Grace Palace sits 857 metres from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health - approximately an 11-minute walk or a short auto-rickshaw ride. The hotel holds a 3.6★ rating from 182 guests on Google Maps and occupies a prominent spot on State Highway 49, near Hotel Saravana Bhavan in Velankanni.
Location
Grace Palace stands on State Highway 49, roughly 857 metres from the basilica. That is close enough to walk in about 11 minutes, or a quick auto ride for those travelling with elderly family members or heavy luggage. The hotel sits near Hotel Saravana Bhavan, a recognisable landmark on the main highway.
Guests report that the terrace offers a view toward the basilica - a detail many pilgrims find meaningful during their stay. Grocery shops, juice bars, clothing stalls, and eateries surround the property, so pilgrims rarely need to travel far for daily needs.
The hotel has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking, making it a practical option for elderly pilgrims and those with limited mobility.
Rooms and Amenities
Grace Palace offers both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms across multiple price points, giving pilgrims flexibility based on budget and season. Guests travelling in groups or families can use the shared kitchen, which has both a firewood stove and a gas stove. Firewood stove use costs ₹80–₹100 per hour; gas stove use is ₹150 per hour. Cooking utensils can be rented separately. This can help families reduce dining costs during a longer pilgrimage stay.
The hotel is noted as family-friendly and good for children. Multiple room categories are available, so pilgrims can choose according to group size and budget.
What Guests Say
Reviews present a mixed picture, and recent feedback has been notably negative. Pilgrims should read this section carefully before booking.
On the positive side, guests value the location and affordability. Arockia Lawrence (4★, 7 months ago) describes it as “located closely 500 mtrs from the velankanni church” with “multiple types of decent rooms” at affordable cost. Nelson Mathew (4★, 2 years ago) gives a detailed account of the kitchen facilities, the terrace view toward the basilica, and the budget-friendly pricing. He also notes that cleaning staff entered rooms without knocking and that a service fee was requested at checkout for cleaning not always rendered - a pattern worth knowing in advance.
More recent reviews raise serious concerns. Three guests in the past six months each left 1-star ratings. Joywin Fernandes describes a dirty and dusty room, no hot water, a broken toilet flush, and broken charging sockets. Nithin P.J. writes simply: “Every time they are asking tips.” Heal Our People reports a receptionist who behaved abusively when guests refused to pay for room service, calling it “unacceptable behavior, especially for a family stay.”
The trend in recent reviews is declining. Pilgrims travelling with elderly family members or children should weigh these accounts carefully. If staying here, it is worth inspecting the room before settling in and confirming all charges at check-in.
Contact and Booking
Grace Palace State Highway 49, near Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111
The hotel is operational. For booking, contact the property directly or check availability on major booking platforms. Walk-in is possible during off-peak months. Advance booking is strongly advisable during the September Nativity Feast of Our Lady and major novena periods, when Velankanni receives hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and accommodation fills quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Grace Palace from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health? Grace Palace is 857 metres from the basilica - approximately an 11-minute walk. Auto-rickshaws are available for those who prefer not to walk, especially after late-night novena services.
Does Grace Palace have wheelchair access? Yes. The hotel has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking, making it suitable for elderly pilgrims and those with mobility needs.
Does Grace Palace have a kitchen for guests? Yes. The shared kitchen has both a firewood stove (₹80–₹100 per hour) and a gas stove (₹150 per hour). Cooking utensils can be rented. This is useful for families wanting to cook their own meals and reduce expenses during a longer stay.
Is Grace Palace suitable for families? The hotel is listed as family-friendly with multiple room types and a shared kitchen. However, recent guest reviews have raised concerns about room cleanliness and staff conduct. Families should review recent feedback and inspect the room on arrival before accepting it.
What problems have guests reported at Grace Palace? Recent reviews from the past six to twelve months describe dirty rooms, maintenance issues (broken flush, broken sockets, no hot water), and staff repeatedly asking for tips or additional charges. One guest reported a staff member behaving abusively. Pilgrims are advised to confirm all charges upfront at check-in.
Plan Your Visit
Grace Palace is within easy reach of the basilica, making it convenient for pilgrims attending early morning Holy Mass or the evening novena. The September feast draws massive crowds - book well in advance if visiting during the Nativity Feast of Our Lady (8–11 September). During quieter months, walk-in availability is more likely.
