Pondicherry Ashok is a hotel run by ITDC. It is situated near the sea with beautiful view of the sea from the rooms. The service in the hotel is good. The only disadvantage is that it is a little away from the city.
The hotel has also a garden at the back, where one can spend time playing and talking. While you want to eat at night you sit out facing the garden and get a good glimpse of the open sky.
The hotel has a fairly good restaurent with all kinds of punjabi and south indian foods available. As the hotel is a little away from the town for anything from sightseeing to eating in another hotel a vehicle will be required.
In a town like Pondicherry if you enjoy a clam and peaceful stay, away from the crowds, this hotel is highly recommended.