Kerala luxury houseboat booking tips
Jul 17, 2018, 6:10 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DCA/IAD
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Kerala luxury houseboat booking tips
Four of us, all adults, will be in Kochi in late November 2018 for a four night visit, transiting to CMB. Hoping to book a two night houseboat trip on the backwaters in advance. Planning to stay at either the Marriott or Le Meridien. Any recommendations on a reliable agency for booking a luxury class houseboat or a direct booking resource? Specific vessel names would be helpful. Also, should we consider staying somewhere closer to the docks in Alleppey/Kumarakom? TIA.
Jul 19, 2018, 1:25 am
#2
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Four of us, all adults, will be in Kochi in late November 2018 for a four night visit, transiting to CMB. Hoping to book a two night houseboat trip on the backwaters in advance. Planning to stay at either the Marriott or Le Meridien. Any recommendations on a reliable agency for booking a luxury class houseboat or a direct booking resource? Specific vessel names would be helpful. Also, should we consider staying somewhere closer to the docks in Alleppey/Kumarakom? TIA.
Jul 19, 2018, 7:26 am
#4
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i've never stayed at the marriott so can't comment on that....but i would recommend the le méridien....i've never had a bad stay there....
Jul 20, 2018, 4:58 am
#5
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I have been to both hotels ( but have not stayed in either ) . I was born in Kochi and still visit every year.
Both have advantages and disadvantages
Le meridian : Closer to nature and has a waterway near it . More greenery around. Slightly older property but they seemed to have kept up the maintainence when i last went there around 5 years ago
Marriott Kochi. : Right next to Lulu Mall ( biggest mall in Kerala ) with excellent food /shopping choices . The mall now has direct connectivity with the Metro ( The mall/metro link opened only a few week ago) and is a very quick way for getting around .
The only drawbacks in that area is that it is very overdeveloped ( right on a busy junction ) and the traffic in that area can be a nightmare sometimes .
This is not an issue if you are using the metro but if you are using a taxi it can sometimes take longer. Things might be better now.
The other thing about the marriott was that did not have a alcohol license as of last year. Not sure if this is sorted now..
Both have advantages and disadvantages
Le meridian : Closer to nature and has a waterway near it . More greenery around. Slightly older property but they seemed to have kept up the maintainence when i last went there around 5 years ago
Marriott Kochi. : Right next to Lulu Mall ( biggest mall in Kerala ) with excellent food /shopping choices . The mall now has direct connectivity with the Metro ( The mall/metro link opened only a few week ago) and is a very quick way for getting around .
The only drawbacks in that area is that it is very overdeveloped ( right on a busy junction ) and the traffic in that area can be a nightmare sometimes .
This is not an issue if you are using the metro but if you are using a taxi it can sometimes take longer. Things might be better now.
The other thing about the marriott was that did not have a alcohol license as of last year. Not sure if this is sorted now..
Aug 8, 2018, 12:45 pm
#8
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I have stayed at the Marriott by Lulu Mall. Both hotels are about a 1.5 hours drive from Alleppey, where the houseboats leave from.
I agree that it is best to arrange through your hotel. The trip will include pickup/drop off at your hotel, as well.
I agree that it is best to arrange through your hotel. The trip will include pickup/drop off at your hotel, as well.