Old Courtyard Hotel in Fort Cochin

The Old Courtyard Hotel has eight rooms overlooking the courtyard. Each room, with its restored wooden floors, old furniture and unique four poster beds with mirrors and tiles fitted in the wood work, transports guests to a bygone era of luxury and comfort. The larger rooms in the hotel are on par with hotels which are more expensive.

On summer evenings, it is soothing to sit around the tall old mango tree, soak up violin, flute music or clay pot drum rhythms played by local musicians. Swap stories with guests or with the well-travelled owners, Rose and Jacob Kuruvinakunnel or enjoy Continental-style cooking. Follow the grand wooden staircase to the 8 guest rooms, varying in size but all charmingly decorated.

And when you have lazed around inside the hotel, step outside to check out the Jewish spice shops, Chinese fishing nets, a Dutch palace and India’s oldest church. It’s an affordable, relaxed setting, where you can roam around in a group, but wouldn''t miss company even when alone. Its centrally located, with plenty of attractions right outside the door. You can listen to the live classical music.