Hotel Annamalai International

The hotel is well placed for reaching Pondicherry's main attractions, beach, and other key areas without a long trip, yet it still feels peaceful. I found it good value for the comfort, service, and location, and would happily stay again. Staff welcomed me warmly and were courteous and helpful throughout. Check-in was quick and smooth. My room was spacious, clean, and well maintained, with comfortable bedding, and housekeeping paid close attention to detail. The atmosphere was calm and pleasant for either business or leisure. Dining was enjoyable too. The food was tasty and nicely prepared, with a good selection. Breakfast was fresh and satisfying, and restaurant staff were polite and attentive.

I was missing 15000 rupees after housekeeping entered my room to clean without informing me first. I reported it to management, but they said their housekeeping staff were innocent and took no action or showed any consideration for me as a guest. I believe all the management staff except the owner are involved. Please be careful, and don't stay here if you want a pleasant visit. I ask the owner to look into this and keep customers safe.

Otherwise, the stay was good, and there are snacks, restaurants, and shops along the main road, though you have to walk a little. The smoking fine, though, left a bad impression. One friend smoked by the washbasin's large ventilated mesh door, and the smoke went outside, but at checkout they asked for a one-day room charge of around 5000Rs. They said the room couldn't be rented for another day because it would smell of tobacco. After we explained what happened, they sent someone to check for cigarette smell and waived our fine once satisfied. But we saw another customer pay one, and felt bad for him. It seemed they didn't warn people while booking, then asked for a huge fine at checkout. If customers were told beforehand, they might not do it in the first place. The hotel didn't seem interested in making people feel welcome to return.

There's plenty of transport from here to places around Puducherry, and I was very happy with my stay. It's an affordable luxury option, and for such an old hotel, I've rarely seen one kept this well. The reception, lifts, bed, pillows, linens, washrooms, and room cleanliness were all good. The rooftop swimming pool is the icing on the cake. I'd suggest it for families wanting a great stay without spending too much.