Hotels in Kerela - Review needed

[KurtRules]

Hi Guys,

I have zeroed down and booked the following hotels for my "planned " holiday in Kerela next year. This was done after extensive research, as my main objective was location and exclusivity.

1) Munnar : Mountain Trail resort Munnar
2) Thekkedy: Carmelia Haven, Tree House
3) Allepy: JCT Deluxe houseboat
4) Kovalam: Uday Samudra hotel OR Poover Islands: Poover Island Resort, floating cottage.

I want the folks from down under to give me reviews on the hotels listed above OR tell me better options, if any.

Thanks in advance!

 

[nishchaya]

Well, which month would it be? Few places (Alleppey, Kovalam) tend to become hot after the month of February. But Munnar, being a hill station, is good round the year.

Have been to these places twice, but haven't stayed in any of these hotels, but this is what I recollect:

1. Mountain trail is perhaps somewhere in the wilderness, out of the town of Munnar. Don't know about the service and value for money, but the location was great. I saw it on my way to some waterfall (forgot the name)
2. Thekkedy - Carmelia House - no idea.
3. JCT Deluxe houseboat - This should be good. Most of the houseboats in Kerala are nice. Haven't heard any negative reviews ever. Couple of nits - You could customize your route for backwater cruise, venture into the lesser known hamlets and observing the lifestyle of the locals. This is one of the best way to enjoy a peaceful, lazy holiday, far from the maddening crowd. Also, ask them to what they have on menu and customize it as per your taste.
4. Kovalam - This is again a crowded place, but if your hotel has a private beach then it shouldn't be an issue.

You could also have a look at the tripadvisor for hotel reviews.

 

[Prasham]

Checkout Varkala Beach before you book anything at Kovalam. Its much better.

 

[John Mathai]

The Carmelia Heaven Resort is not in Thekady, it is in Vandanmedu some 20-30 kms from Thekady.

I would recommend Aranya Nivas or Periyar House of KTDC (KTDC Hotels and Resorts, Hotels, Accommodation, Official Website, Kerala Tourism, India) for Thekady as both are situated in the sanctuary itself, of which Aranya Nivas is closer to the lake.

There are other private resorts also such as Spice Village, Elephant Court etc. and you can have the info from net.

Your choices in the rest of the places is ok, though I would suggest to check KTDC's Tea County, Abad Copper Castle, Tall Trees and Blackberry Hills resorts at Munnar.

 

[Ananth]

1) Munnar : Mountain Trail resort Munnar

Good

2) Thekkedy: Carmelia Haven, Tree House

Good

3) Allepy: JCT Deluxe houseboat

There are thousands of houseboats available. Check with HVKumar - There is a person from the forum itself who is into the business there.

4) Kovalam: Uday Samudra hotel OR Poover Islands: Poover Island Resort, floating cottage.

Well, There is nuthing so special in Kovalam - But since it seems to be a "Planned" One - Kovalam would be a nice place to relax - But for a better view / comfort you can try your options in "Varkala"

Do add "Ponmudi" onto your list - Its a nice little hillstation near Trivandrum (56 Kms) - You can visit Kovalam and settle for the evening in Ponmudi.

Welcome to South India and Congratulations

 

[pushkark]

If you planning for relaxed stays, i would suggest the following:

Munnar : Blackberry Resort, amazing views, located on hill slopes overlooking green tea fields for miles together. Meals are good. I would suggest try city restaurants for lunch (Saranya restaurant is worth a try) and take dinner at resort.

Thekady: Thekady Wild Corridor- go for Super Delux room, it has a big bath tub!! Average meals -typical continental type, Food out in the city is amazing.

Allepy: Go for any house boat but select the one with only one bedroom so that you will have the privacy on the house boat. IMO the houseboat is best for just one night nothing more.

Kovalam: Uday Samudra is a really big hotel with 3 swimming pools, spacious rooms, good staff and service. The breakfast is amazing. Have lunch in city and dinner at lighthouse beach- it has about 200 restaurants and really good food.
Poovar island is also a goos option buit its quite away from trivendrum and if you intend to visit tvm then you will be far off.

Note: I have stayed at all the above hotels except Poovar islands (my friend stayed here) on my honeymoon trip and has a great experience.

Get in touch for any further clarification.

 

[KurtRules]

Thanks for the inputs guys. My choices of the aforementioned hotels are in line with the thought that I want exclusivity and something unique. And that is why I have chosen hotels in the first two places that are out of the city. Is this a good decision, as we are spending 2 days in Munnar (will reach munnar by evening, and next day is for sight-seeing) and 1 day in Thekady as I was impressed by the exlusivity of the tree house.

Kovalam, main reason is that after two days of wilderness, I would want to spend some time as a tourist and do things 'tourists' do i.e. shop, relax on the beach, take a walk on the shore line (Uday Samudra has a private beach).

What say?

@Ananth: Thanks man, I will keep your inputs in mind
@Pushpark:I had thought of the wild corridor, but then again, that defeats the purpose of staying in a tree-house

---------- Post added at 01:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:38 PM ----------

BTW, just got a confirmation, the houseboat is the deluxe one from ATDC

 

[KnightRider]

@Kovalam: Uday Samudra hotel..i stayed there last year and its nice hotel and the back gate of hotel opens at the beach..rest of the beaches in Kovalam are much crowded then this one..
+1 for Uday samundra..

 

[Ananth]

I'm not sure from which route you are entering Thekkady - But there are political disturbances in Thekkady due to Mullai periyar issue. Check with the hotel well in advance on how the situation is progressing and take a call.

 

[KurtRules]

Oh! That's news..Thanks for letting me know well in advance.. I will call them up soon and find out!

I would be going to Thekkady from Munnar...route I am not aware off