If we could live there, we would”

from the moment you walk in, the staff at vivanta by taj - malabar, is incredibly helpful. they seem to know what you want, even before you know what it is! from making the check-in process smooth to just making every part of your stay enjoyable, they are always ready to help. sure, the place is more expensive than others, but it is completely worth the splurge. the afternoon tea with a view of the arabian sea, with the paper lanterns delicately adding to the mood (and making you look good in the process), was just delightful. the harbor cruise was fun, and a must so you can see the fishing nets in action at sunset. the food is good, but they definitely tone down the spices on the indian dishes. so, if you're into spicy, you might want to say something about that. they surely would accommodate the request. the spa offers an array of services, but again, as with the food, they seem to have a lighter touch. no worries, vivanta spa employees, we can take the real thing! all in all, a fantastic experience we would recommend to everyone!

A Superb Hotel, Service Impecable!”

What a beautiful hotel...They provide the most invredible service from the minute you arrive. This was a great end to our 3 week trip around India. The restaurants are fantastic and the quality of beverages in the lobby bar is second to none. It was never a priblem for the hotel staff to arrange cars to take us to and from the the ferry port to Old Kochi. The afternoon tea sercice at 1730 hrs daily was magical, followed by a complimentary harbour cruise for all hotel patrons. Its these small things that make such a differece. Thanks Taj Malabar...see you very soon !!

Fabulous hotel but not in Fort Cochin”

great hotel to the usual taj standard. food in the restaurants was excellent. room was high quality. great views across to fort cochin island. a shame they are developing the port across the river, though that will affect the views for everyone. unfortunately not much to see in the area. it was the right move to have also booked a couple of nights in fort cochin.

Wonderful Hotel with Great Staff”

The hotel has great history and you immediately feel part of it as you step through the doors. Staff are really helpful and can't do enough to make the stay a real treat. The chefs are particularly helpful for someone with dietary issues! I have Celiac disease and they prepared all my breakfasts and dinners seperatly with this in mind. The location of the hotel means that you have to take all meals there but the prices are so reasonable and menus so varied that this isn't an issue. The Taj is situated on an island and there is nothing else on the island apart from the Indian Navy and another resort so you have to either take a local ferry (very good and cheap) or a hotel or local taxi (not cheap) if you want to explore the surrounding area.

GREAT VIEW, GREAT PROPERTY”

The last of our three stays in Vivanta establishments on this holiday. We stayed 2 nights (30th-1st Sep 2014) in sea view corner room 201 in the new building. Great location on Willington Island right on Cochin harbour. Our room was well appointed with great views. During our stay there were some very big storms which we able to watch coming in over the harbour – fantastic. On arrival there was a sizeable party leaving the resort. Unfortunately the staff failed to move them aside from the main entry which made entry very difficult for other guests. Although booking in was efficient and polite in was a bit insensitive and cold. Once we settled in to the room we took a walk around the property. As we arrived well after lunch we decided to have a quick bite in the all day Pepper eatery. We ordered what we thought were going to small meals however after 40 minutes with very few in the restaurant, our meals arrived. They were great and so big we decided not to have dinner. We ate all our meals in the Pepper. Breakfast had a good variety and we were able to have the old western favourite of bacon, egg, hash brown and tomato. Each day there is complimentary high tea followed by a complimentary 60 minute harbour cruise. On departure we received a gift packet of spices. The one problem I have with the property is that there is a cost to use the internet on the property computers. Both the Vivanta properties Connemarra and Fishermans Cove offer this service free. The staff we again courteous, efficient and most had good English. The property is well worth while and we would recommend it.

Great stay in a fantastic hotel”

The stay at the Taj was really amazing - the staff were super attentive and always around to answer any questions in a way that was over and above what you expected. The food was great especially at the Rice Boat restaurant, and the pool is also a great way to relax, it is connected t to the spa which is very comfortable. Overall this was a great stay - the hotel is also very easily accessible from the main area of kochi as it is just a 10 minute ferry ride away

Quality hotel, friendly service fantastic choice”

top shelf with a smile. a little out of the way but countered by easy access to local ferries at local prices. short trips to fort cochin and emularkam. the rice boat restaurant was superb with executive chef rasheed the pop star of kerala cuisine. the free high tea with sunset cruises an absolute must. the best quality spa if you can afford it. very friendly staff, good sized, clean well equipped rooms especially the heritage sea view rooms. avoid the thai restaurant as this is not really authentic. terrific head chef and staff but too chinesey for our liking. nice size pool that requires some additional chemicals to create a better swimming experience. use this hotel as a base and take an overnight in the mountains as well as on a house boat.

Wonderful service”

wonderful, wonderful resort. fantastic service, many wonderful restaurants and stunning views over fort cochin. there is also a lovely swimming pool here and fantastic massage centre where you can pamper yourself away. the service is true taj style so they never miss a beat.. fully recommend this place to families, couples and the like

Nice - slightly disappointed with the room decor!”

We loved our stay at the Vivanta by Taj - Malabar. The staff service was exceptional all round! The food was Decadent at all it's Restaurants! The room decor however, was tired! This is a first class hotel - please refurbish the rooms to The Taj Standards!

Best place to dine..”

I am from UK ... We experienced very plesent stay here in Taj Malabar.. It's my third time here.. This time I visited with my family and friends.. Food and hospitality always best in Taj hotels.. We had great time .. I highly recommend for any one travelling to Kerala...

