Favourite Kerala Hotels
Favourite Kerala Hotels
1. Marari Beach Resort ( Mararikulam , Alleppey )
Complementing the hotel’s setting and aptly mirroring its character, the accommodations are thoughtfully designed along the lines of traditional fishermen’s dwellings and strikes a delicate balance between the modern and traditional forms. There are standard as well as semi-suite style pool villa cottages available. The rooms are aesthetically designed and comes with the courtyard bathrooms. The eat-out joint along the beach and the hotel’s pool side restaurant serves seafood prepared in earthenware pots on a simmering log-fire. The well-stocked bar which faces the lake serves a fine range of international labels along with fiery local concoctions. If you are a sports enthusiast or a fitness freak, then you can engage in a game of volley ball in the evenings. The hotel puts much emphasis on organically grown vegetables and fresh seafood. The hotel also features an Ayurvedacenter and a crafts shop.
2. Coconut Lagoon Lake Resort ( Kumarakom, Kottayam)
on a lagoon in Vembanad Lake, this hotel is accessible only by boat. This is a CGH Earth Group enterprise and it brings the vanishing old-world architecture, way of life and culture to contemporary travelers. More than a mere backwater getaway, what Coconut Lagoon offers is an insight into the native lifestyle: its art, culture and history. The voyage to the hotel from mainland by itself is an unusual experience for most tourists . It gives a first hand experience of the greenery and water culture of the region. The resort is nestled in a coconut grove interspersed with a maze of canals. From carved woods of the ceiling to the intricate brass work , the interiors are the typical Kerala style, blending traditional and modern.
The location of the resort facilitates village walks and canoeing and being close to the bird sanctuary makes your stay more eventful. The resort also has a private boat jetty to its credit. We especially recommend the sea-food restaurant and the pool side bar, both of which offer quality service. While you stay at the resort, make some time for an Ayurvedic massage which is quite popular. The restaurants here conduct classical art performances for the benefit of the guests. The hotel has a swimming pool, Ayurveda center, Yoga and meditation center and a Kalari training center. Its a novel way to experience the medieval culture and history of this timeless land. The resort takes special care to promote the message of eco-friendly tourism and undertakes numerous sustainable measures including recycling, composting, waste water treatment, sewage treatment, plastic disposal et cetera.
3. Kumarakom Lake Resort ( Kumarakom, Kottayam )
We love the rustic Kerala teashop ‘Thattukada’, the authentic Kerala seafood bar on the banks of the backwaters and the Ayurveda Spa. The resort also offers contemporary multi-cuisine restaurant, swimming pool, health club and business center. The villas and suites at the resort are a blend of Kerala's traditional architectural charm and luxurious, modern amenities. Choose from Villas, Presidential Suites, Heritage Villas with Private Pool, Meandering Pool Duplex Villas and Heritage Lakeview Villas. Kumarakom Lake Resort is truly a perfect brew of traditional and modern, creating a vacation experience that is indulgent.
4. Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort ( Muhamma, Alleppey )
The main attraction at the resort is that it is opposite Pathiramanal, a tiny island which is an abode of migratory birds. It is a bird lover's delight. The specialty restaurant at the resort overlooks the lake and offers spicy Kerala delicacies with other cuisine genres. Other things that you can look out for are the Ayurveda center swimming pool and other contemporary amenities.
There is a host of activities to be enjoyed: water sports – ride in a speed boat, water scooter or houseboat through the backwaters, floating deck for leisure activities and guided local sightseeing trips. For accommodation choose from Superior, Deluxe Pool Deck, Honeymoon Suite, Junior Suite or Superior Suite. The rooms are well appointed with a fine décor. Taste the goodness of past topped with modern conveniences at Lemon Tree.
5. Brunton Boatyard Hotel ( Fort Kochi, Ernakulam )
This is the kind of place that would interest the romantics and the history enthusiasts alike. Terracotta floors, spacious verandas and the slanted high tiled roofs brings the bygone colonial era alive. The open-plan lobby with huge arches, antique furniture and punkhas in the Indo-Portuguese style clearly gives it a heritage feel. We think you will enjoy gazing outside your window to catch views of the busy harbor dotted with the Chinese Fishing Nets.
Though originally a Victorian ship-building yard, it was renovated by the CGH Earth Group. The role played by CGH is reflected in the superior facilities that are on offer. The rooms are furnished with traditional and reproduced antiques including the high four-poster beds with footstools that dominate the rooms. Brunton offers a versatile dining experience with cuisines hand-picked from the Syrian Christian, Malabar Moppila, Anglo-Indian fusion cuisines and traditional Kerala.
