I liked it all! Just wish I’d stayed there for more than two nights.

Fabulous restored Chettiar palace, in a beautiful village. The building is serene and comfortable, the rooms calming and cool. The food was delicious and local (they had western options but I didn’t try those). The pool looked glorious. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful. There are bikes to borrow for free to explore the neighbouring villages. There was a lot of information about things to do in the neighbourhood, but the hotel was so lovely it was hard to pull myself away.

Stayed in August 2025

An aesthetically well maintained and well run place. The staff were super friendly and guided us well through the planning of our visits to the heritage spots around Kothamangalam. Breakfast was exceptional!

Stayed in August 2025

Beautiful hotel and the staff are extremely hospitable. I felt like i stayed with family. They were very accomodating. Food is delicious! I even got to take a couple of local dishes back home to Blore that the chef prepared for me on request.

Stayed in June 2025

The mansion had been stripped of its ceiling before it was handed over to be made into a heritage hotel. What a loss, may be impossible to restore.

The managers, two French men, have compiled a great amount of information about the Chettinad area and provided it to each guest in the form of binders. They are instrumental in applying to make Chettinad a UNESCO World Heritage site. With the right backing from the Indian government and Tamil Nadu State this can succeed, and make the area of Chettinad into a true cultural heritage instead of letting it decay into yet another nondescript area of the country. Their commitment to the heritage of India is truly remarkable and commendable. The place was expensive. They make up for it by giving huge rooms and including meals. Comparable properties charge lesser for the room, and make up for it with expensive meals. Also, the room they gave us came with its own area in front, making me think about how nice it could have been to while away a few lazy days there.

Stayed in December 2024

Extraordinary place. Superb taste, incredible attention to details, great food. Loved each and every instant of our stay. If you are visiting the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, Saratha Vilas is the place where to be.

Stayed in February 2025

—————-

This property is absolutely beautiful. All staff members are always ready to assist you with whatever you need. We asked them to schedule a tuk-tuk trip around the surrounding villages and they set us up with a local driver and it was a memorable journey. We took yoga lessons with Pradeep, who is a wonderful and knowledgeable instructor. We could acknowledge by name all of the staff members because all of them made us feel comfortable and welcomed. The owners of Saratha are very friendly and engaging. They make a point to interact with all the guests and share their experiences as to how they remodeled this beautiful mansion taking into account the local community and the local resources. The food is amazing and you feel relaxed and happy around beautiful objects, spaces and people. They also have a store with beautiful merchandise!

Stayed in February 2025

It is pricy . Would have been happier if it was better priced

It’s a beautiful heritage property very nicely refurbished with all the amenities one could want .

Stayed in January 2025

the internet had some problems on and off.

The villa is beautiful, the renovation amazing, the staff is incomparable and the food delicious. Great swimmming pool, wonderful hosts.

Stayed in January 2025

The locks were the old system so it was a bit difficult and the staff could be more efficient. Otherwise a lovely spot and wonderful stay. The owners are delightful people.

The asthetics were fabulous and you really felt you were in a beautifully restored heritage property. The food was excellent.

Stayed in January 2025

Vernacular Architecture Gems with Contemp Interior, load of village & Myanmar props as one of owner couple are an architect & art collector. Nice design solution to break through original physical constraint. Nice lighting throughout. Best accommodation in Chettinad as compared with others in vicinity. Half-board meal are impressive.

Stayed in December 2024

BREAKFAST COULD HAVE MORE CHOICES IN VEG.

Stayed in December 2024

Because small hotel limited to chicken or fish menu

Lovely old property Nice pool area Helpful staff Food freshly cooked

Stayed in January 2025

A unique experience. A little corner of paradise in the Chettinadu region.You will experience great attention to detail from the service to the food and the architecture. French design meets Indian craftsmanship to give you something that does not exist elsewhere in the region..If you love art, architecture, reading books over watching television, and peaceful conversations.There is no better place in Chettinadu.

Stayed in January 2025

I am terrified of lizards and I saw a number of them in the common spaces. Some were really big. If something was done to keep them away, that would have made this experience 10/10.

+ very authentic While restoration and renovation work has been done, the property still maintained its authentic charm. Many write ups were available for guests to read about paintings, photos and artefacts. + staff Very warm and welcoming staff who took a lot of initiative in understanding food preferences and making suggestions. Special appreciation for Kennedy who took care of our meals and made sure we were comfortable. Food was freshly prepared, our preferences were asked in advance- very efficient and minimal wastage. + facilities Pool was very well maintained. I liked that the hotel did not have a tv set, it truly enabled us to switch off and be present. Staff also provided anti mosquito burners - they were really effective and these burners didn't have a foul smell.

Stayed in December 2024

Everything looking at the constraints was commendable.

The service was very good and staff was polite and helpful and they all could speak at least some English. The place was very clean

Stayed in November 2024

If the property is a bit more competitively priced, it is sure to attract more customers.

Bernard Dragon and his colleague have done a fantastic job of restoring the Chettiar home to its former Glory. Staying at the property provides a unique insight into the lifestyle of the heydays of the Chettiar families. The well thought out local cuisine for dinners was very appealing. The South Indian Breakfast with dosas and steaming idlis were welcome... The Ayurvedic massage was a fantastic experience.

Stayed in October 2024

Everything was absolutely perfect!

The team is amazing: nice, professional, efficient and super helpful: thank you very much! The place is absolutely gorgeous: wonderful swimming pool, a beautiful renovation for this mansion, the bedroom are spacious, comfortable and extremely clean. The restaurant was also amazing: fresh juices and delicious Indian and Western cuisine. In a nutshell, it was a perfect experience; once again thank you and we warmly recommend the Saratha Vilas!

Stayed in August 2024

A little out of town. But good if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and spend time in a quiet setting.

A beautiful mansion that is more than a 100yrs old. Very well maintained by a small team. A superb experience to stay in a Chettinad Mansion. Architecture is amazing and feels like a movie set. Rooms are big and comfortable. The amenities have a unique cultural touch, like the bath towels etc. food was amazing. Chef was thoughtful with the dishes which presented a good flavour of the local cuisine

Stayed in July 2024

Plumbing is old and we barely had any water pressure- hot water was a problem

Gracefully designed and managed

Stayed in July 2024

Food was little overpriced! Also the gift shop items are not economical for the resident tourists!

Everything about the OG property! And how Michel and Bernard have modernised it for comfort without losing its OG value. They are doing a huge help by restoring and conserving the heritage value of the mansion!

Stayed in April 2024

The Saratha Vilas are a fantastic place to stay in the Chettinad region - the mansion house has been renovated and upgraded with sensitivity to its heritage with impeccable quality of finishes and furnishings. The staff are remarkably responsive to every request & the restaurant meals are exceptional. The pool was a welcome respite from the heat & a pleasant way to meet other travelers.

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing. Just take your own wine as they are not allowed to serve alcohol.

Beautiful villa that should be enjoyed to the full. The owners have done an incredible renovation, and the cuisine was amazing.

Stayed in December 2023

Nothing... Ho yes, just the Carrom board was too old. Hope they get a new one 🙂

We loved the environment, the ambiance and the atmosphere! We felt like a real Chettiar. Bravo to the owners and the staff! The massage was very good and the ayerveda Doctor was very good. They can provide old British cycles. We could visit with the bikes two wonderful small town, Kanadukathan and Pallathur. The food was great.

Stayed in March 2024

N/A

Very clean

Stayed in February 2024