Saratha Vilas Chettinad Palace - Hotel

This hotel is a wonderfully renovated Chettinad mansion. The restaurant has excellent food (we had both breakfast and dinner). The staff is great too. There is a pool at the back, to unwind after a day long visit. The hotel is well located to visit the other mansions in the region. I definitely recommend this hotel.

It's basically like sleeping in a museum. The hotel is made from a typical Chettinad mansion and respects its structure. The restoration is perfect and the furnishings refined and elegant.|You are greeted by the very kind French owner.|The room is very large and comfortable. The bathroom is large and with separate toilet (French style). There's a very nice little shop. The staff is friendly, helpful and very attentive.|The wifi works well.|We spent the evening of 31 December here dining with the owners by the pool. Delicious people with eclectic and interesting conversation. Excellent cuisine (French fusion). Before dinner there was a show of traditional songs and dances from South India, very interesting and very good dancer.|Excellent breakfast, practically cooked at the moment.

I had a wonderful stay at Saratha Vilas! The mansion has been beautifully restored with modern amenities like nice bathrooms and a pool. It really is exquisite, full of arts and great atmosphere. The food was very tasty and the staff very attentive and professional. And don't miss getting a massage! For me it was great that it is located in a village, being able to just walk through the fields and forest and watch rural life and many birds. The brochure in the rooms is quite extensive with lots of information what to do, and of course the staff is always happy to help.

We had a most memorable stay at the Saratha Vilas Palace hotel in Chettinad , India in March 2025. The hosts and French Architect duo owners of the hotel have amazingly restored this Chettinad palace and the overall experience was extremely authentic , personal and enjoyable . We celebrated my wife's birthday during the stay and the staff went beyond their time to make her day very special . Highly recommended for those who prefer a quiet and authentic Chettinad experience with awesome local cuisine !

Saratha Vilas is a testament to the power and allure of restoration, not only as an architectural endeavor but as an act of pure love and deep respect for authenticity. The palatial mansion, expertly restored by architects Michel and Bernard, is a work of art in itself--a space where the past (charged with the spirit of the genius loci) is meticulously revived, not merely preserved. Every detail, from the wooden beams to the porticos and courtyards, from tiles to marble floors, has been thoughtfully restored to reflect its original glory, while subtly incorporating modern comforts. The result is a fascinating space that feels both timeless and alive, with the echoes of history resonating in every square meter. The restoration is not just about brick and mortar or cleaning; it's about honoring a legacy and breathing new life into it with such care and precision that one can feel the charm of the past Chettiar dolce vita.||The building's beauty intersects perfectly with the serenity of the surrounding region. Far from the usual tourist routes, Saratha Vilas stands as an oasis of calm, offering a rare chance to connect with both the land, its history and its incredible people. The mansion is nestled among the quiet village of Kothamangalam, where time seems to move at a slower pace, and the beauty of the rural landscape with palm tress and rice fields scattered with Chettiar mansions invites exploration. Cycling through the nearby villages, I found myself immersed in a world that felt untouched by the fast sometimes senseless modern life--each moment a reminder of a slower, more reflective way of living.||The experience was further deepened by the wisdom of Pradeed, the yoga instructor. His approach to Hatha Yoga offers a way to reconnect with oneself on a profound level. His teachings are steeped in tradition and wisdom, making each session not just an exercise, but a meditation on the nature of being. In a place like Saratha Vilas, where the atmosphere invites reflection, his practice became an essential part of the restorative journey.||Equally transformative was the Ayurvedic treatment I received from Karim, whose expertise in Shirodhara worked wonders on my battle with insomnia. The treatment itself was an embodiment of healing--a warm, steady stream of oil flowing across the forehead, creating an immediate sense of calm. Karim's deep understanding of Ayurvedic healing is evident in the precision and care with which he approached his work.||The culinary offerings at Saratha Vilas are a celebration of fusion--Indian, French, and Italian flavors are brought together in dishes that are as refined as they are authentic. Each meal is an exploration of regional ingredients, expertly combined with international techniques.||Throughout my stay, what stood out most was the impeccable service, not in its formality, but in the genuine care and attention to detail shown by every member of the staff. They did not simply anticipate needs; they seemed to understand them. Whether arranging for an early morning bike ride or offering insightful recommendations for exploring the local area, their hospitality was thoughtful and authentic.||Saratha Vilas is a place where history, architecture, nature, and personal wellness intersect as much as crystal chandeliers and sacred images, elements of east and west in a way that is rare to find. The restoration of the building is not just a physical act--it is a living, breathing story of dedication and respect for a bygone era, seamlessly blended with the comforts of today.

We stayed for one night in early January 2025 in a room described by Booking.com as a deluxe double or twin room||We arrived mid-afternoon - welcomed and checked in - and then taken up a steepish flight of stairs to Room 109 - one of 2 rooms on the roof in the non-historic part - big room with 2 firm but comfy single beds - hanging space no drawers - table + chair - simple decoration - 2 overhead fans + air conditioning - no tv - 2 shuttered windows - one easy chair and low table - lots of lights - Wi-Fi was available but we couldn't connect to - luckily we had our own hotspot - tea coffee making - shower behind dividing wall - heated by a geyser - more than adequate - shampoo/body wash no conditioner - separate toilet in small enclosed space - a couple sinks - quiet||Breakfast - good - Indian/European - dosa and toast - omelettes and fresh fruit - excellent coffee - Dinner pre-ordered from simple menu - me the chicken dry with garlic - my wife fish in lightly spiced sauce - tomato rice + 4 vegetable dishes - very tasty and generous portions - pudding - bottled water- sitting outside under the stars - no alcohol as the hotel doesn't have a licence||We also had a late lunch here which was very good as well ||The "public" areas are impressive with many areas to explore - there is a pool ||The surrounding village is well worth a walk around with a surprisingly large number of large mansions displaying faded elegance. ||We enjoyed our one-night stay in this impressive building with its extensive spaces with numerous pieces of artwork - that has been lovingly restored - and combines history with a warm atmosphere and attentive service - all employed from the local area - thank you

The staff at Saratha Vilas were terrific: kind, attentive, and helpful. A special thank you to Edward and Nachu for making my stay enjoyable. Dinners of local cuisine were delicious and ample! The property is beautiful--and isolated--and I took full advantage of the nice pool during my three night stay. My room, though tastefully decorated, lacked some of the comforts I was expecting: the toiletries were very basic (soap only) and the shower was tepid at best. No special "extras". So I felt this property was a bit overpriced for what it offers. Still, it was a privilege to live within a beautifully restored Chettiar home for a few days.

My wife and I had an amazing time at this charming heritage villa. Really comfy bed and an amazing shower. Overall the room designs are very thoughtful, pretty and above all very functional. The staff were incredibly sweet and attentive, making us feel at home. Thanks to Mariappan, Marriselvam, and Kennedy for the delicious breakfast and drinks, Sethuramam and his colleague for their care and safety, and especially Nacchiappan, our ever-smiling host. His knowledge of the villa's history added a special touch to our stay, and his warm, accommodating nature made everything seamless and memorable. A perfect stay -- definitely recommend this place and will definitely return here in the future.