THE ASHOK BEACH RESORT

It was the long week end and Pondicherry was the destination. My child really likes the beaches and that prompted me to look for staying options close to the beach. And that search was finally narrowed down to few resorts, and amongst that The Ashok Beach Resort had the prices which suited me. Booking was made through the online portal Agoda.com, and it was smooth. A quick research into the resort gave me the understanding that this was a state government managed establishment. Understanding this was important, as this helped me set my expectations. The resort had a small stretch of beach which was accessible right from the property and there were rooms which gave a good view of the Bay of Bengal. The resort was in the midst of a very large property; it had a small forest like area on the front side (facing the East Coast Road) and a good lawn/garden area at the back - between the rooms and the sandy beach. Checking in was a very easy process and soon we were allotted a room in the first floor. Rooms in this floor gives a direct view to the beach. The property being a typical government managed property has its own pros and cons. The biggest advantage would be the location, it is very easily accessible from the East Coast Road and it was right next to the beach. The resort boasted about a swimming pool as well, and it was right there ready for use from 0800Hrs to 2000Hrs. The rooms were spacious, there were sufficient cupboards to hold the traveller's baggage. The toilets were clean and the bath area having 24/7 hot & cold water. Each room had a balcony (a sit out - on the ground floor) which faced the bay. Cable TV - with a huge array of Indian channels - was available and the room also had a working intercom. A king sized bed, a small table with two chairs completed the room furnishings. Rooms are air-conditioned, and at least in my room the A/C unit looked old and needed minor fixing. But it was in full working order, and that along with a fan kept the room cool. The rooms also had a worn out look, and the balcony wall had paint which came stuck on the hands. There was also Wi-Fi facility available but it was a bit slow & shaky, and finally I had to fall back to my AirTel 4G dongle. The resort has a restaurant and bar in the premises. The restaurant menu is simple with the breakfast menu having more of South Indian items. I found the food to be tasty, and the dishes not having too much spice or added colours. The bar has been out sourced to a private vendor who has now moved the bar counter to a very good location; right next to the swimming pool. The resort is for sure gearing up to provide more better service for the upcoming tourist season. The staff are very courteous and very helpful. The front desk staff was ever ready to provide me guidance and directions to the major attractions in Pondicherry. Overall; I found the stay at The Ashok Beach Resort very enjoyable and relaxing. This would be a 'no frill' type of resort, but the easy accessibility from the main roads as well as the beaches will be a very good advantage.

We would’ve had a pleasant stay if the resort had informed us that a gathering of 200+ employees will be at the resort during the whole duration of our stay. they were so noisy and we didn’t get to experience an atmosphere of peace or tranquility. they shouldn’t take bookings for families who come to spend some quality time at the beach when they’re hosting these kind of events. or even if so atleast keep the guests informed of such an event. although the hotel staff at the restaurant were cooperative and helpful and the rooms were tidy and comfortable. but overall it wasn’t the best stay.

We took 2 sea facing rooms The property is 10 kms from promenade and other main attractions of white town. Chunambar boat house is 30 mns from this property. Room and linen were clean but staff is rude and doesn't respond well. It's a overpriced property, food options obviously very limited in buffet and very slow service. I suggest to look out for other options around chinakalapet.

The hotel is in a very good spot and the property is huge with a lot of scope to be an amazing spot. However, the maintenance is at it's worst so do yourself a favour and avoid at all costs. I wouldn't go back even if someone offered me a free stay here. The good part was the beach, the pool, the lawn and the complementary breakfast which was fine. I paid 24000 for 3 rooms and an extra bed and i feel robbed, it was not even worth 1/4th of what I paid. More details to help you decide not to go here: 1. Cockroaches and other insects flying in the hallway 2. Either the fan or the AC or the taps won't work in any room you get 3. Water drips from the ACs in all the rooms 4. The rooms on the first floor have a balcony overlooking the beach which was something I looked forward to but the trees outside the room where unkempt so all we saw were leaves even though there was a beautiful beach beyond 5. The bar has crow poop all over the table, the chairs and the drinking glasses. 6. Security is also an issue. Any outsider can walk into the bar and into the stay area as well. No one will know a thing. I don't remember seeing any cctv cameras around. Zero intention or interest by the management to take efforts to offer a better stay. They just want to make money. I booked based on a few decent reviews and gave the place a benefit of doubt since I was booking last minute and had no other option. Now I regret and wish I just stayed home. I hope this review puts some of you off and saves you some bucks.

Is there an option for 0 or negative rating? If yes, I should have used it against this place. This is the worst place I ever stayed in my entire life. I stayed there for one night and it costs me INR 5224. when we are paying an amount, we will be having some basic expectations. A clean room, a clean bath room, a clean bed. If you are expecting these 3, I am sorry my dear please look for a different place to stay. ( I will attatched pictures for the reference) 1: the attender is rude, can't speak any language including English other than native Tamil. 2. The first thing I noticed when I entered the room was millipedes. It was like, I am the guest in a millipede family. I counted 7 of them and try calling the reception using the intercom, wow! That was not working either! 3. Almost all the tiles were broken. They covered the broken tiles with a carpet over it. I hurt my leg walking there and God knows what will happen to that. 4. The toilets were not clean, old and not even properly flushed when I entered the room. Millipedes were there in the toilet as well. 5. You get an old paint bucket and yucky slimey mug for bathing and the shower was broken. 6. AC(God knows how old) was not working properly, and wet my room. 7. I found few millipedes in my bed and that was my last stroke. 8. Do not make me start with the poor bar and ridiculous food Extra advice: person who is going through my review, please run to some other place. This place will destroy your piece of mind.