Beautifully restored from the remains of a Victorian shipyard, this charming boutique hotel sits right on the waterfront, just a short walk from the famous Chinese Fishing Nets. Showcasing a wonderful mix of colonial Dutch, British and Portuguese décor, the hotel's interiors artistically reflect the history of the region in which it sits. Charming features include the high arched wooden ceilings and the terracotta floors, as well as a wonderful assortment of antique artefacts, like the genuine punkah fans and the maritime maps that decorate the walls. The hotel's cuisine is also reflective of the cultures that have influenced Fort Cochin and the state of Kerala. Open at dinner time, the Terrace Grill is the hotel's sumptuous fresh seafood speciality restaurant, with a charming lantern-lit terrace and beautiful views overlooking the bustling harbour front. The fine dining venue History provides guests with a delicious melting pot of flavours including those influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, as well as local Keralan cuisine. The casual harbourfront setting and unique décor of the Armoury create the ideal spot for a delicious lunch, a quick evening snack, delicious cocktails and a variety of premium wines and liqueurs.
For a true sense of place but a setting the perfect distance away from the hectic heart of the city, Cochin’s Malabar House can’t be beaten. With its Relais & Chateau status you know the service is going to be attentive, the cuisine outstanding and the style unique. The hotel reflects the city’s history with distinctly colonial buildings and North African-inspired interiors (although with a modern twist) and there is a charming courtyard where you will find the bijou swimming pool. There’s also the ayervedic Purespa which specialises in a range of treatments that has emerged from an unlikely source – the ancient Keralan martial art of kalaripayattu. The hotel quite rightly prides itself on its culinary offerings. At The Malabar Junction at Malabar House, which is open for lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy both regional and Mediterranean cuisine created using fresh and largely organic produce which is sourced as locally as possible. Each evening, as guests dine under the stars in the courtyard, there are live performances of carnatic music. The rooms and suites are wonderfully vibrant in style. The ground-floor Deluxe Rooms feature either a double beds or twin bed. We recommend an upgrade to one of the the beautiful Roof Garden Suites which are located on the first floor. Not only are they more spacious, they also feature their own terrace. For the ultimate in space and luxury, opt for the duplex Malabar Suite which features a living room on the lower floor and a bedroom and terrace on the upper floor.
Eighth Bastion
3.5
This CGH Earth hotel offers a comfortable retreat in the centre of the Dutch-influenced corner of Fort Cochin. Exceptionally close to the famous Chinese fishing nets, the Eighth Bastion is the perfect base from which to explore the attractions of Fort Cochin – just grab yourself a hotel bike and map, and head out to explore the fascinating by-lanes and bazaars. Celebrating the region's Dutch heritage, the hotel is an elegant fusion of styles and ideas. Though flawless service is complemented by a unique, yet subtle nautical theme, the hotel is otherwise very modern in style. Minimalism and comfort are the predominant focus of the rooms, with contemporary architecture and chic, retro elements, like the historical maps and nautical paintings that decorate the walls. Luxurious bathrooms are furnished with floor bathtubs and sleek rain showers, and most of the rooms enjoy a furnished patio or balcony. Cuisine is a focus here, with mouth-watering Indian fusion dishes served at the hotel's East Indies restaurant. Encompassing influences from the Netherlands, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, the menus are an eclectic mix of contemporary reinterpretations of old classics. Using fresh, local ingredients and handpicked Kerala spices, signature dishes to try include the Indonesian Pork and the Travancore Duck Roast.
The Willingdon Island setting of this hotel means it seems far away from the business of Fort Cochin. With the plentiful facilities that you would expect from a Trident hotel, this is a great place to acclimatise before the start of your Southern India adventure. There’s a spa on site and following a treatment or two your long haul flight will feel like a distant memory. The pool is located in the charming courtyard and there’s also a fitness centre. Travancore is the hotel’s main restaurant and it is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can enjoy both local specialities as well as traditional Italian dishes. As the name suggests, The Seafood Grill specialises in providing the freshest and most flavoursome fruits of the sea. Two bars complete the drinks and dining options – the Cochin Trader Bar and the open-air Patio. Rooms are subtly decorated with natural tones which tend to overlook the landscaped gardens or the pool area. You can opt for a Deluxe Room or a slightly more spacious Superior Room. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to a Suite – top-floor accommodations that have a living area.
This exquisite boutique hotel, is set within the former offices of the East India Company placing it right at the heart of the city’s rich and varied heritage. It has only been open since 2015, however it has already become one of the most popular hotels in Cochin. Centred around a beautiful and light-filled courtyard with its distinct colonial feel, the hotel really gives you a sense of place. One of the most popular spots is the roof-top pool and café, both of which have incredible views out over the harbour... there are few places we would rather retreat to following a day of city exploration. There’s also a terrace lounge with an open-air theatre where occasional folk performances are held. The service is attentive, with nothing being too much trouble and the works of art throughout the hotel – including the Indian Street Market mural by two English artists – give the hotel something of an exclusive ambience. All-day dining is available at the main restaurant and dishes include local favourites as well as international cuisine. For a change of scene you can treat yourself to an evening at the Flint House sea food grill restaurant, or enjoy full meals or light lunches during daylight hours at the Pool Café. The spacious and luxurious rooms are beautifully decorated and located over three floors. The grandly-named Duke’s Chambers feature hints of vibrant décor and beautiful tile details in the bathrooms. You can also enjoy harbour views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Brunton Boatyard, Cochin
Malabar House
Trident, Cochin
Fragrant Nature
