Kochi Hotels & Resorts

[mohammedirshad06]

The city of Kochi (Cochin) and its neighbouring areas hosts some of Nation's best hotels and resorts. This thread is to explore the great hospitality world of Kochi.

[mohammedirshad06]

Picture courtesy:mystikalindia

image hosted on flickr


Dream Hotel

The ultra posh 5 star property that belongs famous hospitality entrepeneur Vikram Chatwal, Dream Hotel belongs to Dream series of hotels under Vikram Chatwal Group, that operates iconic Dream New York (Times Square), Dream Bangkok etc. This is the first Dream series hotel in India and a 5 star deluxe property.

Currently Dream is franchise brand under global hospitality giant- Wyndham International, that operates several famous brands like Ramada, Howard Johnson, Travelodge.


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


Dreams is set in ultra-contemporary urban sleek style which provides a dream-like experience to its guest. The tower which is 18 storied, is one of the tallest hotel in the city, located in busy SA road

image hosted on flickr


Dream in morning

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


The most attractive part of the hotel, is the central lobby, which features a mega 3 ton chandelier in form of a globe, fitted with more than 50,000 LED bulbs, that changes its colour every 5 minutes, to create a mood. On the center of lobby, features the 4 elephant statue in welcoming pose- a Kerala's favourite icon

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


Lounges and Banquets

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


The seafood restaurant- Ayela

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


The famous DJ Lounge bar-

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


The Coffee and 24 hour dining store

http://www.dreamcochin.com/

[mohammedirshad06]

Taj Malabar (Currently Vivanta Malabar By Taj)

There is no need to tell what is Taj to Indians and what is Malabar to Keralites. Its indeed deeply connected to Kerala's pre-independence History.

Its one of the 6 inherited historic properties of Taj Group and was a crown property during British Era.

Taj Malabar is Kerala's first public hotel opened in 1925 as Port Hostel for the sailors calling at modern Kochi port to rest. In 1936, the hostel was renovated fit for a Palace, as British Indian Government was expecting to receive King George V1, which was cancelled due to World War 11. The hotel hosted several dignitaries, which included Gandhiji in 1934, Queen Elizebeth, Mrs Kennedy and people like that

The President and Prime Minister always stay in this hotel during their Kochi visits, due to its proximity to Naval airport and high security zone

The hotel comprises of 2 complexes, the old heritage wing, designed in Victorian architecture and modern tower complex





The Lawns and Lobbies



The Victorian Lobby was designed to the personal tastes of Lord Willingdon- then the Viceroy of India, who inaugurated the property.



The Dolphin Point, an open air, sea-food theme restaurant. It was the party area during British era. Englishers to used call this place as Dolphin point, because lot of dolphins were spotted in the backwaters and it was their favourite past-time to watch dolphins playing



Taj Malabar was the first hotel to bring Private Yacht in Kochi way back in 1995, with dedicated Boat jetties and mini-marina facility. The current Yacht, is used for exclusive use of HNIs for backwater cruise or even stay, which is one of the most expensive





Infinity Pool- Kerala's first swimming pool, designed in 1928, it was a star attraction in those times. The pool was also the first Infinity pool designed in South India, which is designed in such a way, that visually the pool gets merged with backwaters....



Mattancherry Bar- the first bar lounge in Kerala, was originally designed as Smoker room and club house added in 1938. Today its one of the most expensive lounges in Kerala



Rice-Boat, a Kerala themed restaurant, is one of the star attractions today in this hotel, which is designed in form of a Kettuvallam



Thai Pavillon- the recent addition which is a Thai speciality restaurant



Cruise dining- offered only to the most elite, is one of the best dining options for heavy pockets, for dining in middle of Kochi's famed harbour

http://www.vivantabytaj.com/malabar-.../overview.html

Pics Courtesy:- Taj Website

[DileepKS]

Great job! Irshad!!

[mohammedirshad06]

Bird Hospitality Group has acquired a luxury hotel in London, Royal Park. The hospitality company has given the management rights of the hotel to US-based Interstate Hotels and Resorts.

“London is an evergreen and stable market. The returns are good and the property adjusted well with our brand,” said Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group. He refused to give the value of the deal, but said the group was planning to invest $400 million on expansion in India and the UK. The company is planning to acquire more such properties in the luxury space.

As for domestic plans, the company is opening luxury hotels in partnership with Thailand’s hotel management company Dusit International. The first hotel, Dusit Devrana is going to be opened in New Delhi by the mid-dle of this year.

Dusit Devrana properties will also come up in Rishikesh and Jaipur, besides a Dusit Thani Resort in Goa and Dusit Princess in Cochin.

http://www.business-standard.com/ind...ondon-/431300/

Another international hotel for Kochi- Dusit is a popular hotel and we have one in Dubai called Dusit Dubai, which was an iconic landmark until recently. Hope they construct something iconic in Kochi too…. Bird is already there in Kochi, as Ground handlers for CIAL. Probably, they may plan it as some-sort of Airport Hotel, near Nedumbassery or its surroundings…. All the best

[mohammedirshad06]

Old Harbour House

One thing I like the most about Kochi hotels is the Fort Kochi Heritage hotels. More than 20 heritage complexes, now converted into luxury boutique hotels. The USP of these hotels is that, they have its own personality, a character with so many tales to tell to its visitors, which stands apart from any modern LED lit, italian marble laid, branded hotels chains......

I am planning to track, a few such heritage boutique hotels for next few days

Old Harbour House is one such

Believe it or not, this is the first European Hotel in India, opened in 17th century by the Dutch Government of Kochi

It can't be fully classified hotel in modern sense, as it was opened as a rest-house for Dutch sailors, visitors and guests of Dutch and Kochi Kingdoms. Yet, it had a hotel atmosphere, with 38 rooms and 2 large dorms





When the Dutch left Kochi, the building became Indian Office of famous English Tea Brokering Merchants- Carrit Moran & Co as well as housing for senior officials of the company.





The house was known as Harbour house in those times, it was overlooking then-the Kochi Harbour













The hotel was taken over from its English owners and restored in accordance to its basic Dutch style of architecture. The Netherlands Govt supported the renovation thro' its Kochi agency- CNO

Its also one of the few hotels in India, that supports Green movement and Organic movement. It has its own vegetable garden, to ensure it serves all organic foods. As a result, the hotel won Green Globe-Earth Check Lite 2009 Award for its sustainable eco-friendly practices.

The hotel is also listed among SMALL LUXURY COLLECTIONS HOTELS of the WORLD series



http://www.oldharbourhotel.com/

[mohammedirshad06]

The pitch favours the hospitality industry which hopes to have field days ahead. Hoteliers in the city which have roughly 1,000 rooms in three-star and above category and another 4,000 in the lower rung see IPL giving them a bigger room.

Not all of the 50,000 people who come to watch the matches will go back that day. Matches start in the evening and go on to the night. And naturally a section will stay back. But with the 1,000 rooms in the hotels of three-star and above category and the around 3,000 rooms in the lower levels, thousands would find it difficult to find a place of stay in the city.

It is the hospitality and tourism sectors that will get the boost with the IPL in Kochi, says T Damu, vice-president of India Hotels Co Ltd. The teams are to stay at Taj Malabar. “One issue before the industry is that the matches will be for a short span. But as Kochi will be a permanent venue, it will, in the long run, give a leg-up to the tourism sector. And that's the challenge for the industry,” Mr Damu says.

CGH Earth group has already tied up with IPL officials to cater to 1,000 people, carrying special tickets, for every match. Unlimited supply of snacks and dinner will be provided to them during the match hours.

“We will also have decorations and welcome banners for the cricket fans coming to cheer the Kochi team, at our hotel,” says Erin Lewis, general manager.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chann...uncy-pitch-628

[mohammedirshad06]

Brunton Boatyard



Brunton Boatyard is a heritage boutique luxury hotel from CGH Group. The current structure has around 100 years of tales to tell, though few complexes within it have more stories of past to tell

The complex originally were the temporary Palace of Dutch Governor of India in Kochi constructed in 1675, before constructing the Dutch Palace at Bolgatty.

Once the Dutch left, the structure was in ruins and was a British Govt property. The property was purchased by Brunton Brothers- a respectable British sailor brothers. A victorian styled shipyward was constructued on the ruins in late 19th century.







A full fledged shipyard was opened in 1900. However the business didn't prove much successful for Brunton Brothers, especially post construction of Cochin Port





But the building which Brunton Brothers constructed was so massive that became a local landmark, with lot of fused elements of traditional Victorian-Dutch and Kerala styles of architecture.







The property was later purchased by Kochi's famed hospitality group- CGH to converted into a heritage property

The structure was massively renovated to suit to Dutch decors coupled with display of several historical artifacts related Kochi















The Grand lawns modelled of colonial Dutch Gardens style known as Oodam in Dutch-Malayalam.





The Grand entrance remodelled on styles of Old Dutch Governor's Palace fitted with Dutch Cannons





The hotel is sea-facing and the old dry-docks is now converted into Swimming Pool and sea promenade restaurants

















The hotel boasts some of largest private artifacts related to Kochi's colonial past. Several historical artifacts like guns, arms and armory, crowns, paintings, mirrors, furniture etc are displayed and blended with hotel's ambiance









Right from reception to rooms, the historical ambiance and colonial legacy is well preserved in the hotel, to give the authentic feel of Dutch-Anglo influences in Kochi's past.















The best advantage of the property, the hotel offers a wonderful sea views from almost all sides. The property is highly airy, with cool sea breeze flowing in from all directions.

























The hotel has 3 restaurants- The Historical Club which is multi-cuisine with more focus of traditional English and Dutch cuisines is a favourite among large number of western guests. The restaurant was converted from the Brunton's famous Historical collections library.

The armory of Brunton Palace now converted into a 24 hour dining and coffee shop, which displays a large collection of old arms and ammunitions

The Smokers club is a famous lounge bar, designed in old world tastes.

The swimming pool offers a wonderful views of Kochi harbour



IMAGE COURTESY:- Ranjeet- Picassa

http://www.cghearth.com/brunton_boatyard

[induzcreed]

....Amazing work Irshad !

[mohammedirshad06]

Bolgatty Palace and Resorts

Just like Taj Malabar requires no introduction to Keralites, another property of national and international fame is Bolgatty Palace which too requires no introduction to Malayalees



Bolgatty Palace, located in Bolgatty Island is a 5 Star premium deluxe property, owned by state run KTDC. It was the first 5 star property of KTDC and still remains one of the most expensive property of the company

image hosted on flickr


It has more than 250 years of stories to say and seen several wars. It was also the venue of Indian Independence flag hoisting moment in Kochi in 1947

The Palace was built was Dutch Government of Kochi as Palace of Dutch Governor in 1744. It is also the largest Dutch Palace outside Netherlands (erstwhile Holland Empire)

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


The palace was leased to British Government in 1800 as per Treaty of London. The Englishers used the palace and its surrounding fort as British Residency of Kochi and Travancore Kingdoms, with a British Resident living in the palace. The large expanses of island, helped the British to accommodate an European Army Squad along a few Naval ships anchored at Bolgatty Port Jetty

The palace and fort was gutted to fire by combined rebel army of Travancore and Cochin headed by famous Travancore Prime Minister Velu Thampi Dawala and Kochi Prime Minister Paliath Achan. However the British Resident, Col. Macaulay escaped and only a part of the original structure got damaged.

image hosted on flickr


Today the palace comprises of 3 complexes

1. The heritage wing which has the old palace completely renovated with 4 royal suites and 1 presidential suites

2. The Island resort wing, which has 24 premium suites and 6 lake cottages (popularly known as Honeymoon cottages)

3. The Marina club, which has 20 rooms and other marina facilities





image hosted on flickr


The Pool Restaurant and Emperor Restaurants

image hosted on flickr


The Lounge Bar

image hosted on flickr


Resident's Lounge- the lounge hall

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


The Marina Club of Bolgatty Palace. It prouds itself as India's first and Only MARINA with full-fledged Marina House for international yacht sailors

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr




The international Marina at Bolgatty today is one of the most busiest marinas of South Asia and several yachts anchor here.



image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr




The Island resort cottage suites with swimming pools and lawns

image hosted on flickr


Untill 2005, the only means to reach the island was thro' boat. Hence it has a full-fledged boat jetty and mini-anchorage facility. Even though the Goshree bridges now connect to mainland, still many of its guests uses its boat services to reach the hotel, to have authentic Kochi Feel

image hosted on flickr


Bolgatty Palace, is probably the only hotel in Kerala, having its own golf course. Its one of the oldest golf courses in India, constructed in 1904 by British Resident. Today managed by Kochi Golf Society, this 9 hole facility is one of the best in the city

A horse course track was there till 1967, which was constructed during English residency period. Today, the horse track is not much in use though private horse riding is still popular inside the hotel

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


Bolgatty is a botanist's paradise with more than 100 varieties of different flora types, which includes 500 year old Grand Banyan tree. A1.5 acre private lawn is also there in the island, which regularly hosts various functions











The grand suites of the palace

image hosted on flickr


An old pic of Bolgatty Palace



http://www.bolgattypalacekochi.com/index.php

[Kiru_PTA]

You are doing a Wonderful job Irshad.... Now I can share this thread with my friends from outside the state who visit Kochi for business meetings or for travelling to Munnar, Kumarakom or Alleppey. Thank you.....

[mohammedirshad06]

Gokulam Park Inn

Gokulam Park Inn is a business class 4 star property with state-of-the art large convention center and exhibition center, owned by South India's famous financial company- Gokulam Group, franchised under Pan India brand- Sarovar India International, which owns many famous brands like Park Inn, Sarvor Portico, Premiere, Park Plaza etc.























The Hotel has 96 rooms and 3 presidential suites



















The highlight of the hotel is the mega convention center. One of the largest in South India, the convention hall can accommodate upto 5000 people in its main hall and 500 pax in 2 mini-halls, which can be expanded into an exhibition hall.

The property is located in main commercial heart of the city- Kaloor, opposite main bus station.

[DileepKS]

The Gateway Hotel, Marine Drive

Conveniently located on downtown Marine Drive, Ernakulam’s busiest commercial hub, the hotel is 45 minutes from the airport. The hotel offers some of the best business amenities, restaurants and a view of the backwaters and the Cochin Harbour, making it just the place for business and pleasure.

Accomodations

* 108 rooms and suites
* Wi-fi internet connectivity throughout the hotel
* 5 well equipped meeting and event spaces


Exterior

Exterior - Night

Executive Room

Utsav Restaurant

Harbour View Bar

Anchor conference room

Waterfront Banquet Hall

Swimming Pool

[DileepKS]

The Trident, Willingdon Island

Welcome to the Trident, Cochin. Located on Willingdon Island the hotel is 20 minutes from the city’s business district and within easy distance from well known tourist attractions. With well appointed rooms built around a picturesque central courtyard, a swimming pool and beautiful landscaped gardens, the hotel offers contemporary facilities in a relaxed and serene ambience for both business and leisure travellers.

[DileepKS]

Le Méridien, Kundannoor

Features & Activities

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with unsurpassed leisure facilities in a scenic ambience.

Our hotel recently received Green Leaf Status from the Kerala Tourism Department for its outstanding services in the field of Ayurveda – a holistic, natural therapy that aims to restore the well-being of the individual through a series of personalized treatments and medicines. Le Revive is our Ayurvedic massage and healthcare centre that specializes in the 5,000-year old healing system of Ayurveda.

An experience at the spa leaves you feeling rested and refreshed. Close your eyes, relax, take a deep breath and feel the tension eased away as gentle hands rub oils deep into your pores. Feel your muscles open up to the experienced touch as your mind ascends into a state best described as Nirvana.

The fitness centre on the top floor has a breathtaking view of the backwaters. Our qualified instructors plan customized fitness programs taking the “art of living” to a new dimension. The state-of-the-art personalized gymnasium together with a steam room, sauna, and Jacuzzi offer extra incentive for a good workout.

Peaceful, quiet, and serene would best describe our Yoga Centre. Starting with a hymn in sync with the time of day, the yoga instructor takes you on a journey of discovery. Many seemingly impossible, but surprisingly achievable Asannas (Yogic exercises) later, it is time for meditation. The instructors chanting lulls you into a world beyond the current and you awaken completely rejuvenated.

Dive into our outdoor swimming pool, which has a separate whirlpool, Jacuzzi, and children's pool. Also available are outdoor sports facilities such as a jogging track, water sports, sunset cruises, and fishing.

Indulge on the Méridien backwaters in a Kettuvalam (traditional Kerala house boat). As you lie back and look at the blue skies, the silent calm of the backwaters and greenery makes life come to a standstill amongst the surreal beauty surrounding you. The houseboats can be booked for day cruises and overnight stays.

