OYO 13009 Whitesands Guest House

There are useful basics here, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and CCTV outside by the vehicle parking. The price is moderate, reception was friendly, and check-out is at 12:00pm. It's close to the main road, with a nearby bus stop where you can get public buses and auto-rickshaws. Cheap, tasty veg breakfast stalls are also nearby. The room was alright and the service okay, though the room and bed felt damp and not cozy, perhaps because of the weather or poor service. The bathroom was average, and there are rooms with two single beds.

The air-conditioner was a disaster: its stabiliser cut out every 15 minutes with a loud noise. Bugs were all over the bed and they bite, though thankfully they weren't bedbugs. The tiny rooms are nothing fancy, and poor soundproofing made the door feel almost virtual. The bed itself was springy with clean sheets. The water heater was unpredictable, and the small shower only gave a little water. There's some parking beside the hotel, but not enough for a convoy. Reception staff changed several times during our one night, ranging from very friendly and polite to people with an unfriendly expression. The hotel is in Tamil Nadu State, close to Auroville and a stone's throw from ECR. If not for the irritating bugs and faulty air-conditioner, it would be an excellent pocket friendly place to stay for a few nights.

The hotel name shown on OYO is incorrect, and the booking ends up being for a different Oyo near auroville beach. I stayed only one day of my two-day booking. Customer care said they couldn't modify the booking or move me elsewhere. They don't even bring drinking water to the room or provide soap for handwashing. Everything was waste, and I don't recommend this hotel. Families, please stay away.

Expensive and pathetic. The online rate was 1400, but when we approached directly they charged Rs.3100 for a sub standard room. We had family with us and no time to look further, so we took three rooms. Those rooms are worth max 500 only. No food or water was offered, and the rooms and bathrooms were pathetic. I do not recommend this property.