Palais de Mahe
Pondicherry on top
Fabled French Quarter
In the heart of the historic French Quarter, Palais de Mahé in Pondicherry is a characterful, colonial retreat with a courtyard pool, sea-showcasing roof terrace and luxurious, lofty rooms. The Bussy Street setting is a (skimming) stone’s throw from the seafront and its picturesque promenade, with the Bay of Bengal ushering in welcome breezes come the heady high summer. Local art is displayed regularly and the food is fabulous: expect to eat innovative Indian dishes with European influences in another nod to the days of French rule.
Facilities
Chambres
18.
Checkout
11am, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 2pm, also flexible.
Plus de détails
Rates include breakfast.
Also
Don’t rush through the entrance hall – it regularly plays host to exciting art exhibitions that are worth a wander around.
Accès internet gratuit
Piscine
Restaurant sur place
At the Hotel
Reading lounge, terrace, pool deck and free WiFi throughout. In rooms: a flatscreen TV, minibar, free bottled water, local bath products, air-conditioning and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
Our Favourite Rooms
Each room within this heritage building – set along the colonnade, with a sitting area overlooking the pool – has its own character, but soaring ceilings, arched doorways and electric punkahs are a given. Rich, red-ochre floors contrast with the clean, whitewashed walls. For a stately stay, book one of the rooms that has a four-poster bed.
Poolside
There’s an unheated, adults-only pool out in the central courtyard, with sunloungers arranged to admire the hotel’s yolk-yellow walls and white arches.
Spa
There's a healing menu of massages and refreshing facials at the hotel's Ayurvedic spa.
Packing Tips
Bring clothing made from loose, meditation-friendly linen; and an extra (empty) suitcase to fill with Pondicherry-procured treasure (some appliqué or pottery from one of the nearby communes).
Also
The communal areas are accessible for wheelchair users and there are adapted rooms on the first floor that can be reached by a lift.
Enfants
All ages are welcome, but the hotel is more suited to couples. Baby cots (free for under-6s) and extra beds are available (between INR2,000 and INR6,700 a night depending on the season and your board basis).
Galerie
Food & Drink
Top Table
Up on the candlelit roof, as close to the edge as is safe, for the best views of the sea and the prime position to be cooled by the accompanying breeze.
Code vestimentaire
Bright-white cottons and pure silks to assist with keeping cool in the heady city heat.
Hotel Restaurant
Les Alice mixes Indian flavours with European influences, serving dishes such as mutton curry, grilled prawns, stews and marinated fish alongside traditional tandoor grills. Sugar fans should save room for pudding, when drunken-orange brownies and peanut burfi (a dense, milk-based dessert, named after the Persian word for ‘snow’) are on offer. Breakfast is a selection of fruits, eggs to order and daily-changing pancake, waffle and toast options. Guests will also be able to enjoy an authentic South Indian morning meal.
Hotel Bar
The small, contemporary bar has modern furniture, pale walls and an interesting lighting scheme. It’s open all day for creative cocktails – and a selection of refreshing mocktails.
Last Orders
Breakfast is served between 7.30am and 10.15am. Lunch is available from 12.30pm to 2.45pm and dinner is between 7pm and 10.30pm. The Mahé Bar serves drinks from 11am until 11pm.
Planes
There is a small domestic airport in Pondicherry, but Chennai’s international airport (around three hours away by car) is closest for flights from further afield. Transfers can be arranged for INR4,800 each way but must be booked at least a day in advance.
Automobiles
Most guests travel around India with a private driver, but if you do arrive by car, there’s free parking at the hotel – it’s a 10-minute journey from the centre of Pondicherry.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
At the hotel, top up your art collection with a browse through the entrance hall/exhibition space, perform a series of sun salutations, borrow a bike or book an ayurvedic massage. Further afield, clear your mind by hopping in a rickshaw and heading to Auroville for some silent contemplation at the Matrimandir viewpoint; or pack your bucket and spade and make for Paradise Beach. For life-enhancing yoga and meditation tips, visit the community living within the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in the French Quarter.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