6. The Leela Kovalam ( Kovalam, Trivandrum )
Few things that we really appreciate are the private sun-deck of the beach view guest room and the club that is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. The two exclusive beaches make Leela an ideal avenue for a beach holiday. But the fitness freaks need not take a break as there is a fitness center catering to your fitness needs. Make use of the snooker and water sports facilities and the jogging tracks if you are looking for a not-so-sedate holiday. The Leela may not be exactly a party lover's halt. But the pub, the dance floor and the lounge are good enough to cater to your party needs.
7. Spice Village Resort ( Thekkady, Idukki )
One of the advantages of staying at Spice village is the easy accessibility to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The tourists can explore it by boat and watch the animals drink water at the lakeside. The hotel can arrange two hour trips for the guests and the best chance of sighting animals is in the early morning or at dusk. Many animals come to the water's edge and it is one of the few places in the world where elephants can be observed at close quarters from the safety of a boat. Forest treks arranged by the hotel would be the kind of thing you would like to do if you are an adventure lover. The buffet restaurant serves a wide range of traditional Indian and international cooking. Keeping spirit of the resort alive, spices play an integral part in a menu which changes daily. Those keen on the Kerala recipes can attend the classes held by the Kerala chef. While you stay at the resort, combine adventure and rejuvenation and get an Ayurvedic massage at the Spice Village.
8. Koder House Heritage Boutique Hotel ( Fort Cochin, Ernakulam )
The restaurant, at the hotel serves Indian, continental and sea food, making it an enjoyable experience for both local and international tourists. Overlooking the plunge pool, the restaurant offers a nice ambiance for relaxed lunches. The well-known spa organization 'Serena Spa' at Koder House give you a feeling of being in a spa resort. The tourists benefit from the spa treatments which help them soothe the hurting heels and stressed out nerves. The Serena Spa menu includes a wide array of new treatments massages, scrubs, wraps, facials, various baths and foot and hand care.
9 Wintermere Estate ( Munnar, Idukki )
You will be greeted by a flight of wooden stairs that takes you to the sitting room of the Farm House. There is a unique feel to everything at Windermere, thanks to the dominating wooden works. The dining experience at this vacation home is versatile - the exclusive, yet homely 'Pine Top', 'The Barn' with a fire place and wooden pillars, 'Boulder Garden' for barbecues and the native style 'Hut'. We particularly liked the 'Hut' which resembles a tribal home with its thached roof and wooden blocks.
10. Taj Green Cove Resort ( Kovalam, Trivandrum )
The guests can choose from cottage, suites and presidential villas. Built with granite cottage and elephant grass thatched rooftops, private balconies and French windows, the cottages are designed to provide the guests a closer communion with nature. The suites and villas include all the faciities of the cottages, accompanied with private sitting room, and a pantry in the case of the villa.
The dining experience at Taj is varied and has something to suit everyone's palette. from casual, all day eateries, to formal, fine dining. The 'Coffee Shop' at Taj Green Cove blends up-market all-day dining with rustic, local ambiance. It offers a wide variety of cuisines such as Italian, Asian, Mexican, and more. Those who want to sample some authentic Indian cuisines can dine at the 'Curries' restaurant. Taj Green Cove's bar 'Neera' is a nice and chic place to unwind with a glass of cocktail.
The Jiva Spa at the hotel is preferred for its exclusive couple therapy . The music, light and ambiance at the hotel complement the signature treatments and Indian therapies. We would suggest a day at the spa to wrap up your stay at the Taj Green Cove.
11. Bangaram Island Resort ( Bangaram )
What we like best is the unique environment the resort preserves. You find the comforts of a hotel here, but with out the formal ambiance. The accommodation at the tiled -roof beach huts with palm-thatched verandah is simple and cozy. Apart from the beach huts, the resort also has four bungalows which offer better privacy.
12. Elephant Court Resort ( Thekkady, Idukki )
The resort features patio rooms, executive enclaves, garden suites, pool studios, honeymoon suites and family enclaves. The roofed patio, chaarupadi (extended wooden bench) and privacy are some of the characteristics that make patio rooms special. Separate work and living ares in the Executive Enclaves, and the secluded garden with a fish pond of the Garden suites are are what make them exclusive. Pool studio's private pool, glass walled jacuzzi of the honeymoon suite, the kids area of the family enclave are the other things that caught our attention.
The traditional Kerala cuisine available at the resort is, not surprisingly, flavoured with spices and coconut. The restaurant also offers cuisines from different parts of the country.
