Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations, is a hugely popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, drawing visitors with its scenic landscapes, pleasant climate, lush tea gardens, and wealth of sights.
With hordes of tourists flocking to Ooty every year, the hill station is home to abundant accommodation options.
However, choosing the right hotel that best suits your requirements and budget can be challenging. This comprehensive guide will help you pick the best hotels in Ooty for a memorable vacation.
Where To Stay In Ooty? Best Areas For Tourists
Ooty has several areas and neighborhoods that offer distinct characters and conveniences for tourists. Some of the best areas to stay in Ooty are:
- Charring Cross: The most vibrant tourist hub with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shopping options. Offers quick access to key attractions.
- Fernhill: Tranquil area with great scenic views and luxury resorts for those seeking a quiet countryside retreat.
- Upper Pykara: Ideal for adventure enthusiasts with campsites, forest cottages, and activities like rafting.
- Kotagiri: Quaint area near Ooty known for its scenic vistas, tea estates, and peaceful atmosphere.
- Club Road: This brings you close to fun attractions like the Botanical Gardens and Boat House. Great location for first-timers.
When To Visit Ooty For Best Hotel Deals?
Ooty enjoys a cool climate year-round but has distinct tourism seasons that impact hotel rates:
- Peak Season (March – June): Pleasant weather coupled with summer holidays sees peak tourist footfall and hotel rates. Advance booking is essential.
- Off-Season (July – September): Hotel tariffs drop by 20-30% owing to monsoon. You can find good deals via last-minute booking apps if the weather permits travel.
- Shoulder Season (October – February): Moderate hotel pricing and tourist crowds. Comfortable climate, lush greenery post-monsoon, and winter charm attract visitors.
Which Are The Best Homestays In Ooty For Families?
Some top-rated family-friendly homestays in Ooty loved for their hospitality, location, and facilities are Gitanjali Homestay, Klara Homestay, Whispering Pines Homestay, and Adam’s Folly Homestay.
Additionally, Airbnb pet-friendly offers accommodation options for those traveling with their furry companions. Be sure to filter for “Pets allowed” when searching Airbnb listings in Ooty.
What Kind Of Hotels Offer The Best Views In Ooty?
Hotels like Sterling Ooty Elk Hill, Gem Park Ooty, and Kluney Manor offer fabulous views of Ooty’s verdant hills, valleys, and tea estates that you can enjoy right from your room balcony.
What is The Budget Alternative To Ooty?
Coonoor is an excellent budget alternative to Ooty with similar verdant landscapes and tea gardens.
It offers cheaper stays than Ooty along with attractions like Sim’s Park, Dolphin Nose Viewpoint, tea factory tours, and more. Yercaud and Kotagiri also provide affordable alternatives.
Top Things To Consider When Booking Hotels In Ooty Here are the key factors to consider when choosing accommodation in Ooty:
- Location & Accessibility: Check how close the hotel is to key tourist spots and marketplaces. Proximity to sightseeing attractions allows easy access without spending much on transportation.
- Amenities: Look for in-room conveniences like TV, WiFi, tea/coffee maker etc. Check if the hotel offers facilities like restaurants, a gym, a pool, a business center, etc.
- Room types & rates: Browse sites like Booking.com and Goibibo to compare room types like deluxe, suite, studio, etc., and pick one that suits your budget and requirements. Multi-sharing economy rooms offered by brands like Zostel are great for backpackers and solo travelers.
- Ratings & Reviews: Websites like TripAdvisor have ratings and reviews from tourists who have actually stayed at the hotels. These provide authentic and up-to-date feedback on aspects like cleanliness, service, overall experience, etc.
How To Choose The Best Hotels?
Here is a quick 5-point checklist to evaluate and zero in on the ideal Ooty hotels for your vacation :
- Shortlist hotels in your preferred location matching budget
- Check ratings, reviews, and amenities being offered
- Compare room tariffs across different booking platforms/apps
- Look for discount coupons or seasonal offers to avail best deals
- Finally, book the hotel that scores highest on location, ratings, price, and facilities
Consider using booking platforms like Agoda to compare rates across different hotels. You can be booking hotel with Agoda to stay outside.
Top 5 Recommended Hotels In Ooty
Here are top-rated hotels across different budget segments that guarantee a memorable stay:
Budget Stays Under ₹2500
- YWCA Anandagiri
- Gem Park Ooty
- Hotel Mountview
Mid-Range Stays Under ₹6000
- Kluney Manor Boutique Hotel
- Sterling Ooty Elk Hill
- Fortune Sullivan Court
Luxury Stays Above ₹10000
- Taj Savoy Ooty
- La Maison Ooty
- Gem Park The Grand Hotel
How To Find Cheap Or Budget Hotels In Ooty?
Platforms like OYO Rooms, Goibibo, Booking.com, and Trip.com offer filters to easily find affordable and economy hotels in Ooty starting from ₹500 per night.
Are Resorts Better Than Hotels For Staying In Ooty?
Yes, resorts in Ooty usually offer more lavish accommodations and amenities compared to hotels. Resorts let you immerse in the destination with their stunning hill or tea estate views. Some also have private cottages, infinity pools, spas, and fine-dining restaurants.
What Type Of Rooms Are Suitable For Families In Ooty?
Ooty hotels offer interconnected rooms, family suites, and deluxe rooms to cater to families, equipped with multiple beds, ample living area and in-room amenities. Homestays also work very well for families seeking a cosy environment.
Summing Up
Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations, is one of the people’s favourite destinations in Tamil Nadu and it draws tourists from all over the country.
So if you are planning to visit Ooty, then it is essential to plan your stay. Ooty offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budget, from budget friendly homestays to luxurious home stays. In this guide we have discussed how to choose an accommodation for your stay in Ooty. With a plethora of options available, you’re sure to find the perfect place to relax, unwind, and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting hill station.
Banner Image Courtesy by Nehal Patel on Unsplash
