French Haveli

The hotel is in a micro neighbourhood in Ahmedabad in the historic city. This gives the location charm and is quiet neighbourhood to relax and unwind in after a day of sightseeing. The breakfast in the hotel was excellent with traditional food. I especially liked my room with an adjoining relaxation area just outside to sit in in the evening to read and think.

Overall we were disappointed with this stay. The property is charming but the photos show it to be brighter and cleaner than the reality which was disappointing. The person in charge is incredibly nice and works hard to please and accommodate but the place itself needs some attention. We booked two rooms. One for a couple and one for our adult daughter. The daughters room right next to the front door did not have a lock on it and that for us was unacceptable and we draw the line on using that room when the solution (from the owner) was to get a chain to secure her in! The manager found an extra bed and we moved her in with us. Our other room, the Heritage suite, is nice and the bed linen ok. The room was remarkably quiet being on the top floor, the same could not be said for our daughters room being near the entrance. The breakfast is simple but nice The laundry was efficiently and well done. The towels need replacing - they feel well below standard. The shower curtain was dirty and needs replacing. If using a bank card, instead of cash, there is a surcharge to pay of Rupees 500. It feels like it has a lot of potential as it’s an interesting property with a lot of charm but it needs some attention to the points above.

What a treat to stay in such a unique and authentic place as this. Everything is interesting about it. In these days of homogenisation and racing toward as bland as possible with complete disregard to the past, the French Haveli is not only a delight to experience, but a living, charming piece of history. Thank God places like this exist and are even available to the middle class, though it's sadly rare. Loved wandering the neighbourhood, loved the Haveli!

This restored old Haveli is quirky and charming. Just 4 rooms, no two alike, and a staff of delightful young men. It is set deep in one of the old areas of Ahmedabad, accessed by foot or three wheeler from the main road. A project of the Three Foundation, it serves a reminder of the architecture and lifestyle of the ancient pols, or neighbourhoods, of the old city. An evening stroll around the area introduces the many cultures and religions that have lived peacefully together for centuries.

Amazing gem in a sea of horrors when it comes to hotels. Booked very last minute as the city was packed with a tourist conference. They had one tiny but beautiful room with a bathroom downstairs which was weird but somehow okay. The next night I was upgraded to a beautiful room with a balcony. Staff very sweet and helpful. One of the best stays in India and there have been hundreds if not thousands.

We staid only one night at French Haveli, but loved how Bensi the caretaker runs the whole homestay like his family home. The dinner prepared around the communal table was so lovely. The Haveli is a bit hidden in the residential part of the old city, and of course a 200 year old house has its quirks, like low ceilings and a bit of noise, but the bed and bathroom were very comfortable.