Gastfamilien in Kerala, Indien

I’ll start by saying that we only booked this guesthouse as it was pretty much the only one available for our dates in Varkala that seemed well located and wasn’t a hostel in a dorm room (we are a married couple in our 30s and are passed the days of sleeping in a dorm bunk bed!). BIG MISTAKE! Following 7 weeks of travel in India and staying in almost 20 different guesthouses and homestays, this was by far the worst! One of the most expensive out of all the properties we stayed in and by far the worst in terms of facilities, value for money and management. Where to begin… 1. Frequent power cuts on our first day turning the lights and AC off in the room 2. We stayed in two rooms (one AC and one fan). Almost none of the plug sockets worked in either room with the exception of one 3. The shower was practically pointless and the water came out in a tiny trickle in both rooms. Not very practical for showering. We used the bucket for showering (which we have done many times in India, but not expected here considering it cost 2-3x more than other properties we stayed at in India). It’s also a wet room (common in India), but no mop/brush to push all the excess water into the drain (we had this in majority of our other guesthouses) so you’re walking into a soaking wet bathroom every time you enter 4. The rooms didn’t feel 100% clean - we were walking on sand before we even went to the beach and even felt sand in the bed! 5. Speaking of the bed, this was rock hard and super uncomfortable 6. We shared our AC room with 4/5 geckos each night. We are ok with nature and insects so this wasn’t a huge deal for us but just FYI incase you are not. There are vents in the room that allow insects in easily, despite them having some sort of sellotape over them to try and prevent this 7. There was construction work happening (either the property itself or next door). When in the AC room we were woken up quite early each morning with loud banging and drilling practically outside our window. The workmen also left their tools on our balcony 8. We were interested in doing the cooking class offered but were told that this was not available because the owner Suresh was too busy at his other property in Varkala (it’s called Gypsy Walker so will assume is also poor quality). Just as well, wouldn’t have wanted to have given another penny to this property! 9. The property requests that shoes are taken off before entry and left on the designated shoe rack. Respectful of the property’s policies and Indian culture we did just that. On the last day, one of our pairs of shoes was stolen from the rack. We know this happened that day as they were there late morning when we went out but not the evening when we returned to get them. When we informed Suresh of the issue, he was incredibly rude, shouting abuse at us down the phone and accused us of lying to get compensation out of him - incredibly insulting to say the least. We were told that no one has access to the property

Flughafen in der Nähe des internationalen Flughafens Cochin. Nur 650mtrs vom Flughafen. Sauber und sauber Hotel. Preise sind vernünftig. AC und Non AC Zimmer sind verfügbar. Hotel wird AirPort Drop Service auf Ihrer Anfrage für einen sehr vernünftigen Preis arrangieren.

Let's start with this place point by point date of visit (7 may to 8 may) 1- reached the hotel little early around 8.30 am. The assistant manager (Mahesh) said he will try to give the room by 11 after confirming with the manager (who refused to share his name but has worked for 11 years in Hospitality in Colaba, Mumbai) The manager refused and asked for additional amount. Which I understand must be the policy. But the arrogance of the manager is hard to miss 2- the room was filled with mosquitos. There was no Soap. The Linen was untidy 3- the Highlight (Check out) we checked out at 11.30 the official time and requested to keep the luggage at the side for sometime till we get some clothes and snacks. The Manager replied not more than 1 hour as it will create disturbance to us. How can 2 bags create disturbance if it's kept in a corner of the waiting area. Part 2 - we reached back by 1.10 pm which he didn't appreciate. We asked the manager about the other places that we can visit, he was completely clueless and had zero interest in replying. While we were sitting quietly in the waiting area he asked us to get out in an extremely rude manner. You can't ask your guests to get out of the property, they are not causing any inconvenience to other patrons. Please please please avoid this place just for the Manager. He is not worthy of being in the Hospitality industry. I really hope the owner of the property takes note of this incident and takes some action against the manager because despite being at good location the people who are running it are leaving a bad taste. I'm writing this review from a restaurant nearby the property as we were asked to GET OUT. P.S. the assistant Mahesh did apologize on behalf of the manager but the damage was done by then

I’m a British/ Australian female traveller who visited India for the first time with my Partner. Kerala is the first place we visited and I was incredibly impressed with how clean, safe and comfy the homestay was. It is in the perfect location, very short walking distance to Princess street. The hosts are incredibly friendly, they helped me with my washing and also made us two delicious homemade breakfasts. The air conditioning worked really well and there is also a fan. Will recommend this place to any traveller and I would definitely stay here again.

