The Hotel Raja Palace is 769 metres from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health - approximately a 10-minute walk or a short auto-rickshaw ride. The property holds a 3.7★ rating from 27 guests on Google Maps. Recent reviews point to consistent concerns about staff behaviour, which pilgrims should weigh carefully alongside the hotel’s competitive pricing and central location before booking.
Location
The Hotel Raja Palace is on Unnamed Road in Velankanni, 769 metres from the main entrance of the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. Most pilgrims cover this distance on foot in under 10 minutes. Auto-rickshaws are available near the basilica for elderly guests or those travelling with heavy luggage who prefer not to walk. The full address is MVJ2+FG5, Unnamed Road, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111.
For pilgrims planning to attend early morning Holy Mass or the daily novena, the walking distance is manageable. Having accommodation under a kilometre from the basilica means less time travelling and more time in prayer during busy feast seasons when the town is crowded.
Rooms and Amenities
The hotel offers double-bed rooms and four-bed rooms, with both AC and non-AC options available. Based on guest accounts, non-AC double rooms have been priced at around ₹700 for a 12-hour stay, while AC rooms are priced at approximately ₹1,500 for half a day. A group of eight sharing two double rooms has been reported at this base price, making it one of the more affordable options near the basilica. Current rates should always be confirmed directly with the hotel, as pricing changes seasonally.
The building has two floors and a lift, which assists guests carrying bags or who have difficulty with stairs. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Hot water is provided in rooms. The front desk operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so late arrivals and early morning departures are accommodated without issue.
What Guests Say
Guest feedback at The Hotel Raja Palace is sharply divided, and the recent trend is a concern worth noting before booking.
Three reviews from the past seven months each carry a 1-star rating, all pointing to rude staff and poor room service. Lerry Fernandes wrote: “Worst place to stay. Very rude staff. No proper cleaning. Owner don’t know how to communicate with guests.” Ashley Fernandes called it “Worst place, very rude, I would prefer 0 rating.” Livya Soares added: “Worst service, very rude. No proper room service.” These three reviews bring the recent average down to 2.3 stars.
Positive feedback is present in older reviews. Anthony Vijay Kumar (5 months ago, 5 stars) described “Good rooms and affordable price with lift and wifi.” Samuel Johnson, in a review from six years ago, praised the cleanliness, functional hot water, and the value for large groups, noting that the owner appeared to be from Kerala.
Pilgrims who place a high value on courteous service may want to read the most recent reviews carefully before committing. Those focused primarily on proximity and price will find the rates among the most affordable close to the basilica.
Contact and Booking
The Hotel Raja Palace does not have a verified phone number listed in public directories at the time of writing. Pilgrims are advised to enquire at local travel desks in Velankanni or approach the front desk directly on arrival. The front desk is open 24 hours, every day of the week.
There is no advance online booking system listed for this property. Most guests book rooms on arrival. During the September feast and other peak pilgrimage seasons, availability may be limited, so arriving early in the day is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is The Hotel Raja Palace from the basilica? The hotel is 769 metres from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health - about a 10-minute walk. Auto-rickshaws are available for guests who prefer not to walk.
What types of rooms are available? The hotel offers double-bed rooms and four-bed rooms, with AC and non-AC options. Groups can combine rooms to accommodate up to eight people.
What are the room rates? Based on guest reviews, non-AC rooms have been priced at around ₹700 for 12 hours and AC rooms at approximately ₹1,500 for half a day. Confirm current prices at the hotel, as rates vary by season.
Is there a lift at the hotel? Yes, the hotel has a lift, which is useful for guests on upper floors or those with heavy luggage.
What do recent guests say about the staff? Three reviews from the past seven months report rude staff and poor room service, all rated 1 star. Older reviews are more positive. Pilgrims are encouraged to check current reviews before booking.
Plan Your Visit
Before your stay, review the Mass schedule at the basilica so you can plan check-in around the times that matter most for your pilgrimage. The basilica holds multiple Masses each day, and knowing the timings in advance helps you settle in and attend without rushing.
