Saratha Vilas Chettinad

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 !

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.

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 th

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.

Extremely unprofessional online booking service and staff! High-handed management that is unaccommodating of guest's requests. Please note that they advertise the master chamber room as accommodating 2 adults and 2 children but at the time of booking, they charge you extra. It is misleading and when I raised this with the management, I was asked to cancel the reservation. This is despite paying a 50% advance on the rooms. Since I wasn't sure if children would accompany us on this trip, I requested that the extra amount charged for children be settled at the time of my stay. Instead of the request being considered, I was intimated that my reservation is cancelled. ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC SERVICE! Clearly different rules apply to India guests. DO NOT RECOMMEND!