13. Tranquil Plantation Hideaway ( Kolagapara, Wayanad )
One of the unique features of the home stay is the helipad. The sophisticated travelers can land right on to it! Something that we thoroughly enjoyed is the tree house. Living in a tree house is a remarkable experience. And we found the tree house to be spacious, well-maintained and cozy.
The rooms at the home stay maintains a traditional ambience with its rosewood flooring and ethnic furniture,. Staying at Tranquil is like living in the midst of a rain forest. The friendly hosts make your stay very pleasant. You can make your vacation therapeutic by indulging in an Ayurvedic Massage. Take a tour around the 40-acre vanilla bean plantation.
The guests can explore the 400-acre estate, which gives enough scope for treks and surroundings. You can also view the inner workings of the functional coffee estate, right from the planting and harvesting until the final drying of the cherries and also the cultivation and curing of the world famous vanilla bean.
14. Old Harbour Hotel ( Fort Kochi, Ernakulam)
The interiors of the rooms are a mix of dated furniture and varied art. The rooms are spacious with high ceilings and look into either a courtyard with a fountain or over the ancient fishing net. We found the wooden flooring in the rooms upstairs and the terracotta flooring downstairs charming. The pool at the Old Harbour is nice and is by the garden side. You can have your breakfast in the garden.
The exclusive garden cottages are the most sought after rooms at the Old Harbour. Evoking a Kerala feel, the cottages have an open-to-the-sky showers, verandah and a private pond. So if you want a room in the garden cottage, make sure to book them in advance. Don't tell us we didn't warn you!
15. Travancore Heritage ( Kovalam, Trivandrum )
Travancore Heritage is where you go for a beach holiday. Located at Kovalam, one of the most famous beaches in Kerala, we can’t think of reasons why you wouldn’t enjoy your stay. Doesn’t really matter even if you are not much of a beach lover, because Travancore Heritage is frequented by holidayers who long for some time with nature as well.
What sets it apart is the concept of heritage property that its being developed into. That is exactly what we appreciate too. The resort is built with recreated palaces and 'nalukettus' of vintage Kerala. It brings to life the age-old traditional architectural splendour of the region with its typical timber houses and ‘Nalukettus’ (houses with an open courtyard) with tiled-roofing.
Travancore Heritage offers various accommodation options in suites, independent villas and heritage homes. You can choose one of them that fits your budget and tastes. The rooms at the Beach Grove Block overlook the beach. So beach lovers, you know where to stay when you are booking a room in Travancore Heritage.
Dine at their multi-cuisine ‘open house’ restaurant which overlooks the pool. The restaurant stands out with its wooden roof ceiling and ancient decorative works. Spend some time at the Ayurveda center and indulge in a rejuvenation therapy.
16.Rainforest Resort ( Athirapally, Thrisur )
The accommodation at Rain forest comes in Luxury, Premium and Celestial rooms. The rooms at the resort are well furnished with king size bed and attached bath with hot and cold running water. All the rooms have been designed in such way as to give a great view of the waterfalls. Tourists who are out on a relaxed holiday tell us that they loved gazing out of the window to take a quiet break.
You can have some authentic Kerala Cuisine in the resort's alfresco dining area called 'Foliage'. The dining area is open on all sides and offers a view of the waterfall. Late evenings can be spent at 'Charcoal', an outdoor grill with barbecue. You can catch the chefs prepare your grills under a jack fruit tree. Oh! So typical Kerala it is. The ambiance of the resort is perfect to indulge in some serious reading. So book enthusiasts can browse through the extensive selection of books in 'Pachyderm' – a spacious library and recreation room. While you are catching up on the books, pay a visit to the juice bar and order a beverage.
17. Soma Kerala Palace Heritage Hotel ( Chempu, Kottayam )
Kerala Palace is a heritage hotel that offers the tourists an authentic piece of Kerala. An exciting conglomerate of traditional mansions from across Kerala, the hotel presents to you a bit of architecture from every region in Kerala. These mansions have been carefully taken apart and put together without disturbing its original character. The most fascinating feature about Kerala Palace is that the tourists get to see and experience the heritage buildings that existed .
Situated along the backwaters of Kerala, Kerala Palace takes you to the bygone era. A rendezvous with the royal past and aura of Kerala will be a pleasurable one for the tourists who are in touch with only the modern day conveniences. This reconstructed hotel gives you a splendid opportunity to experience Kerala in a nut shell. Based on the principles of Vaasthu Vidya, the hotel is a architectural marvel. It comprises of many parts including an Ayurveda Hospital, royal homes, and traditional homesteads. The homesteads feature all the characteristics that are typical of the Kerala homes.