A hotel with charm and great hospitality”

I celebrated my 60th birthday at Vivanta and the hotel did not let me down. When I was asked to provide my birthday at check in, staff noticed that it would be my birthday the next day. she (Michelle) asked me what she could do for me. I said I was really tired after a very long flight with laid over at Hong Kong and Chennai. She told us to have some lunch first and she would inform me when room was ready. We finished lunch and started to explore the hotel, the manager came to tell us that since I was tired, he upgrade me to the Malabar Suite (the best room of the house) so I could rest. My husband and I were totally awed by that. My husband had asked the restaurant manager to make us a special meal for my birthday, they made me a gluten free cake that I could eat and fish head curry which I loved. Because the fish heads were discard usually, so they didn't even charge me. Just charged the other items we ordered. The words went around and I had different staff coming to wish me happy birthday. The house keeping staff made me an elephant using towels. When we parted, we got a little gift from them. We felt like royalty there and we certainly will be back someday. Thanks to all the staff, from reception, to kitchen, to housekeeping. Thanks for making my 60th birthday with such happy memories.

Excellent hotel but transport needed”

Wonderful hotel with lovely pool and spa and good selection of restaurants. Away from the hustle of Fort Cochin (which can be very noisy) but easily reached by either ferry or 20 mins by car. Rooms were a little tired but the communal areas were in good condition and had a lovely meal at the Rice Boat. Service was excellent from welcome drink to fruit by the pool to cold flannels in the gym.

Fantastic Birthday Weekend ”

This was probably one of the best weekends we have experienced! We had booked 4 Sea facing twin rooms and 1 suite but upon arrival, were told that one room had been upgraded to a corner room offering a fabulous view of the backwaters and the gardens. The staff went out of their way to accommodate us and all our requests were looked into instantly. My friends got the staff to decorate the room as it was my birthday and they wanted to surprise me..They arranged a gorgeous dinner in a secluded spot in the garden which normally serves only tea..The staff took pains to see that everything was perfect! The suite was amazing and so were all the other rooms that we had booked. This was a truly exceptional stay! We have always loved our stays at the Malabar and this was the crowning glory!

Luxurious and relaxing stay for a reasonable price”

we had a wonderful stay here. we extended it for another 2 nights to enjoy a little luxury after hectic travel through india. the hotel was grand and more than comfortable. the service was always outstanding. there were countless complimentary offerings - from afternoon tea to ice-cream and watermelon by the pool and good night chocolates on our pillow. the facilities were small but extensive - an air-conditioned gym, pleasant infinity pool, reasonable mainstream restaurant and quality fine dining restaurant. there is a little travel to reach the tourist section of fort kochi/jew town and there are no restaurants nearby the hotel. the ferry to fort kochi is easy and sooo cheap - rupees a person!

Impeccable service and style”

Located about 15 minutes away from downtown Cochin on the tip of one of the old ports, this hotel is a perfect oasis from the bustling commercial area of the town. The rooms are presented in a luxurious British colonial style, wooden and rattan furniture and crisp linen throughout. On my first night they were offering complimentary high-tea buffet on the terrace and following that, a complimentary evening cruise. I would highly recommend both. After a day of exploring, I enjoyed my evening on the terrace with iced-tea or a cocktail and a book, savoring the cool air that blew in off the water. I definitely want to go back to this hotel.

Highly recommended ”

If you are reading this review and considering booking this hotel, I would recommend to book right away. So pleased with or excellent stay. Service was one of the best I've received and I've stayed in quite a few luxury hotels. Also enjoyed the conplimetary afternoon tea and river cruise. Also excellent fine dining at the rice boat restaurant. You must have the coconut soufflé!! Thanks Taj and look forward to my next stay :)

Luxurious and relaxing stay for a reasonable price”

We had a wonderful stay here. We extended it for another 2 nights to enjoy a little luxury after hectic travel through India. The hotel was grand and more than comfortable. The service was always outstanding. There were countless complimentary offerings - from afternoon tea to ice-cream and watermelon by the pool and good night chocolates on our pillow. The facilities were small but extensive - an air-conditioned gym, pleasant infinity pool, reasonable mainstream restaurant and quality fine dining restaurant. There is a little travel to reach the tourist section of Fort Kochi/Jew Town and there are no restaurants nearby the hotel. The ferry to Fort Kochi is easy and sooo cheap - 2 Rupees a person!

Good hotel with great service”

after five days of travel in ths state, it was great to wind up at this property. from the beginning it was all good: a welcome drink and upgrade to a room in the new wing, and charming staff. we indulged in nearly all the facilities and activities for guests. the classical dance performances, the boat cruise, the infinity pool and spa, the grounds and restaurants. while getting to willingdon island takes time and is located in the port area, you get great views of the sea and are close to charming colonial buildings. further, as it is walking distance from the public ferry terminals, it is only a short boat ride away from the delightful fort cochi and the urban centre of ernakulam.

Lived up to the hype ”

We stayed at the vivanta for one night only and when that night had finished we wished we had more nights booked. The hotel is clean, beautiful and accommodating but the highlight was the staffs friendliness and high service standards- highly recommend if you want to a good experience in Cochin!

very good hotel”

very good hotel, rather than saying it hotel we can say it as a resort. nice place located in on the banks of lake. lots of sight seeing places in cochin which are near by.