I had meant to book at the other Neemrana property in Cochin - the Tower House - but am glad that we stumbled on Le Colonial. Smita, the manager, is an eminently gracious hostess who manages to be warm, engaging and unobtrusive at the same time, while Vipin and the other members of the staff made every effort to make our three-night stay relaxing and pleasant. Staying at Le Colonial felt like being a pampered houseguest in an impeccably appointed and atmospheric colonial-period villa.
The property only has a handful of rooms, which lends a very intimate feel to the experience. Conversely, there is not the full spread of amenities that you might find in a larger establishment - although I felt that Le Colonial compensated resourcefully for this. While there isn't a full-time restaurant as such, daily breakfast and one (delicious) dinner was included in the tariff, and you can call an hour ahead if you would like to eat in for other meals - presumably giving the staff enough time to run to the market and buy the ingredients for the meal! Le Colonial also has an arrangement with the excellent spa at the Fort House hotel, including return transportation. The staff also were able to get us event tickets, including for the superb show at the Kerala Kathakali Centre, and Smita gave a number of helpful tips for exploring Fort Cochin.
The location is great (a very short walk to the Chinese fishing nets and the shops and cafes of Fort Cochin), and while the rates are by no means a bargain, they are decent value in a city with pricey accommodation. If I had to nitpick - almost just for the sake of finding something to nitpick about - one day one of the towels was left hanging a bit sloppily in the bathroom rather than folded neatly over the rack. But that was really it. Not all Neemrana properties live up to the chains motto of "non-hotel hotels", but Le Colonial definitely does.
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Date of stay: December 2012Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Mahé de La Bourdonnais was a nice and bright upper-storey room with a large tub (some rooms have...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded 24 Dec 2012
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your valuable review about the Le Colonial heritage hotel in Kochi.
We are pleased to learn that you thoroughly enjoyed your stay in the Mahé de La Bourdonnais suite.
Your compliments about the warm hospitality have been conveyed to the Manager and her team.
The 27 Neemrana 'non- hotel' Hotels across India are instrumental in and custodians of much of India's restored and revitalised architectural heritage. Seven hundred years of history, await humbly for you to extract all the joys of travelling and living out the essence of India in all its nobility and simplicity.
We thank you for your continued patronage to the Neemrana Hotels.
Warm Regards, Team Neemrana friendofneemrana@neemranahotels.com
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We stayed here for five nights. The food is worthy of a top restaurant and the talented chef will adapt to your taste. The rooms are beautiful, clean, spacious and comfortable. We stayed in the Viceroy suite which is stunning. Smita, the manager is very helpful and friendly. This historic hotel is an oasis with first class and service at reasonable prices. Only a few rooms (7 or 8?), each one different. After checking out nearby sights it was lovely to return and relax poolside. Heaven.
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Date of stay: February 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded 6 Mar 2017
Dear Guest,
Thank you for taking time out to share your experience with us!
It is extremely rewarding to learn of your visit to the 16th century mansion in Fort-Kochi, Kerala and we are delighted that you had a memorable stay. As we try and strike a balance between the old world charm and modern hospitality, your kind compliments about the architecture, ambience and decor validate the Neemrana philosophy.
It is deeply rewarding when the endeavours of the members of staff are appreciated and we have duly conveyed your appreciation.
As we look forward to welcoming you back soon again at any of Neemrana's 24 properties across 17 unique destinations, we hope that you will continue to share your experiences with us!
Warm regards,
Team Neemrana friendofneemrana@neemranahotels.com
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Amazing building, furnishings reflecting its history. Elegant, huge and well appointed room and bathroom. Lovely pool. Ate in restaurant for lunch and dinner- delicious and well presented. Would recommend
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Date of stay: February 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Responded 29 Feb 2016
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your kind feedback about Le Colonial in Fort Kochi, Kerala!
As we at Neemrana endeavour to infuse life and restore charm to our architectural marvels, feedback such as yours is always encouraging and validates our effort. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed the décor and the ambience, the swimming pool and the services and facilities offered.
Your compliments about the cuisine have been conveyed to the Chef and his team and will act as a source of encouragement as we look forward to welcoming you back for many a memorable stay at any of our 27 properties across India!
Warm regards,
Team Neemrana friendofneemrana@neemranahotels.com
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We just spent two weeks in India, traveling across Tamil Nadu and Kerala from heritage hotels to heritage homes and Le Colonial is definitely the best place we stayed in. We loved the style of the house and the quality of the service. All rooms are beautifully decorated, the staff is extremely nice, attentive and discreet. The small restaurant (Le Colonial only has 7 rooms) has a limited menu but the food (Indian or Continental) is just delicious.
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Date of stay: December 2015Trip type: Travelled with family
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I stay in Kochi but had never heard about this Hotel before. It was my son & Daughter-in-law (who live in the U.S) who found out about this in the Travel sites and sponsored our two day staycation here. For me & my wife, It was two days of pure heavenly relaxation and indulgence in their culinary specialities.
This building which was once the Dutch Governor General's residence is now converted into the Hotel. It has only seven rooms but each one of them have been very meticulously planned and designed. The Architecture is typically British/European with high ceilings and wooden floors , a bathroom which was huge and provided with Bathtub, separate shower and Double washbasin.
The entrance to the Hotel has a beautiful garden with Orchids and other variety of flowers. The restaurant in the ground floor opens out to the swimming pool. This is the only place where they have provided a TV. The food was divine and the only thing better than that was their service which was exemplary. We were lucky that on those two days we were the only two guests in the hotel and so had special treatment meted out to us.
Most guests to the hotel come from the U.S and Europe but North Indian guests have been on the increase. The restaurant caters to both tastes with Continental and Indian type of delicacies.
The Vasco Da Gama church (known as The St.Francis Church) is right next to the hotel. The Fort Kochi beach is just a five minute walk from the hotel and the sunset over the Arabian Sea is gorgeous. The Vasco Da Gama Square is just 50 metres from the hotel where there are rows of shops catering to the tourist's needs of clothings, jewelleries made with beads and other antique items. There are also stalls selling the fresh catch of fish from the Chinese fishing nets and which they are only too willing to cook and serve,
We had a trip that we will always remember. If you want to relax, soak in the bathtub, take a walk to the beach to see the sunset and enjoy great food and hospitality, then this is the place.
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Date of stay: November 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Rooms in the First floor preferable.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