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It was a nice hotel to stat with family. It is nearby temple also. Would recommend everyone to stay if you are planning to visit guruvayur

Ok, wo starte ich? Ankunft: George hat uns zu ihrem Heimweg willkommen gemacht und die Zeit genommen, alle Fragen zu beantworten, die wir hatten und mehr. Er ist ein sehr freundliches, ehrliches und geduldiges *** mit einer ”Kann tun” Einstellung. Nachdem wir mit ihm gesprochen haben, wussten wir: waren, was, wann, wie und wie viel. Das Zimmer: Sehr sauberes Zimmer mit AC und Decke-Fan, gute Dusche und viel warmes Wasser. Es schien auch eine kleine Küche, die wir nicht verwendet haben, was für einige Gäste nützlich sein könnte. Gastfreundschaft: George & Daisy sind einige der schönsten Leute, die Sie auf diesem Planeten treffen werden. Sehr sorgfältig & ehrlich. Ich war krank für einige meiner Aufenthalte und Daisy versorgte mich mit einigen Hausmedizinern zurück zur Gesundheit. George hatte einige Tipps für Medizin und innerhalb von 2 Tagen war ich wieder zu fühlen ok! Sie haben unsere Reise nach Kerala gerettet. Danke sehr. Ich kann Elim Homestay an jeden Besucher von Kochi empfehlen. 5 Sterne über den Tisch!

Einfaches, aber sauberes Zimmer mit ausgezeichneter Klimaanlage. Esszimmer im 2. Stock (kein Aufzug) hat Keller und Pan ***** mit elektrischer Kessel. Eigentümer des Gasthauses erhalten Essen aus dem Haus, sofern wir eine 3-Stunden-Ankündigung geben. Die nächste und anständige Unterkunft für diejenigen, die wild lebende Elefanten sehen wollen, kommt für einen Drink aus dem Wasser. Nur 100 Fuß entfernt.

Flughafen in der Nähe des internationalen Flughafens Cochin. Nur 650mtrs vom Flughafen. Sauber und sauber Hotel. Preise sind vernünftig. AC und Non AC Zimmer sind verfügbar. Hotel wird AirPort Drop Service auf Ihrer Anfrage für einen sehr vernünftigen Preis arrangieren.

I’m a British/ Australian female traveller who visited India for the first time with my Partner. Kerala is the first place we visited and I was incredibly impressed with how clean, safe and comfy the homestay was. It is in the perfect location, very short walking distance to Princess street. The hosts are incredibly friendly, they helped me with my washing and also made us two delicious homemade breakfasts. The air conditioning worked really well and there is also a fan. Will recommend this place to any traveller and I would definitely stay here again.

Madhu ist ein sehr freundlicher Gastgeber. Das ganze alte portugiesische Haus atmet Musik und *** kann eine wunderschöne Morgen-Raga bei Madhu buchen. Seine Stimme leitet einen in tiefe, heilende Meditation. Ein unvergessliches spirituelles Erlebnis. Empfehlung für Menschen, die eine künstlerische und authentische Umgebung in Kochi suchen, voller Herz und individuellem Charme.

Ok, wo starte ich? Ankunft: George hat uns zu ihrem Heimweg willkommen gemacht und die Zeit genommen, alle Fragen zu beantworten, die wir hatten und mehr. Er ist ein sehr freundliches, ehrliches und geduldiges *** mit einer ”Kann tun” Einstellung. Nachdem wir mit ihm gesprochen haben, wussten wir: waren, was, wann, wie und wie viel. Das Zimmer: Sehr sauberes Zimmer mit AC und Decke-Fan, gute Dusche und viel warmes Wasser. Es schien auch eine kleine Küche, die wir nicht verwendet haben, was für einige Gäste nützlich sein könnte. Gastfreundschaft: George & Daisy sind einige der schönsten Leute, die Sie auf diesem Planeten treffen werden. Sehr sorgfältig & ehrlich. Ich war krank für einige meiner Aufenthalte und Daisy versorgte mich mit einigen Hausmedizinern zurück zur Gesundheit. George hatte einige Tipps für Medizin und innerhalb von 2 Tagen war ich wieder zu fühlen ok! Sie haben unsere Reise nach Kerala gerettet. Danke sehr. Ich kann Elim Homestay an jeden Besucher von Kochi empfehlen. 5 Sterne über den Tisch!

