Blue Lotus hostel is small in regards to quantities of beds, but large in terms of land. Being in the forest allows lots of space surrounding the hostel and creates a secluded little paradise for you and those with whom you might share your choice of two mixed or one female dorms (there is also one private room). All rooms are fan cooled and there is fast, free Wi-Fi throughout. There is free drinking water at several stations in the hostel, and an Indian breakfast is included in the price.
The Location
The hostel is in Auroville, meaning the location is really best reached by rickshaw or scooter -- there is no public transport running near to the hostel, or indeed anywhere within Auroville in general. The hostel offers to arrange a rickshaw to pick you up at the Auroville toll gate, however in low season you may find responses are slow from the hostel so you'd want to arrange your stay and pickup more than a few days in advance.
Within a ten-minute walk of the property you will find a small bakery and a food store. Thirty minutes will get you to the visitor's centre on foot, or you can take one of the hostel bicycles for free. Scooters are available for rent at a very good rate.
The location is quite wild and you may see many animals, including squirrels in the trees and goats popping into the grounds to eat the grass, plus the friendly cats and dogs that live there. As a consequence, you will also encounter many insects.
Rooms and Bathrooms
As the dorms are only fan-cooled, they are rather hot and stuffy in hot weather. The beds are hard, and whilst the sheets may be clean, they're ill fitting for the beds. After a night of sleep you may find the sheet is no longer pinned to the corners of the mattress. The standard of cleanliness is acceptable but not great -- you might spot a few webs in corners.
The beds each have a light point and power socket and some bottom bunks have curtains, though they're quite shabby and the whole room has a neglected vibe. You are not provided with a room key, and if you want a locker they are located outside of the room. The lockers are big enough for your backpack, but there are not enough of them for one per person.
All rooms have shared bathrooms. There is one bathroom block outside, which has two toilets and two showers, plus two other shower wetroom-style bathrooms attached to the main building. Standards of cleanliness could be greatly improved here, as you may find them filled with ants and other crawling insects, plus if a nest is built by something, it will not be cleaned away. Hand soap is provided. There is no hot water and no toiletry shelves, but there is a rail for your towel.
Common Spaces
There is plenty of space for socialising at this hostel. To the front of the property is a set of tables and chairs, and hammocks under a shade. Breakfast is served here. To the rear, you'll find a large table with chairs, plus a chess set and a couple poker sets. In the garden, there is a very basic calisthenic rig, volleyball net, and a few workout machines. Inside, there is a TV room (the TV only gets Indian channels), which is also full of books on subjects such as yoga. It is advertised that they hold daily sessions in things such as yoga, but please note that such sessions do not run in low season.
It is possible here to do laundry, which is priced per piece rather than by load. It is also possible to have the maid cook lunch or dinner for you at a very good price. Otherwise, you can use the communal kitchen to cook your own meals.
The hostel is constructing a roof terrace and this allows beautiful views of the surrounding forest and is a great sunset spot.
You will find both backpackers and local tourists here and it has a relaxed but social vibe. You are permitted to drink alcohol here and there is a designated smoking area.
Summary
The failing here is the standard of cleanliness and lack of AC. If your priority is a clean bathroom, try elsewhere. If you're ok with what feels more like camping, it is a very good hostel.
We compare all hostel prices in Pondicherry for you. So you save money and time!
Sadly, this hostel has closed.
On the bright side, there are more hostels in Pondicherry...
How to book...
your hostels in Pondicherry
HostelworldCheck directly alternative Hostels with Hostelworld.com.
How is Blue Lotus Hostel rated?
Blue Lotus Hostel Reviews
The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
+3
Looci
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Jun 16, 2018
Location and Contact
Location
• Getting to Blue Lotus from our property is an easy thing. Best option is dropping off at the Toll Gate of Auroville, in Bypass Road. If you inform us with at least one day of anticipation we can arrange some cab or rickshaw to come pick you up, and bring you here.
• Here, in Blue Lotus, you can rent a bicycle, or otherwise we can indicate you where to rent a motorbike.
Facilities and Amenities
Digital Nomads
Family-Friendly Hostel
Female Solo Traveller
Solo Traveller
Bedsheets
Parking
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
Bike Rental
City Tours
Lockers in Lobby
Luggage Storage
24 Hour Security
Cable TV
Entirely Non-Smoking
Food/Restaurant
Hot Showers
Laundry
Meeting/Banquet facilities
Movie Library/Rental
Yoga Classes
Credit Card Payments
Curfew: No Curfew
See all hostels in Pondicherry
Get access to exclusive hostel content
Create your Free Account
