The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel, enjoys an exceptional location on the picturesque banks of Ashtamudi Lake, providing stunning views that beautifully encapsulate Kerala's backwaters. This serene setting offers a perfect escape for guests seeking tranquility while maintaining convenient proximity to the city center, just a ten-minute drive away. The hotel’s heritage architecture further enhances its scenic charm, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and leisure activities like boating.
The breakfast experience at the hotel is broadly well-received with a large, sumptuous buffet that includes a variety of Indian dishes, especially traditional South Indian items. The food quality is generally praised, adding to the delightful morning ambiance. However, there are suggestions for improving service speed and variety, alongside more local Kerala dishes.
Dinner at The Leela Ashtamudi receives mixed reviews. Many guests praise the high quality and deliciousness of specific dishes, noting friendly and attentive staff and a pleasant restaurant ambiance, especially during special occasions. However, critiques include inconsistent buffet quality, occasional cold food and lack of variety.
The rooms offer spaciousness and comfort with beautiful views and amenities like Jacuzzi tubs significantly enhancing the luxurious experience. Yet, maintenance issues such as outdated decor, plumbing and electrical problems and occasional lapses in cleanliness have been noted. Addressing these areas could substantially elevate the guest experience.
Cleanliness across the hotel requires attention, as some guests report problems that include dirty bathroom floors, unpleasant smells and neglected food trays. Enhancing the cleanliness standards could align the hotel more closely with the five-star expectations.
The hotel's staff consistently receive high praise for their exceptional politeness, helpfulness and dedication. Specific staff members are frequently mentioned for their outstanding service, contributing significantly to the guests' overall positive experience.
The spa services at the hotel are highly commended with exceptional ayurvedic treatments and massages greatly appreciated by guests, adding to the luxurious stay. Similarly, the pool facilities are generally well-regarded for their serene atmosphere and cleanliness, despite minor issues that occasionally arise.
Bedding comfort and room views are positively highlighted, though concerns about old, sagging mattresses and occasional issues with lighting and cleanliness have been reported. Addressing these concerns could enhance the guest comfort levels.
As the only five-star hotel in the area, The Leela Ashtamudi offers a luxurious experience that many guests find worthwhile, despite some mixed reviews about its adherence to five-star standards. While some feel the hotel reflects the prestigious Leela brand, others suggest further improvements could elevate it to the expected luxury emphatically.
In summary, The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel, is praised for its beautiful location, scenic views and accommodating staff, making it a memorable stay for many. Improving certain aspects such as service speed, room maintenance and cleanliness could enhance its reputation as a premier luxury retreat.
Authentic and premium experiences for the discerning traveller; luxury rooms, tastefully done in a boutique decor.
Summary of reviews
Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa Kollam offers a tranquil and idyllic retreat with its spectacular location on Lake Paravur. Nestled amidst lush greenery, mangrove forests, and a beautiful backwater lake, this resort provides a serene escape from the chaos of city life. Guests are treated to a luxurious experience complemented by stunning landscapes, well-maintained gardens teeming with wildlife, and an overall peaceful atmosphere.
A standout feature of the resort is its breakfast offerings, which receive high praise for their excellence and variety. The complimentary breakfast includes a mix of European and Indian dishes, with South Indian cuisine being a highlight. Guests appreciate the plentiful, delicious, and diverse options available. Similarly, dinner at the resort garners favorable impressions, with a wide menu including seafood and the option of à la carte or buffet dining, enhanced by friendly service.
Accommodations at the resort are highly rated for their comfort and spaciousness. Guests find the rooms large, well-appointed, and peaceful, often with balconies offering beautiful views of the lake and gardens. Cleanliness is consistently noted, with the resort maintaining immaculate pathways, rooms, and clean bathrooms, setting a positive tone for the stay.
The staff at Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa Kollam are frequently highlighted for their exceptional service. They are praised for their politeness, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond to meet guests' needs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the resort.
The Ayurveda spa experience receives commendation for its excellent treatments in a serene setting, contributing significantly to guests' relaxation. Although there are some remarks about the value of spa packages, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive towards the authentic Ayurvedic care offered.
Guests appreciate the swimming pool, noted for its pleasant setting within a bamboo grove and the availability of private pools, adding to the resort's relaxing ambience. However, there is a call for improved maintenance and water quality to enhance the overall pool experience.
Overall, Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa Kollam stands out as a refined getaway, offering superb hospitality, clean and comfortable accommodations, excellent dining and spa experiences, and a breathtaking natural environment, despite some areas requiring attention.
Magnolia Guesthouse Varkala stands out as a charming seaside retreat that consistently impresses guests with its prime location, excellent hospitality, and appealing amenities. Located just a short stroll from the serene Odayam Beach, the guesthouse provides an ideal setting for a tranquil yet accessible getaway. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers charming cottages with spacious rooms and beautiful sea views, perfect for couples, families, and friends seeking relaxation and adventure.
Guests rave about the exceptional breakfast and dinner offerings at Magnolia Guesthouse. With a wide variety of delicious options, meals are freshly prepared to order, featuring local flavors like prawn masala and the must-try banana chocolate pancake. Dining in the cozy restaurant or enjoying room service on the balcony enhances the experience, and the lovely garden and pool settings add to the allure.
The accommodations are praised for their spaciousness and comfort, with large, clean rooms providing stunning beach views from balconies or terraces. The guesthouse maintains a pleasant atmosphere with well-kept gardens and a pristine swimming pool that is a favorite among visitors. The staff are consistently commended for their friendliness, attentiveness, and ability to ensure a pleasant stay, contributing significantly to the guesthouse's welcoming environment.
While some guests find the wifi connectivity inconsistent, it is generally rated as strong in key areas. The beautiful swimming pool, described as clean and scenic, offers a relaxing spot for unwinding, particularly appreciated by families. The orthopedic quality beds are noted for their comfort, ensuring a restful night's sleep.
Magnolia Guesthouse Varkala proves to be an attractive choice for those seeking a peaceful and romantic retreat, offering breathtaking sunset views and a quiet escape complemented by the sweet and helpful staff. Overall, Magnolia Guesthouse promises a memorable stay, balancing tranquility with convenience in a stunning coastal setting.
Sajjoys Hotel in Kerala is highly praised for its exceptional service and amenities, offering guests a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and tranquility. Situated in an excellent location, the hotel is just a short walk away from the beautiful Varkala Beach and various local attractions, providing a peaceful yet accessible retreat for travelers. Guests appreciate the hotel's proximity to shops and restaurants, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
The hotel's breakfast buffet is a beloved feature, noted for its diverse and delicious offerings. Guests enjoy a mix of Indian and continental options, freshly prepared by a skilled chef, with omelettes and eggs highlighted as standout items. The attentive service during breakfast adds to the overall enjoyment. Dinner also receives positive feedback for its flavorful and high-quality Indian dishes, although it could benefit from more vegetarian options and improved service timing.
Rooms at Sajjoys are commended for their cleanliness and spaciousness, often featuring two balconies that offer scenic views. High-quality bedding and comfortable beds ensure a restful stay, while amenities such as air conditioning enhance comfort. The hotel pool, clean and well-sized, is a favorite spot for unwinding, especially in conjunction with the hotel's Ayurvedic offerings.
The remarkable cleanliness of the property is consistently noted, with daily fresh linens and towels contributing to a spotless environment. The friendly and attentive staff are a cornerstone of the hotel's reputation, frequently praised for their exceptional service and dedication to hospitality. Their warm and welcoming demeanor greatly enhances the guest experience.
Overall, Sajjoys stands out as an appealing destination for those seeking a serene retreat in Varkala, marked by superb service, excellent location, and a well-maintained environment.
Gateway Varkala is celebrated for its prime location in the heart of Varkala, offering guests stunning vistas and easy access to the town and beach. The picturesque landscape can be appreciated from multiple hotel vantage points, creating a relaxing atmosphere that is complemented by attentive service, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a blend of vibrant ambience and serene respite.
Guests have shared positive reviews of the breakfast experience, praising the delicious buffet offerings and the friendly, attentive staff that enhance the morning dining experience. Although there is room for improvement in variety, especially concerning fruit options, the overall breakfast quality remains favorable.
Dinner at Gateway Varkala presents a mixed experience. Special event dinners, like the gala Christmas Eve dinner, are praised for their lively atmosphere and quality buffet. However, regular dinner service could benefit from better portion sizes, improved presentation, and warmer serving temperatures. While the breakfast service excels, dinner can be inconsistent.
Rooms at the hotel are spacious and comfortable, often commended for cleanliness and good views. Though some parts may require updates, guests appreciate the bright ambiance, comfortable beds, and access to balconies and the pool area. The overall room quality remains high, offering a restful stay.
Cleanliness is generally upheld according to guest reviews, with spotless rooms and bathrooms contributing to guest comfort. Despite some issues with mold and linen quality, the hotel's hygienic standards are positively noted, alongside the staff's friendly demeanor, which enhances the experience.
The exceptional staff service is a defining feature of Gateway Varkala. Guests consistently praise the team for their friendliness and attentiveness, with high commendations for individual staff members like manager Sudeep. This stellar service creates a welcoming atmosphere and adds significantly to the overall guest experience.
The expansive swimming pool is another highlight, offering beautiful sea views and maintaining cleanliness standards. Although some areas show signs of aging, the overall pool experience remains positive, set in stunning grounds that enhance its appeal as a retreat for relaxation.
In summary, Gateway Varkala provides a harmonious blend of picturesque location, commendable service, and comfortable accommodation, ensuring a memorable and pleasant stay for its visitors.
*Additional taxes or fees may apply. Please check the final price before completing your booking.Showing 1-15 out of 15 hotels in and around Perumanseri