18. Green Lagoon (Eramalloor, Aleppey)
Do you have a backwater holiday in mind? Then book into Green Lagoon Resort which gives you a feel of living on an island. Luxury, serenity, hospitality - you get it all here. Located at Erumalloor, this resort is a great retreat for city dwellers. The pleasure of staying at Green Lagoon is that it takes you back in time to ancient Kerala. Those who have spend their formative years in Kerala or have visited Kerala years back will be gifted with many nostalgic moments. But if you are a first timer, this will be a grand introduction to the the culture, history and lifestyle of Kerala.
Among all other things that Green Lagoon Resort has , we personally like the museum. If you happen to be a lover of art and history, you will cherish the time spend here. This is your chance to take a closer look at the stone cultures and wood carvings. If you are keen, they will arrange classical dance and music performances for you, and this will facilitate a more deeper insight into the culture of Kerala. This is also a fabulous opportunity to sample the conventional cuisine. Have a quiet stay, enjoy nature, feast on some good food, get throughly pampered with lot of goodness and indulge in a relaxing Ayurveda session.
19. Tea Bungalow (Fort Cochin, Ernakulam)
Think about an abode in Fort Cochin, and you will visualize a large colonial building complete with a regal aura. Tea Bungalow doesn't dissappoint you in this regard. If you are looking for a relaxed vacation home in elegant setting, then this is an ideal place to stay. Accommodation in ten spacious suites, the advantage of being in Fort Cochin – a melting pot of cultures and living in a heritage building are some of the features you can look for. We love to have some quiet time in the open and think that a large garden is a prerequisite for a good holiday. And Tea Bungalow offers exactly that.
Each of the rooms are named after a port and each gives you an exclusive experience not matched by the others. But when you are cuddling up on the large comfortable beds, don't miss out on the grand wall paintings. Like most tourists, if you are at Tea Bungalow to do nothing, then the spacious verandah will be your favorite place. Reclining on the sun lounge, browsing through books in their well-stocked library or loitering around the garden are some of the things that you might want to do. We feel that no holiday is complete with out fine dining. And Caf'e du Mah'e is a great place for lavish breakfasts, lunches and dinners. But what beats everything else is that it opens up to a garden. Holiday at Tea Bungalow and have a really nice time.
20. Malabar House (Fort Cochin, Ernakulam)
A heritage hotel of excellence, Malabar House is one of the first boutique hotels in Fort Cochin. The battery of awards in its kitty is enough evidence of its superior class and popularity. Despite competition from a host of hotels, Malabar House still remains a favourite. Inventive and sophisticated, the hotel's origin can be traced back to the 18th century. We recommend this hotel to holiday makers who want a cozy feel. It is quite rare to find a world class hotel with a homely feel, but that is one of the trademarks of this hotel. There is no wonder that we rank it as one of our favourites.
Another feature that strikes a chord with the tourists is the balance between the traditional and modern
designs. Antiques are plenty, and that is one of the pleasures of staying at a Heritage hotel. You can stop to take a look at them and marvel. At Malabar House, what you get is not a mere holiday, but a slice of Kerala life. Art , music, ayurveda and a cultural interaction is sure to make your stay here a wonderful experience. The fusion of east and west is not just confined to the rooms, but extends to the restaurants and wine lounge as well.
21.The Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel (Fort Cochin, Ernakulam)
Old lighthouse Bristow hotel is located at the heritage zone of Fort Kochi, one of the best fifty places in the world to visit. Far from the hustle and bustle, yet so near to the city, this hotel serves as an ideal base to explore the culture and history of Kochi. The trump card of the Old lighthouse Bristow hotel is its perfect location right on the beach, which offers the panoramic views of the Arabian sea.
Built originally to be the residence of late Sir Robert Bristow, the architect of the modern port of Cochin, who lived here from 1920 to 1941, this hotel is a subtle blend of the past and the present. It is a luxurious accommodation option for those with an eye for details and perfection. The sweeping hallways dotted with ethnic paintings and sculptures lead you into its well designed garden view rooms, which ensure the best views of the garden. There are three deluxe suites with en suite balconies and two villas for those seeking the ultimate luxury and intimacy.
The kitchen of Old lighthouse Bristow hotel flaunts the expertise of its chief chef, Vinod who had served in the luxury liner of Queen Mary 2, for eight years. We at Karma Kerala especially loved the alfresco dining experience at the sea side restaurant and the lip smacking appetizers of theVinocean bar. There is a plunge pool, Jaccuzi and Ayurvedic and Swedish relaxation massage options to make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. There are many interesting sights nearby including the Jewish Synagogue, palaces, churches and colonial buildings. Old lighthouse Bristow hotel makes a great stopover to enjoy a laid back holiday without compromising on the comfort factor a wee bit.
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