Where is the best hotel in Fort Kochi for You?

I love heading to South India in June and July. True, it can be rainy, but it’s less busy and the hotels offer great prices. I also get the pool all to myself and the softer light is great for photos. And I can still get mangoes! Fort Kochi is a great place to start a trip. Things to do and places to eat are in easy walking distance. It’s full of history and colour, the home of spice trading, easy going, friendly yet sophisticated.

But how do you find the best place to stay? In my four visits to Fort Kochi I’ve explored all the good hotels to come up my best tips and my favourite recommendations.

Tip 1 – Stay in the Old Quarter

Fort Kochi, or Cochin, is a laid-back former Dutch, Portuguese and British colony on the tropical Malabar Coast. It has a wonderful atmospheric historic old quarter and this is the best area to stay.

Tip 2 – Stay in a Heritage Hotel

Hotels in former mansions and heritage properties abound in Fort Kochi and these are definitely the most atmospheric.

Tip 3 – Stay with a Pool

Even though the weather is cooler weather from November to February, it’s always good to have a pool to cool off after a walk about town.

Tip 4 – Stay where the Hosts are Lovely

People in South India take hospitality seriously! There’s a local saying ‘the guest is God’! You really can’t go wrong, but some places have the most exceptionally warm and welcoming teams and this is what sets them apart from the rest.

Tip 5 – Stay where the Breakfast is Amazing

South Indian breakfasts are famous! Think dosa, idli, vada, puttu, appam the list goes on and on. Most hotels  in Fort Kochi include breakfast in the tariff, but they differ in quality. Make sure you make the most of this excellent opportunity to try the regional cuisine.

So where do I recommend?

These are my favourite hotels with my highlights and hints. I’ve given the rates as published in August 2017 on Booking.com. However you may get a better deal by emailing the hotel directly to ask their best rate. The rates are per double room per night including breakfast. All are heritage hotels that are well located and have a pool.

First Place

Brunton’s Boatyard $213 (Harbour View Room)

Highlights

Free daily inclusions –  morning yoga and meditation, afternoon tea in the tea lounge, cooking demonstration, sunset boat cruise, fruit basket

Wonderful harbour views

Warm, smiling team who do everything to make your stay memorable

Hints

Do get the sea view/ harbour view room

Second Place

Eighth Bastion $157

Highlights

Chic, stylish rooms in a heritage building

Great breakfasts especially the puttu

Gorgeous team

Smaller property in a quieter part of town

Hints

Corner rooms, facing the beach are more private, but nosier from the street.

Third Place

Old Harbour Hotel $275

Highlights

A lovely pool area

Excellent service

Fourth Place

Malabar House $289 (Deluxe Room)

Highlights

Smaller, quieter boutique hotel

Hints

Privacy is high but the feel is not as friendly as other hotels.

The Suite room is lovely, but the cheapest rooms are quite small.

Pool is not as nice as other hotels.

Fifth Place

Koder House $97 (Suite)

Highlights

Fantastic huge rooms especially the Suite room which is huge with a dressing room, bathroom and bedroom.

A famous Kochi house of the Jewish Koder family serving heritage Jewish Kerala dishes in the restaurant.

Hints

Pool is only small

Breakfast is not as extensive as other hotels

Sixth Place

Neemrana’s- Tower House $65

Highlights

Large, classic rooms.

Newly renovated pool.

Hints

Breakfast is not as extensive as other hotels

Service is less friendly than other hotels.

Do look out for the best places to eat and best things to do in Fort Kochi, coming up soon on Food and Travel Secrets.

So tell me Dear Reader, where would you like to stay in Fort Kochi?