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4- and 5-star hotels in Seven Pagodas
A shortlist of 4- and 5-star hotels in Seven Pagodas, also known as Mahabalipuram, on the Tamil Nadu coast south of Chennai. It is for travellers who want to stay close to the UNESCO-listed rock-cut temples and the beach, whether for a couple's break, a family holiday or a business stopover.
Staying in Seven Pagodas
Seven Pagodas, or Mahabalipuram, is a coastal town known for its ancient rock-cut temples and monuments, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as for its beaches and stone carving industry. The Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna's Penance and the Varaha Cave Temple are among the must-see sites, and Mahabalipuram Beach is popular too. Sightseeing is easy on foot or by cycle rickshaw, since most attractions are clustered together.
The hotels here sit along the coast and the East Coast Road, with several addresses on or near Kovalam Road, and a few further out along the ECR towards Chennai. This makes the shortlist suit couples and families who want beach time and easy access to the monuments, as well as business travellers stopping between Chennai and the coast.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram
57 Kovalam Road Mamallapuram, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereThe 5-star Radisson Blu sits 0.4 km from the centre of Seven Pagodas and a beach is nearby, so you can walk to the shore and the monuments. Archery and a fitness centre add activity, and the games room and family rooms suit guests travelling with children. With a 4.5 guest rating across 9591 reviews, it is a reliable base for couples and families who want the town on their doorstep.
See Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay MamallapuramInterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG
No. 212 East Coast Road, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Kids pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereSet 13.6 km from the centre, this 5-star resort has its own private beach, an outdoor pool and a kids pool, making it a straightforward choice for families. A spa, sauna and steam room serve guests who want to slow down between outings. The 4.5 guest rating from 6545 reviews reflects steady approval, and tennis and beach volleyball keep active guests busy.
See InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHGBob Marley Beach Resort
182 Fisherman Colony, Seven Pagodas, India
Why stay hereBob Marley Beach Resort is a 5-star property 0.2 km from the centre, close enough to reach the sights on foot. The listing records no facilities and no guest rating, so come for the location and the class rather than for on-site amenities you can plan around.
See Bob Marley Beach Resort154 Pearl Beach
154 Pearl Beach On The Ecr Paramankeni Village Cheyyur Taluk, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay here154 Pearl Beach stands 30.7 km from the centre, away from the bustle, with a private beach and both an indoor and an outdoor pool among its facilities. A kitchen, oven and microwave suit longer stays and self-catering. Its 4.9 guest rating from 165 reviews is the strongest on this list, and pets are allowed.
See 154 Pearl BeachWelcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach Mamallapuram
No 53 Devaneri Village East Coast Rd, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereWelcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach is a 4-star resort 2.5 km from the centre, with a beach nearby, an outdoor pool and a pool bar. A spa and steam room cover the quieter hours, and badminton and a fitness centre the active ones. Its 4.7 guest rating from 2432 reviews places it high among the 4-star options here.
See Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach MamallapuramFour Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center
Ecr Omr Junction Ecr Poonjeri, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Kids pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereFour Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center lies 3.1 km from the centre and pairs a large convention and business setup with leisure: an outdoor pool, a kids pool and a playground. Family rooms and a children's pool make it workable for those with young children. A 4.4 guest rating comes from 9846 reviews, one of the largest review counts listed.
See Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention CenterGrande Bay Resort at Mahabalipuram
Kovalam Road Mahabalipuram, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Kids pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereGrande Bay Resort at Mahabalipuram is 0.8 km from the centre with a private beach and an outdoor pool, plus a kids pool for families. Massage and a fitness centre cover both relaxation and exercise. The 4.3 guest rating is drawn from 9068 reviews, and badminton and darts add options when you stay off the sand.
See Grande Bay Resort at MahabalipuramEsthell Village Resort Mahabalipuram
No. 93 8 Sadras Road, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereEsthell Village Resort Mahabalipuram sits 13.0 km from the centre and offers an outdoor pool, a spa and water sports, so days can be spent as actively or as quietly as you like. A games room and playground help with children. The guest rating is 4.1 from 4907 reviews.
