Le Colonial was our favourite place to stay in Kerala. The resorts in the mountains were lovely, but this place was like a home. The property is very nicely landscaped and includes a lovely little swimming pool that leads to an open-air dining area. At the time of our stay, we were the only customers there, so we received personal care and service, which was just wonderful. Upon our arrival, our gracious host (my apologies, I have forgotten her name) greeted us with some nice cold homemade lemonade and we relaxed in the front parlour area, which was very nicely decorated with furniture and artifacts from the British era. The whole building contains paintings from the colonial eras, the woodwork is beautifully maintained, and our room was extremely spacious, clean and comfortable. The bathroom was stocked with toiletries from local companies. When we relaxed by the pool, we were served refreshing ice-cold lemon soda, also made in-house. The food here is simply outstanding! We were asked what we would like for dinner, if we liked seafood, and the chef would make something. We had fresh-caught prawns cooked in Kerala spaces, vegetables, chapati, pappadums...we had a table full of food cooked by a wonderful chef. As a note, this place does not serve alcohol, so we went to the nearby Malabar House for a glass of wine before dinner. The next day, we went sightseeing in Fort Cochin, and got back by 1:30. Lunch was ready for us, and it was a mixed seafood grill, which was by far and away the best meal I had in India! I cannot recommend this place highly enough; it is small and intimate, you will get personalized service and the building and grounds are unique and beautifully maintained.
