms, complete with colonial-inspired furniture and ornaments, from Thanjavur paintings and artwork to antique teak beds. Each guestroom is named after well-known Tamil personalities and former French governors. Also, there’s a restaurant called Le Club, which is the first French restaurant in South India.

Located in the old French town, the Villa Shanti is a beautiful 19th-century boutique hotel that has all the colonial charm and elegance you would expect from a building of the time. It features 15 rooms and suites in tones of white and grey, along with modern furnishings and artwork. The café bar along with a library, stylish restaurant, and impeccable vertical garden are all par for the course.