My husband stayed here for 11 days while I was visiting family outside of India, and as soon as I met him in Calcutta, he told me about the Hotel Lotus, and recommended we stay there together.
He was so right. I am sure there are many nice hotels in Puri, but this is exactly what I like best: a clean, family-run hotel right in the center of things. Brothers Brahmanand and Siva keep the place well maintained and incredibly clean. And they are friendly and warm, creating a relaxed, hospitable atmosphere that's very nice to come back to when you've been out exploring all day.
I really appreciate the lightness and air in the hotel. Plenty of sunlight, yet it's easy to draw the curtains closed and have a nap in the middle of the day. The rooftop is also a lovely amenity, a nice place with lots of potted plants -- good if you want to look at the view, do yoga in the fresh sea air, or hang out your small clothing to dry.
The Hotel Lotus is just a few steps from the beach, which is lovely for early-morning or late-evening walks -- you don't have to spend too much time on the very busy Chakra Tirtha road. But it is actually nice to be on the main road, because that's how you get to any other place, and the road is also filled with convenient shops stocking things you want when you're a traveler -- things like good-quality toiletries, basic medicines, clothes-washing soap, tissues, small snacks, etc.
There are lots of good tourist restaurants around the Hotel Lotus, but its own restaurant is really good. Tea and lassi are excellent, every food item we've tried has been delicious and well prepared. Staff are polite and obliging. Filtered water is available, and you can have bottled water if you prefer that.
The dining room itself is absolutely beautiful, decorated with traditional Odisha paintings, and fresh plants on the marble tabletops. The restaurant seems popular even with people who aren't staying here, as well of those of us who do stay here.
Altogether, I'd highly recommend this hotel to anyone who wants a good clean room for not too much money, and the kindness of Brahmanand and Siva just adds to the pleasantness of your stay.
The only drawback is the noise from Chakra Tirtha road. This dies down at night, so we have been sleeping very peacefully. But if you insist on silence during the day, you won't get it. Ask for a room at the back of the hotel and you'll find the situation is much better.