Villa Des Gouverneurs Hotel

The villa’s on one of the best streets in Pondicherry, with Rock beach, the ashram, the big temple, museums, galleries and restaurants all an easy walk away. I spent just over a month in the king suite and loved how peaceful the place felt despite being so central. It’s a beautiful, genuinely heritage property, with lovely staff and management, tasty healthy breakfasts and some cute cats. Vasant and Vignesh were always around when I needed help. A must-stay, especially if you’re travelling with a pet.

We only had one night, but it left us with a lovely memory. The staff were warm and polite, our room was clean and comfortable, and we enjoyed a simple, good breakfast before checking out. The villa has more than 250 years of French heritage, yet still feels cozy and welcoming. Its location makes it easy to explore the French Quarter. A great short getaway for anyone who wants Pondicherry’s French charm with Indian hospitality.

We only booked this hotel because it said it was pet-friendly, and at the last minute we learned there was a safety hazard in one of our rooms. We had no other pet-friendly option in the area and nowhere else to stay, so we had to accept the room and spent the whole visit worrying about our pet. The manager, Vasanth, was especially rude and unprofessional. When I raised the hazard, he said he had apparently told a family member after we checked in and assumed we didn't mind staying in an unsafe room. They made no effort to improve things. At checkout he yelled at us and said he couldn't do anything about their mistake. I've travelled internationally to all sorts of places, and this was among the worst customer service I've experienced. I definitely don't recommend it. There are plenty of good options nearby, so save yourself the hassle and money.

The hotel is well placed for walks around town and visits to nearby sights. Its building has plenty of character, and breakfast was fresh, simple and had a few local touches. Our room was clean and comfortable, and the friendly staff made both check-in and everyday requests easy. A relaxed, convenient place with some local charm. I'd be glad to return.