5 Of The Best Hotels In Kerala

8th March 2016

During my time on the Kerala Blog Express we slept in hotels, on a houseboat and even in a tent! During my two weeks on the trip I slept in nine different hotels and I’ve picked my favourites that I am declaring the 5 best hotels in Kerala!

In no particular order here are my choices for the 5 BEST HOTELS IN KERALA

1 – Crowne Plaza – Kochi

If you’re flying to Kerala then Kochi is likely to be the most convenient place for your arrival. What better way to start (or end) your trip with some five star comforts and luxury. Unfortunately we had less than 10 hours at the Crowne Plaza BUT we made them count. Firstly – their showers were incredible! It was great to wash away the exhaustion of being on a bus for over six hours! We enjoyed their extensive buffet dinner which included a range of Indian and Western options along with a huge dessert bar (thanks toThe Sweet Wanderlust I now have a thing for desserts!) The beds were so welcoming and comfortable.

2 – Kumarakom Lake Resort – Kumarakom

We arrived at this hotel in the evening so we didn’t get to see its full beauty until the morning. Our twin share Heritage Villa had all the comforts we needed for a good nights sleep. Then there was the outdoor bathroom and private outdoor pool – amazing! Some other members in my group stayed in their Meandering Pool Villas which were situated around a 250m lagoon style pool. During our stay we learnt that Prince Charles stayed at this resort for his 65th birthday. So if it is good enough for him – it is good enough for me. The hotel offers a range of complimentary activities for guests. I got to take part in their morning yoga session. Held near the pool, looking out over the backwaters – it was a magical way to welcome the day.

3 – Greenwoods Resort – Thekkady

The staff at Greenwoods Resort could not do enough for their guests. It was the service here that definitely made our stay. Situated back off the main road meant we could enjoy some peace and quiet. Greenwoods prides itself on being an environmentally responsible hotel. I loved that our morning paper was delivered in a bag made of recycled newspaper. Our time here coincided with our visit to the Periyar Tiger Reserve.  This hotel would be a fantastic option for those wanting to visit the national park. Offering activities such as tree planting and a saree wearing demonstration there is something for all guests to enjoy.

4 – Zuri Kumarakom – Kumarakom

Another beauty situated between the backwaters and a lake this hotel was grand in both size and comfort. So large is the resort that a golf buggy had to take us to our villa. Our room had both an indoor and outdoor bathroom area which always makes ones stay a little more special. The food here was amazing and we got to enjoy lunch, dinner and breakfast. The Indian options were my favourite with fresh naan made to order.

5 – Vythiri Village Resort – Wayward

What can I say about Vythiri Village Resort other than PARADISE! Our arrival lunch was traditional Kerala fare, served on a banana leaf. I did my best at eating with my hands – trying to look as confident as possible. Set amongst 22 acres of nature at its finest, our two night stay here was just what we needed after the shuffling around we had been doing on the trip. It was so lovely to wake up and see the morning mist across the tea plantations. Heading to our celebrity villa was like a dream. We walked in to an open plan kitchen and lounge area then through to our twin share bedroom (two double beds – with the most enormous pillows you’ve ever seen!) The highlight of the room was waiting of us beyond the next door – our fully enclosed private pool. It was here that I decided to try an Ayuvedic massage and while the thought of laying on a hard wooden bench being covered in oil might sound strange it was bliss! You can read more about the massage experience at the Vythiri Village Resort by clicking here (post by fellow participant Curious Claire)

So – there’s my pick for the 5 best hotels in Kerala! I hope you get to visit some or one of these on your next Indian adventure.

I was under no obligation to write a review on any of our hotels used during the trip. As always, the opinions are my own.