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 appealing Tamil Quarter, the Maison Perumal is a two-storied 18th-century boutique hotel that charms guests with its distinctive design features, from French to Tamil and vintage to modern. It features 10 guestrooms, a restaurant with outdoor seating, and a casual bar. Guests can expect stunning artwork and antiques in its every nook, which enhances its appeal.

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.

Housed in an 18th-century French villa, the 14-room Le Dupleix is one of the finest boutique hotels in Pondy. The design of the hotel is a mix of modern and traditional, and a particularly appealing feature is the exquisite French-Indian woodwork present throughout the property. To accompany the boutique grandeur comes an elegant courtyard dining experience along with a sophisticated lounge bar. Located in the heart of “White Town,” many lifestyle and cultural spots are within walking distance.

Housed in a circa-1760s mansion, the Hotel De L’Orient features 14 rooms and two suites, each draped in a French colonial flair and outfitted with all the mod-cons that you could dream of. In addition to that, the hotel also boasts a classic restaurant, Carte Blanche, which is known for its lip-smacking Creole cuisine. A stay at this boutique is a perfect leisure retreat!