See Esthell Village Resort MahabalipuramHotel Ramakrishna
No:8 Othavadai Street Kanchipuram District, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereHotel Ramakrishna is a 4-star stay 0.1 km from the centre, the closest to the middle of Seven Pagodas on this list, which suits guests who want to walk everywhere. Family rooms and a lift are provided, along with a shuttle service. Its 4.0 guest rating comes from 736 reviews, and the address is on Othavadai Street.
See Hotel RamakrishnaGolden Sun Beach Resort
No 59 Kovalam Rd, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Car parking
Why stay hereGolden Sun Beach Resort is 2.8 km from the centre and has a private beach, an outdoor pool and a spa. A restaurant and cafe cover meals on site, and wedding services are available for guests organising a celebration. The 3.6 guest rating from 992 reviews makes this an option for travellers who prioritise the beach and pool.
See Golden Sun Beach ResortIvy Villa
Venpurusham Village Mahabalipuram Beach Villa, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereIvy Villa is a 4-star villa 2.1 km from the centre with a private beach, an indoor and an outdoor pool, and a kitchen plus kitchenette. It is a good fit for families or groups who want to cook and spread out, with a balcony and garden as well. No guest rating is recorded for this property.
See Ivy VillaGrande Bay Resort and Spa
East Coast Road At Entrance To Mahabalipuram 603104 Chennai, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Sauna
- Car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereGrande Bay Resort and Spa is 0.7 km from the centre and gathers a spa, sauna and steam bath alongside massage, with an outdoor pool. Table tennis, a game room and bicycle hire fill the day, and babysitting is available. The listing carries no guest rating, so judge it on its facilities and position near the entrance to Mahabalipuram.
See Grande Bay Resort and SpaMahabs homestay Villa
12 A Mahabs Homestay Villa King Narashiman Nagar Pwd Road, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Kids pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereMahabs homestay Villa is 1.0 km from the centre and combines a kitchen, kitchenette and microwave with a pool bar, kids pool and playground. Diving and horse riding are among the on-site activities, and breakfast can be taken in the room. No guest rating is recorded for this villa.
See Mahabs homestay VillaCove Luxury Beach Villa
212 East Coast Rd Nemelli Village Perur Mahabalipuram Tamil Nadu 603104, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereCove Luxury Beach Villa, 13.2 km from the centre, has a private beach and a jacuzzi, with a kitchen, microwave and refrigerator for self-catering. It welcomes pets and offers family rooms and a games room. No guest rating is recorded, so the appeal lies in the villa setup and the stretch of coast.
See Cove Luxury Beach VillaGrand Continent Mahabalipuram
S No. 245 1A 1B Venpurusham Village, Seven Pagodas, India
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereGrand Continent Mahabalipuram is 1.9 km from the centre with an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a cafe. Tennis and volleyball courts are on site and a shuttle service is available, which suits guests who want sport without leaving the property. No guest rating is recorded for this 4-star hotel.
See Grand Continent Mahabalipuram
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 9,591 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.4 km |
| InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 6,545 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 13.6 km |
| Bob Marley Beach Resort | ★★★★★ | – | – | – | – | – | – | 0.2 km |
| 154 Pearl Beach | ★★★★ | 4.9 | 165 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 30.7 km |
| Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach Mamallapuram | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 2,432 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 2.5 km |
| Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 9,846 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 3.1 km |
| Grande Bay Resort at Mahabalipuram | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 9,068 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 0.8 km |
| Esthell Village Resort Mahabalipuram | ★★★★ | 4.1 | 4,907 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 13.0 km |
| Hotel Ramakrishna | ★★★★ | 4.0 | 736 | Yes | – | – | – | 0.1 km |
| Golden Sun Beach Resort | ★★★★ | 3.6 | 992 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 2.8 km |
| Ivy Villa | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | Yes | – | 2.1 km |
| Grande Bay Resort and Spa | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | Yes | – | 0.7 km |
| Mahabs homestay Villa | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 1.0 km |
| Cove Luxury Beach Villa | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – | Yes | 13.2 km |
| Grand Continent Mahabalipuram | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | Yes | – | 1.9 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG and Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach Mamallapuram both provide a kids pool and a playground. Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center adds family rooms and a kids pool, while Grande Bay Resort at Mahabalipuram offers a private beach and a kids pool, all useful for a family stay.
