J.R.GRANDE FEEL AT HOME is a budget accommodation 986 metres from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health - approximately a 12-minute walk or a brief auto-rickshaw ride. The hotel holds a 2★ rating from 22 guests on Google Maps. At reported rates as low as ₹500 per room, it targets pilgrims who need only a short-stay base between Masses and want to keep costs to a minimum. Read the recent guest reviews carefully before confirming a booking here.
Location
The hotel is situated at MRJX+V3C, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111. The 986-metre distance from the basilica means the walk takes roughly 12 minutes on foot, or a few minutes by auto-rickshaw. Velankanni Railway Station and the church bus stop are also close, making arrival by train or bus straightforward.
One thing worth noting: the property is a narrow building that can be easy to miss. One guest advises looking specifically for the sign reading “JR Grande” rather than assuming the first hotel you see on that street is the right one.
Rooms and Amenities
Rooms here are basic. Rates have been reported at around ₹500 per room - described by guests as negotiable - with a refundable advance deposit required at check-in, reported at ₹200. Collect your deposit refund before leaving the reception desk; multiple guests note it was not returned until specifically requested, and at least one guest was unable to recover it at all.
Housekeeping staff have asked guests for tips at check-out. This is not a mandatory charge, but pilgrims should factor it into their expectations when settling up.
On the positive side, at least one guest was pleasantly surprised by the bed quality - describing it as soft and comfortable despite the price. On the negative side, other guests have reported torn curtains, unhygienic washrooms, and a lack of natural light. Some rooms do not include an attached shower; bathing is by bucket and mug. There is no air conditioning.
The hotel does not appear to issue printed receipts for room payments. Pilgrims who need official documentation should confirm this before booking.
Check-in is stated online as 12:00 noon. One guest reported being checked in after 2:15 pm - allow for this if you are planning to attend an afternoon novena or Holy Mass shortly after arrival.
What Guests Say
Reviews tell a consistent story: the location is the only reliable advantage here.
“Very untidy rooms, torn curtains, unhygienic washroom, small rooms and check-in done very late.” - Priya Jose
“Outer appearance might look good but rooms are very old fashioned with poor facilities. They won’t provide bills for room booking. If you are looking for a comfortable stay with family and friends this is not the right place.” - Aravind Jeyaraj
“At check-in, the receptionist asked for an additional ₹100 as a refundable deposit… during check-out, he didn’t return the deposit, and when I reminded him, he simply ignored it. On top of that, he insisted that we give tips to the housekeeping staff.” - Manoha Jonathan
A more measured view from another guest: “Per room 500 Rs. Very negotiable. I must say I was quite surprised to see the bed - so soft and spring bed. Very close to the Church and church bus stop and railway station.” - LIJO M
The honest picture is a no-frills property where proximity and price are the only clear draws. For a solo pilgrim staying one night to attend Holy Mass, it may serve. For families or pilgrims expecting clean, maintained facilities, the weight of recent reviews suggests looking at other options in Velankanni.
Contact and Booking
- Phone: 095337 49140
- Address: MRJX+V3C, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111
There is no known online booking portal. Contact the hotel directly by phone to confirm availability and current rates. Rates typically rise during the Velankanni feast season in late August and September.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is J.R.GRANDE FEEL AT HOME from the basilica? It is 986 metres from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health - roughly a 12-minute walk. Auto-rickshaws are available for elderly pilgrims or those who prefer not to walk.
What is the approximate cost per room? Guests have reported around ₹500 per room, described as negotiable. Confirm the current rate directly with the hotel before travelling.
Will I get my deposit back at check-out? A refundable deposit is collected at check-in. Based on reviews, ask for the refund explicitly at the desk before you leave the premises - do not assume it will be returned automatically.
Is this hotel suitable for families or elderly pilgrims? The hotel is noted as child-friendly. However, given reports of maintenance concerns, small rooms, no air conditioning, and bucket bathing in some rooms, it is not well-suited for multi-night family stays. No wheelchair accessibility data is available for this property.
Does the hotel issue receipts for payment? At least one reviewer notes that no printed bill is provided. Confirm with the hotel if you require a receipt for your records.
Plan Your Visit
Check service times before your journey so you can plan your arrival around Holy Mass or the novena: