The old town, commonly called the White Town, is the best part of Pondicherry. It is the former French residential area in the city. The old colonial mansions, the boulevards and rues and the existence of a mixed Franco-Tamil culture create an aura that attracts visitors worldwide to this part of the town. The best way to experience that charm is to stay in a heritage or boutique hotel in this oldest part of the town. Here is a list of the ten best hotels in the White Town that you can book as per your budget during your next trip to Pondicherry.
Pin this image to save this post and read it later!!
Palais De Mahe (Luxury)
Palais De Mahe is a luxury heritage hotel in the heart of White Town in Pondicherry. The building resembles an Old French Quarter with an ochre yellow exterior, high columns and arches, wooden balcony railings and a large inner courtyard. This hotel has a total of 18 rooms with high airy ceilings, traditional wooden furniture and subtle interior decoration supplemented with all modern amenities, including high-speed internet.
The courtyard has a large swimming pool with a relaxing poolside cafe and an Ayurveda Wellness Centre. Le Alizes, the open-roof restaurant with sheltered seating arrangements, is perfect for enjoying the sea view and the city skyline while having dinner.
The Promenade is within walking distance and most other sightseeing places in the town. In addition, you can enjoy a heritage walk or cycle-rickshaw ride in the White Town during your stay in Palais De Mahe.
Address: 4, Rue Bussy (Lal Bahadur Shastri Street), Pondicherry-605001, India
Contact: +91 484 4261711
Email: contact@cghearth.com
Website: cghearth.com/palais-de-mahe
Book the property: via website / Agoda.com / Tripadvisor.com
Location: Google Map
The Promenade Hotel (Luxury)
Situated on the seaside promenade, this hotel is one of the iconic hotels in the White Town of Pondicherry. The sea-facing rooms offer a majestic view of Rock Beach and the azure blue ocean. The air-conditioned rooms, soothing interior decoration, and modern facilities give all the comfort you need.
The Balinese-themed lounge pool with the Serena Spa is perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating yourself. There are four in-house restaurants and bars in the Promenade Hotel. The rooftop restaurant, called Bay of Buddha, serves delicious pan-Asian delicacies and is one of the town’s most visited restaurants due to the panoramic view from the dining area.
The Storyteller’s Bar in the basement is a themed bar showcasing the history and heritage of the town with live music performances on weekends. If you are searching for one place to experience the nightlife in Pondicherry, then Storyteller’s Bar is where you should be.
Address: 23 Goubert Avenue, White Town, Pondicherry – 605001, India
Contact: +91 413 2227 750
Email: promenade@sarovarhotels.com
Website: sarovarhotels.com/the-promenade-pondicherry
Book the property: via website / Agoda.com / Tripadvisor.com
Location: Google Map
Le Dupleix (Luxury)
Le Dupleix is an 18th-century heritage property that was once the residence of the Mayor of Pondicherry. As the name suggests, this hotel showcases the life of the ex-French Governor of Pondicherry, Joseph-François Dupleix. The hotel displays the authentic woodwork from the Governor’s house.
Located footsteps away from Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. Le Dupleix has a swimming pool, a bar and two in-house restaurants for its guests. The restaurants are famous for serving delicious seafood and Creole cuisine. While the bar known as Governor’s Lounge Bar is, the first bar opened in Pondicherry.
Address: 5, Rue De La Caserne, Pondicherry, India
Contact: +91 413 2226 001
Email: ledupleix@sarovarhotels.com
Website: sarovarhotels.com/le-dupleix-pondicherry
Book the property: via website / Agoda.com / Tripadvisor.com
Location: Google Map
Maison Perumal (Luxury Boutique Stay)
It is a part of Indian culture that guests are perceived as a member of the family. And the traditional Tamil culture is also no exception. Maison Perumal, a luxury boutique hotel, opened in a 130-year-old Tamil family mansion, has a total of 10 elegant rooms with antique furnishings, 4-poster beds, free Wi-Fi, TVs, sitting areas and writing desks.
The hotel’s interior is decorated traditionally with classic teak furniture, Cuduppah stone floors and vibrant sit-out areas that showcase the Tamil heritage. The walls are converted into a gallery space displaying paintings and craftworks of local artists.
The restaurant serves spicy local and continental cuisines on the terrace and in the courtyard. You can also visit the local market with the Chef and experience a glimpse of daily life in Pondicherry.
Address: 44 Perumal Koil Street, Pondicherry – 605001, India
Contact: +91 484 4261711
Email: contact@cghearth.com
Website: cghearth.com/maison-perumal
Book the property: via website / Agoda.com / Tripadvisor.com
Location: Google Map
Gratitude Heritage (Luxury Boutique Stay)
Gratitude is another luxury boutique stay in White Town of Pondicherry, where the property has more than 150 years of history. This heritage hotel has been restored to its original condition as far as possible, with a few antique secrets hidden in some corners, like an iron money-safe in the thick bedroom wall.