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG · Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach Mamallapuram · Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center · Grande Bay Resort at Mahabalipuram
Beachfront stays
Four of the hotels have a private beach: InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG, 154 Pearl Beach, Grande Bay Resort at Mahabalipuram and Golden Sun Beach Resort. Each also lists a swimming pool, and 154 Pearl Beach has the highest guest rating in this shortlist at 4.9 out of 5 from 165 reviews.
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG · 154 Pearl Beach · Grande Bay Resort at Mahabalipuram · Golden Sun Beach Resort
For spa and wellness
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG has a spa, sauna, steam room and health club. Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach Mamallapuram offers a spa and steam room, Esthell Village Resort Mahabalipuram has a spa, and Grande Bay Resort and Spa lists a spa, sauna and steam bath for guests who want to slow down.
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG · Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach Mamallapuram · Esthell Village Resort Mahabalipuram · Grande Bay Resort and Spa
Closest to the centre
Hotel Ramakrishna is 0.1 km from the centre, Bob Marley Beach Resort 0.2 km, Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram 0.4 km and Grande Bay Resort and Spa 0.7 km. These four are the handiest for reaching the Shore Temple and the main monument complex on foot or by cycle rickshaw.
Hotel Ramakrishna · Bob Marley Beach Resort · Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram · Grande Bay Resort and Spa
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Mahabalipuram is about 60 kilometers south of Chennai, the nearest major city and international gateway. The drive from Chennai via the East Coast Road takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Buses and taxis are readily available from Chennai. The nearest railway station is in Chengalpattu, about 30 kilometers away, with connections to Chennai and other cities. Within Mahabalipuram, most attractions are clustered together and can be explored on foot or by cycle rickshaw. Local buses and auto-rickshaws are also available for longer distances.
When to go
The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry and temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing. The annual dance festival is typically held in December or January, attracting cultural enthusiasts. The summer months from March to May can be hot and humid, while the monsoon season from June to September brings rain and rough seas, so plan beach time outside those months.
Questions, answered
Which hotels have free car parking?
Most hotels in this shortlist list free car parking, including Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach Mamallapuram, Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center and 154 Pearl Beach.
Which hotels have a pool?
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG and Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach Mamallapuram have an outdoor pool, while 154 Pearl Beach and Ivy Villa list both an indoor and an outdoor pool. Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center and Grande Bay Resort and Spa also have outdoor pools.
Which hotels allow pets?
154 Pearl Beach, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach Mamallapuram and Cove Luxury Beach Villa list pets allowed among their facilities, so these are the options to consider if you are travelling with a pet.
Which hotels have a spa?
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG has a spa, sauna, steam room and health club. Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach Mamallapuram, Esthell Village Resort Mahabalipuram, Golden Sun Beach Resort and Grande Bay Resort and Spa also list a spa.
Which are the best hotels for families?
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG and Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Kences Palm Beach Mamallapuram offer a kids pool and a playground. Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center adds family rooms, and Grande Bay Resort at Mahabalipuram has a private beach.
Which hotel is closest to the centre?
Hotel Ramakrishna is 0.1 km from the centre, the closest in this shortlist. Bob Marley Beach Resort is 0.2 km away, Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram 0.4 km and Grande Bay Resort and Spa 0.7 km.
Which hotel has the highest guest rating?
154 Pearl Beach has the highest guest rating in this shortlist, 4.9 out of 5 from 165 reviews. It is followed by Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram and InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort by IHG, both rated 4.5 out of 5.
Do the hotels serve breakfast?
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram, Grande Bay Resort at Mahabalipuram and Golden Sun Beach Resort list breakfast, with a buffet at the first two. Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center offers breakfast in room and a buffet.