Palais de Mahe is a colonial style boutique hotel, set in the French Quarter of Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu. The hotel is a restored French mansion with a pseudo-colonial façade, creating the magic of the era. It provides simple elegance at its best, and is in a perfect position to walk out and explore the city’s many highlights. In the surrounds, the streets of the French quarter are, almost, as tranquil and shaded as they were possibly in the past, except for an occasional beep of a scooter.
Housed in a 19th-century mansion, Palais De Mahe features just 18 suites, spread over three-floors with walkways, porticos and central courtyards. Inside, the spacious rooms with high open-beamed ceilings, have separate sitting areas, plush antique beds and ensuite traditional styled bathrooms with organic products. And, all have private balconies that overlook the gorgeous courtyard pool decorated with potted green plants.
The in-house Mahe de Malabar restaurant, set on the top floor serves a fusion of Indian and Western dishes with some French twists. Hot breakfasts include fluffy stuffed omelettes and delicious light croissants with fresh fruits and juices. The evenings here are utterly romantic so you are advised to book your table facing the cool sea breeze. In addition to the gorgeous, central pool, Palais De Mahe has a small Ayurveda Centre for relaxation and a bar with a selection of spirits.
Amenities
Bar/PubCoffee ShopConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableDisabled FacilitiesGardenLibraryMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaStay Palais De Mahe features just 18 suites, set along the colonnade on three floors. All are spacious in size with traditional minimalist décor, complimented by high ceilings, traditional roof beams and electric punkahs. Rooms are furnished with handcrafted wooden furniture built in period style with some elements of art deco. Spacious bathrooms have bathtubs and showers and each room has a private balcony overlooking the courtyard pool area decorated with potted green plants.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at the Palais De Mahe but there are no particular facilities for children available. Extra cots and babysitting service an be arranged, upon request.
Dine There is a fairy-lit rooftop restaurant, Mahe de Malabar that serves Indian-Continental fusion food in an ultra-romantic setting. As in all seaside destinations, fish features prominently in most meals and there are good vegetarian choices. Palais De Mahe has a small, contemporary bar with comfortable seating and serves creative cocktails and a selection of refreshing mocktails. There is also a small coffee shop by the pool.
Relax The quiet central courtyard at Palais De Mahehe is dominated by the swimming pool offering a welcome respite from Indian summer heat. There are sun loungers arranged facing the hotel’s yolk-yellow walls and white arches. The hotel spa has resident doctors for Ayurvedic consultations and advice and there are massage rooms for usual massage, treatments and facials.
Experience Pondicherry (Puducherry) was the largest French colony in India and the reason, there is a strong French influence in the city, especially in the old quarters. Palais De Mahehe is conveniently located to explore its colonial era heritage buildings and prominent city landmarks including the 19th-century 29-m high Light House, the Promenade Beach and the nearby Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Explore on foot or a bicycle to see all of its cultural unity in diversity and the city’s colonial past.
Location The Palais De Mahe is located just a block away from the seafront and the Bay of Bengal and is located in the old French Quarter of Pondicherry.
Getting there Fly to Chennai (Madras) followed by a three hour drive. Pondicherry is easily combinable with Tanjore, Chettinad or a train journey from Madurai.
When to go The climate in southern India shows only slight seasonal variations. Temperatures and humidity remain relatively high all year round. Rainfall is common at any time of the year and the Monsoon Season has only marginally more precipitation than at any other time.
Destination
Southern, India
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