The art gallery, 24-hour library, 24-hour business centre, 24-hour travel desk, and beauty salon are all perfect for a moment of leisure.

[DileepKS]

Holiday Inn

Features

Holiday Inn Cochin will open in the first quarter of 2011 with 212 Rooms, 5 food and beverage outlets, and meeting space for 250 people. We offer everything from light snacks and beverages to formal dining and accommodation for all needs.

[DileepKS]

Tea Bungalow, Fort Kochi

Small exclusive luxury heritage boutique resort in Fort Kochi, Kerala
A relaxed serene vacation in a large, elegant colonial bungalow, set in a lovely garden with a swimming pool shimmering in its midst. Add to that an unbeatable location in the heritage area of Fort Kochi. Almost a hundred years old, Tea Bungalow lovingly restored to its classical colonial elegance, offers luxury accommodation in ten spacious en suite rooms.

The vibrant colours of the property greet you as you enter, but it is mandatory that guests drop all cares and worries before entering the wrought iron gates flung open wide in welcome.

Polished hardwood floors, French windows, floor length drapes, high ceiling red tiled roof and an exquisite chandelier are your first glimpses of what this luxury resort has to offer.

From the leather-polished Bisazza tiles of the aquamarine swimming pool, the finely crafted furniture, the spacious elegantly decorated rooms, the beautiful restaurant, the wide verandahs, those luscious fruit platters filled with the goodness of Kerala's orchards - you know you need do nothing except get ready for the holiday of your dreams.

[DileepKS]

Ramada Resort, Kumbalam

There are 42 centrally air-conditioned accommodation facilities at Ramada Resort, comprising of 24 lake-facing cottages and 18 deluxe rooms. Set alongside the meandering pool, the lake-facing cottages are a key attraction of the resort, affording splendid views of the azure backwaters.

[DileepKS]

Poovath Heritage Hotel, Fort Kochi

Relive the glorious past at the Poovath Hotel, a renovated Dutch Palace from the colonial era. It stands by bewitching Arabian Sea in Fort Kochi on the south west coast of India. Pure comfort and the option to get about at your own pace and leisure to enjoy a nice holiday by the Arabian Sea is the attraction while the tasteful décor and sumptuous fare is just an addition to the hospitality.

Fort Kochi also known as ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ is a laid back coastal town with a colonial past. Vestiges of Portugese, Dutch, and British (in that order) colonialism lie scattered apart from the religious influences like synagogues, churches and so on. But long before them, the Arabs and the Chinese and even the Greeks traded with Kochi. So, it is aptly said to be the cultural crossroads.

For those with a penchant for history, Poovath and the surroundings will have much to say. Juxtaposed to the Dutch cemetery, the hotel is a perfect place to start an inquest into past. And while at it, you can explore the natural and cultural beauty of Kerala.

[DileepKS]

Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel, Fort Kochi

The Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel is located in God's own country - Kerala's prime tourist destination, Fort Cochin. This heritage destination is also one of the top fifty places to visit in the world. The Old Lighthouse Bristow hotel is situated right on the Fort Cochin beach. Surrounded by abundant greenery and the great Arabian sea, the hotel couldn't be in a more perfect location, blessed with nature's untouched beauty; And when it comes to the property itself, it is just as beautiful as its picturesque surroundings and perhaps even more so. The hotel is the former residence of the late Sir Robert Bristow, the architect of the modern port of Cochin, who resided here from 1920 to 1941. The hotel is a luxurious retreat where beauty weds state of the art facilities. The hallways of the hotel are studded with paintings, sculptures and other collectibles that add a special hint of tradition to the décor of the hotel. There are six garden view rooms that are well-designed and comfortable, three deluxe suites which are very spacious and provide a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea from the en suite balcony, as well as two villas for those who insist on the ultimate in luxury.

Enjoy the finest cuisine in either of our two outdoor restaurants, Bristow's Bistro and Lighthouse Lounge, or try some fusion appetizers at the Vinocean bar.

The hotel has a large swimming pool with a Jacuzzi from where you can take in the breathtaking view of the large ships sailing by.

Spa Deha is the in-house, fully equipped spa which offers a wide variety of treatments guaranteed to relax and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.

The Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel is a one of a kind, must visit destination; A hotel that truly redefines luxury and comfort.