The place was very cozy and beautiful. Room was more than what we expected. A suggestion is that please put some more towels for couples. Very d esp that we had to share a single towel for bath. Please put 2 towels in the bathroom.

I’ll start by saying that we only booked this guesthouse as it was pretty much the only one available for our dates in Varkala that seemed well located and wasn’t a hostel in a dorm room (we are a married couple in our 30s and are passed the days of sleeping in a dorm bunk bed!). BIG MISTAKE! Following 7 weeks of travel in India and staying in almost 20 different guesthouses and homestays, this was by far the worst! One of the most expensive out of all the properties we stayed in and by far the worst in terms of facilities, value for money and management. Where to begin… 1. Frequent power cuts on our first day turning the lights and AC off in the room 2. We stayed in two rooms (one AC and one fan). Almost none of the plug sockets worked in either room with the exception of one 3. The shower was practically pointless and the water came out in a tiny trickle in both rooms. Not very practical for showering. We used the bucket for showering (which we have done many times in India, but not expected here considering it cost 2-3x more than other properties we stayed at in India). It’s also a wet room (common in India), but no mop/brush to push all the excess water into the drain (we had this in majority of our other guesthouses) so you’re walking into a soaking wet bathroom every time you enter 4. The rooms didn’t feel 100% clean - we were walking on sand before we even went to the beach and even felt sand in the bed! 5. Speaking of the bed, this was rock hard and super uncomfortable 6. We shared our AC room with 4/5 geckos each night. We are ok with nature and insects so this wasn’t a huge deal for us but just FYI incase you are not. There are vents in the room that allow insects in easily, despite them having some sort of sellotape over them to try and prevent this 7. There was construction work happening (either the property itself or next door). When in the AC room we were woken up quite early each morning with loud banging and drilling practically outside our window. The workmen also left their tools on our balcony 8. We were interested in doing the cooking class offered but were told that this was not available because the owner Suresh was too busy at his other property in Varkala (it’s called Gypsy Walker so will assume is also poor quality). Just as well, wouldn’t have wanted to have given another penny to this property! 9. The property requests that shoes are taken off before entry and left on the designated shoe rack. Respectful of the property’s policies and Indian culture we did just that. On the last day, one of our pairs of shoes was stolen from the rack. We know this happened that day as they were there late morning when we went out but not the evening when we returned to get them. When we informed Suresh of the issue, he was incredibly rude, shouting abuse at us down the phone and accused us of lying to get compensation out of him - incredibly insulting to say the least. We were told that no one has access to the property

Let's start with this place point by point date of visit (7 may to 8 may) 1- reached the hotel little early around 8.30 am. The assistant manager (Mahesh) said he will try to give the room by 11 after confirming with the manager (who refused to share his name but has worked for 11 years in Hospitality in Colaba, Mumbai) The manager refused and asked for additional amount. Which I understand must be the policy. But the arrogance of the manager is hard to miss 2- the room was filled with mosquitos. There was no Soap. The Linen was untidy 3- the Highlight (Check out) we checked out at 11.30 the official time and requested to keep the luggage at the side for sometime till we get some clothes and snacks. The Manager replied not more than 1 hour as it will create disturbance to us. How can 2 bags create disturbance if it's kept in a corner of the waiting area. Part 2 - we reached back by 1.10 pm which he didn't appreciate. We asked the manager about the other places that we can visit, he was completely clueless and had zero interest in replying. While we were sitting quietly in the waiting area he asked us to get out in an extremely rude manner. You can't ask your guests to get out of the property, they are not causing any inconvenience to other patrons. Please please please avoid this place just for the Manager. He is not worthy of being in the Hospitality industry. I really hope the owner of the property takes note of this incident and takes some action against the manager because despite being at good location the people who are running it are leaving a bad taste. I'm writing this review from a restaurant nearby the property as we were asked to GET OUT. P.S. the assistant Mahesh did apologize on behalf of the manager but the damage was done by then

Schön und sauber

The room was very spacious, right opposite to the beach. If one wants a beach view, go for it. Food in the restaurant was just okay!