The property has nine rooms spread across two floors and a terrace. You can have breakfast beside the inner courtyard, while lunch and dinner are only provided on request. There is an in-house massage room where you can relax. Arrangements can be made for an in-house Yoga session also. If you want to learn some South Indian culinary secrets, you can participate in one of the cooking classes organised by the property for its guests.
Address: 52, Rue Romain Rolland, Pondicherry – 605001, India
Contact: +91 413 222 6029
Email: gratitudeheritagehome@gmail.com
Website: gratitudeheritage.in
Book the property: via website / Tripadvisor.com
Location: Google Map
La Villa Shanti (Upscale)
This modern hotel is located on Rue Suffren and has 15 airy rooms constructed around a large courtyard and a vertical garden. There is an in-house restaurant that offers both local and continental dishes. Guests can dine in the air-conditioned restaurant or on the patio. The cafe beside the courtyard also offers Indian street foods and cocktails from fresh fruit juices. The wellness room provides a relaxing massage service and arranges daily Yoga classes. You will be provided with a complementary bi-cycle to ride around White Town.
Address: 14, Rue Suffren, Pondichéry – 605001, India
Contact: +91 413 4200028
Email: reservation@lavillashanti.com
Website: lavillashanti.com
Book the property: via website / Agoda.com / Tripadvisor.com
Location: Google Map
Dune De l’Orient (Upscale)
Dune De l’Orient Hotel is inside a 250 years old French building that has been renovated to accommodate guests who want to experience heritage living. This property received UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation in 2000. There are 16 rooms in this hotel which are named after different French settlements in India. All rooms are air-conditioned and have an electronic safe, mini bar and free Wi-Fi access. Managed by Dune Wellness Group, the restaurant’s foods are prepared with fresh vegetables from their organic farm in Kodaikanal and Dune Eco Village.
Address: 17, Romain Rolland Street, Pondicherry – 605001, India
Contact: +91 413 2226111
Email: booking@dunewellnessgroup.com
Website: dunewellnessgroup.com/dune-orient
Book the property: via website / Agoda.com / Tripadvisor.com
Location: Google Map
Villa Krish (Mid-range)
Another boutique heritage property in the heart of White Town in Pondicherry. It has spacious rooms, rooftop dining and a lounge bar. All ten air-conditioned rooms have all modern amenities with complimentary Wi-Fi access. The Dart Board is perfect for engaging in some evening fun with friends. Else you can relax and unwind in the Spa Room in Villa Krish.
Address: 2, Rue Surcouf, White Town, Pondicherry – 605001, India
Contact: +91 9965656500
Email: reservation@villakrish.com
Website: villakrish.com
Book the property: via website / Agoda.com / Tripadvisor.com
Location: Google Map
Cours Chabrol (Mid-range)
This BnB is located on Goubert Avenue and offers three category rooms with all the necessary amenities. The sea-facing rooms offer a panoramic view of Rock Beach and the seaside Promenade. The little book corner would be very helpful if you want to spend some time alone on the balcony. You can get both Indian and continental foods for breakfast.
Address: 60, Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry – 605001, Pondicherry
Contact: +91 413 2221740
Email: infohotelcourschabrol@gmail.com
Website: courschabrol.com
Book the property: via website / Agoda.com / Tripadvisor.com
Location: Google Map
Dumas Guest House (Budget)
Dumas Guest House can be your perfect BnB on a budget, with access to all sightseeing places and popular restaurants nearby. The seven air-conditioned rooms have a double bed, a seating area, a writing desk and a private bathroom. You can use the free Wi-Fi offered by the property for all of your online jobs. The delicious continental breakfast provided in the property that is included in your tariff is a bonus. There is a garden in the courtyard and a terrace on the property.
Address: 36, Dumas Street, Pondicherry – 605001, India
Contact: +91 413 2225723
Email: dumasguest@gmail.com
Book the property: Agoda.com / Tripadvisor.com
Location: Google Map
Book your trip: Resources
- Flight
Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to book your flight.
- Accommodation
Tripadvisor and Agoda are perfect for booking your hotel. If you want to stay in a hostel, then Hostelworld would greatly help you find one at your convenience.
- Travel Insurance
World Nomads is perfect for travel insurance. You can get comprehensive protection from them. Let them take care of unexpected situations while you concentrate on your trip.
- Package Tour and Activities
You can book a package tour from G-Adventures and Viator. They are a reputed company arranging small group tours and customising them per your requirements. You can also use Get Your Guide to book your private transport, city tours, heritage walks, food walks and other experiences like a cooking lesson or a Yoga session.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. You will be directed to another third-party website when you click those links. If you purchase anything via those links, I will earn a referral bonus without any extra cost to you.
Pingback: 5 Best Beach Resorts In Pondicherry For A Perfect Family Vacation - My Travel Frames
Pingback: White Town in Pondicherry - A Photo Walk - My Travel Frames
Pingback: Pondicherry in November Rain | A 3-Days Trip With Family