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KTM & Cochin Hotel Report 26th to 29th September 2024

Mr. Jatinder Taneja (Managing Director)

Dear All,

Please find below the detailed feedback and recommendations on the hotels in Cochin following my recent property visits. The observations are based on the overall quality of the property, room standards, service, location, ambience, facilities and suitability for our clients.

1. Killians Hotel – 3

Location: Fort Kochi, opposite Brunton Boatyard
Rooms: Approximately 20 rooms across three categories – Standard, Superior and Deluxe.

The primary difference between the room categories is the size. The rooms are reasonably spacious and acceptable; however, the views from most rooms are not appealing, with construction areas and the rear sides of neighbouring buildings visible.

At the time of the visit, there were no clients staying at the hotel, which gave the property a rather quiet and lifeless feel. The staff were courteous but lacked professionalism and service orientation. The restaurant and swimming pool were acceptable but did not offer anything particularly distinctive.

2. Tea Bungalow – 4 Boutique

Location: Fort Kochi
Rooms: 10 rooms

I had the opportunity to meet the owner, Mr. Dempo, and the General Manager, Ms. Saritha. The property is a charming boutique hotel with only 10 rooms, all individually designed and maintained to a very good standard.

The hotel has a strong boutique character, with each room reflecting a different theme. Although I could inspect only one room due to high occupancy, the overall upkeep of the property was excellent. The staff were extremely professional, well trained and presented in attractive uniforms.

The swimming pool and restaurant are both pleasant, and the overall atmosphere is intimate and refined. TSI is also well known to the management, which is an added advantage for our future business.

3. Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel – Heritage Bristow House

Location: Waterfront, Fort Kochi
Rooms: 10 rooms

This is a beautiful heritage property with a wonderful waterfront location, a small beach and attractive public areas. However, the property has gradually positioned itself more towards the budget segment.

The rooms are basic, and the bathrooms are dated, although they are reasonably maintained. The strongest aspects of the hotel are its location, waterfront setting and public areas rather than the accommodation itself.

4. Old Harbour Hotel – Old Mansion

Location: Fort Kochi, opposite the Chinese Fishing Nets
Rooms: Approximately 10 rooms

A beautiful old mansion offering a very elegant and intimate experience. The rooms are extremely charming, with attractive bathrooms, a lovely garden and a well-maintained swimming pool.

The suites are particularly impressive – spacious, beautifully appointed and offering views towards the Chinese Fishing Nets. The property has a sophisticated character and is very suitable for clients looking for a boutique heritage experience.

The hotel was earlier associated with the Small Luxury Hotels group, which is also indicative of its positioning and quality.

5. The Postcard Mandalay Hall – 5 Boutique

Location: Jew Town, Mattancherry
Rooms: Only 5 rooms

A truly exceptional boutique property with a very unique setting and a highly personalised experience. With only five rooms, the hotel offers an intimate and exclusive atmosphere.

The rooms are beautifully designed, with excellent bathrooms and carefully curated interiors. The property also has a charming small restaurant, a beautiful lawn with lush greenery and a small plunge pool.

Everything about the property feels distinctive and experiential. It is ideal for clients who appreciate privacy, exclusivity, design and personalised service.

6. Casino Hotel – CGH Earth

Location: Wellington Island
Category: 4
Rooms: Approximately 65–70 rooms

Casino is one of CGH Earth’s oldest properties and has a more traditional character. The rooms are decent, while the restaurants, swimming pool and overall facilities are satisfactory.

The property does look somewhat dated; however, being managed by CGH Earth gives us confidence in the service standards and operational management.

7. Forte Kochi – 4 Boutique

Location: Princess Street, Fort Kochi

Forte Kochi enjoys a prime location in the heart of Fort Kochi and is a beautiful boutique property. The hotel offers excellent rooms and bathrooms, along with a pleasant swimming pool and restaurant.

The overall ambience, location and quality make it a very good option for premium travellers. It can comfortably be positioned immediately after Brunton Boatyard in our preferred Fort Kochi hotel options.

8. Abad Dutch Bungalow – Heritage

Location: Fort Kochi

A small heritage-style property offering an old-world atmosphere. The property is acceptable for budget travellers, while the higher room categories can be considered where we need a better accommodation option within the same property.

The swimming pool is adequate, although the overall service and professionalism are more in line with a lower-budget hotel.

9. The Old Courthouse by Abad – Heritage

Location: Fort Kochi, near Fragrant Nature
Rooms: Approximately 18–20 rooms

A decent heritage property combining traditional elements with a more modern feel. The staff appeared professional and the overall service standards were satisfactory.

The rooftop swimming pool is a useful feature, and the property offers a comfortable experience for clients looking for a reasonably priced heritage stay in Fort Kochi.

10. Mai House Heritage Hotel – Boutique Heritage

Location: Fort Kochi

A small and charming boutique heritage hotel with a pleasant atmosphere. The staff were professional and welcoming. I also had dinner at the property with Margaret and Sunil.

The hotel has a lovely water pond and a well-maintained lawn, creating a peaceful and intimate environment. There is no swimming pool, but the overall character of the property compensates for this.

The cottage was particularly impressive and offers a very pleasant stay without being excessively expensive. Margaret was also very impressed with this option.

11. Taj Malabar Resort & Spa – 5

Location: Wellington Island
Category: Luxury

The property has been recently renovated and offers a strong luxury proposition on the waterfront. The hotel has both a heritage wing and a newer wing, with different room categories across the property. The rooms inspected were all of a good standard.

The restaurants and bar are very good, while the swimming pool and extensive waterfront lawns add considerably to the overall appeal. The waterfront setting gives the property a distinctive character and makes it particularly suitable for clients looking for a luxury resort experience in Cochin.

12. Trident Hotel Cochin – 5

Location: Wellington Island
Rooms: Approximately 80 rooms

Trident is a good option for groups and mid-segment luxury clients, particularly when suitable accommodation cannot be arranged in Fort Kochi.

The property offers comfortable rooms, a good restaurant and bar, a very pleasant swimming pool and attractive lawns. Although it does not offer the same Fort Kochi experience or boutique character, it is a reliable and practical option for group movements.

13. Tissa’s Inn – Boutique

Location: Fort Kochi
Rooms: 8 rooms

A charming small boutique hotel housed in a beautiful building. The rooms and bathrooms are very well maintained, and the property has a cosy restaurant along with a small rooftop swimming pool.

The hotel is neat, clean and appears to have been recently renovated. The staff were professional and welcoming, and the overall atmosphere is intimate and comfortable.

14. Napier Heritage – Heritage

Location: Fort Kochi
Rooms: 16 rooms

Unfortunately, this property did not meet our expected standards. The Superior Rooms were reasonably acceptable; however, the Standard Rooms were in poor condition and the approach to some rooms was through an unattractive and poorly maintained passage.

The restaurant on the first floor also appeared rather shabby, while the staff lacked professionalism. Overall, the property does not provide the level of experience that we should be offering to our clients.


Prepared by:

Jatinder Taneja