Very good, professional service and worry free stay. 1. caretaker was very very friendly. He had called in advance to ask when we would check in, shared the number we can use in case of any need and also told us he will be out on the road if we need help to locate the property. we eventually did have to call him because the house is located beside a slope and it's from a level down to the road from the direction we came( the other side of the house it's located above the road). but as soon as we called he was out on the road and helped us. 2. One point to note is that we have to park the car on the road. The house required climbing stairs up/down, so we cannot take the car past the gate. 3. the bathrooms are very clean ( bathrooms are the biggest fear for me). Their shower was very very good and unlike most places in tvm located near the beach, the tap water was not hard water. it was soft. they have hot and cold water. Towels were also provided, so also soap and travel friendly size of shampoo and moisturizer. 4. you can hear the waves loud and clear. you can also see the waves from your porch etc. you can also see the Vizinjam mosque dome and minarets from he property. also the lighthouse is very close by and can be seen from the property. 5. The beach is super near. Everything is at walking distance. Breakfast offered was bread, butter/jam. so we opted out. Drinking water was provided. There are cupboards inside for storage.Chairs and a table too. There is a door between the bottom two rooms that can be locked or unlocked. Hence it's great for families security wise. Overall, it's reliable and worry free.

The hospitality experienced was way better than a luxury hotel . The owners Nisha, Venu and their 2 little ones made us feel like family. The rooms are extremely beautiful with cozy beds, a spacious bathroom, very well maintained and most importantly clean and hygienic. It has a well equipped fully functional kitchen. For insta pic lovers, the house is full of antiques. For beach lovers, The house is right in front of the mighty sea. They have top notch security as they have cameras all around the house. They will also cook for you for a minimum charge. The food is authentic and mouth watering. You have to stay here atleast once if you are in Trivandrum to experience the warmth of this beautiful family.

This lodge is located very near to Anantha Padmanabha swamy mandir and nearby there are two good veg restaurants too ie Hotel Annapurna and Hotel Udupi Veg. We reached this hotel on March 25th 2024 at 7.30AM and we got 3 bed AC room immediately. Room was very clean and neat . Also all basic facilities were available. The owner Mr. Venkatesh is very kind and he extended an excellent hospitality to us. I recommend to stay there whenever you want to visit Anathapadmanambha swamy temple/Trivendrum. Nearby there is a travel agent who provides Auto/Taxi in a very competitive price

Very good staff very quick and punctual we have asked for hot water at 3 am morning, they have gave us at exact time. Room are well maintained and good in budget. Appreciable

I’ll start by saying that we only booked this guesthouse as it was pretty much the only one available for our dates in Varkala that seemed well located and wasn’t a hostel in a dorm room (we are a married couple in our 30s and are passed the days of sleeping in a dorm bunk bed!). BIG MISTAKE! Following 7 weeks of travel in India and staying in almost 20 different guesthouses and homestays, this was by far the worst! One of the most expensive out of all the properties we stayed in and by far the worst in terms of facilities, value for money and management. Where to begin… 1. Frequent power cuts on our first day turning the lights and AC off in the room 2. We stayed in two rooms (one AC and one fan). Almost none of the plug sockets worked in either room with the exception of one 3. The shower was practically pointless and the water came out in a tiny trickle in both rooms. Not very practical for showering. We used the bucket for showering (which we have done many times in India, but not expected here considering it cost 2-3x more than other properties we stayed at in India). It’s also a wet room (common in India), but no mop/brush to push all the excess water into the drain (we had this in majority of our other guesthouses) so you’re walking into a soaking wet bathroom every time you enter 4. The rooms didn’t feel 100% clean - we were walking on sand before we even went to the beach and even felt sand in the bed! 5. Speaking of the bed, this was rock hard and super uncomfortable 6. We shared our AC room with 4/5 geckos each night. We are ok with nature and insects so this wasn’t a huge deal for us but just FYI incase you are not. There are vents in the room that allow insects in easily, despite them having some sort of sellotape over them to try and prevent this 7. There was construction work happening (either the property itself or next door). When in the AC room we were woken up quite early each morning with loud banging and drilling practically outside our window. The workmen also left their tools on our balcony 8. We were interested in doing the cooking class offered but were told that this was not available because the owner Suresh was too busy at his other property in Varkala (it’s called Gypsy Walker so will assume is also poor quality). Just as well, wouldn’t have wanted to have given another penny to this property! 9. The property requests that shoes are taken off before entry and left on the designated shoe rack. Respectful of the property’s policies and Indian culture we did just that. On the last day, one of our pairs of shoes was stolen from the rack. We know this happened that day as they were there late morning when we went out but not the evening when we returned to get them. When we informed Suresh of the issue, he was incredibly rude, shouting abuse at us down the phone and accused us of lying to get compensation out of him - incredibly insulting to say the least. We were told that no one has access to the property

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