Malabar House

The Malabar House is one of the longest-running hotels in Fort Cochin, having first opened its doors in 1996 (though the building itself dates back to 1755). This small, four-pearl boutique hotel is beautifully designed, with lots of beautiful Keralan art in both rooms and common areas. Gorgeous grounds are complete with terra-cotta floors, an abundance of shaded alcoves, and lots of tropical greenery. While most of the common areas are outside, there is a lovely two-level lobby with blue-gray accent walls and a huge photo mural of a tree spanning one wall. Most guests here are couples, and this highly coveted property attracts international and domestic visitors alike. 

Malabar House is located in what's easily the most atmospheric part of town, Fort Kochi, which has plenty of charming boutiques and restaurants -- not to mention many of the city's main historic attractions. The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica and the beachfront Chinese fishing nets are both within walking distance. The Jew Town neighborhood, home to the historic local synagogue and the 16th-century Mattancherry Palace are both about a 15-minute drive away. Factor in a 25-minute to half-hour drive to the Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, traffic permitting. Cochin International Airport is about an hour to an hour-and-a-half away without traffic, but getting there can take longer during rush hour. 

Malabar House is a small property, with a total of 17 rooms. There are five Roof Garden Suites on the upstairs level and 11 ground-floor Deluxe Rooms, plus the two-story Malabar Suite. All units have safes, kettles, and mini-fridges. Deluxe Rooms are on the small side, but have lovely decor including four-poster beds with framed tops, oak cabinets, clothes-hanging racks, small tube-style TVs, and traditional Keralan art. Bright accent walls lighten up the spaces. Furnished, shaded outdoor patio areas are a lovely touch. Bathrooms are contemporary with shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads and hairdryers and herbal toiletries are provided.  The Rooftop Garden Suites have similar decor but are considerably larger and have huge bathrooms complete with separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs. Shaded, furnished balconies come with ceiling fans and are surrounded by treetops. The piece de resistance, however, is the duplex-style Malabar Suite, with a lovely living room on the ground floor. Accents include a brass sculpture, stained-glass windows, and ornately carved wooden furniture. The elegant upstairs bedroom opens up onto a furnished deck complete with more sculptures and a huge swing for two.

Features at Malabar House are thorough and convenient. Dining facilities include a seafood restaurant, Malabar Junction, housed in a spacious, semi-open-air room with wooden ceilings and archways that lead out to a lovely patio. There's also a wine bar, Divine, that serves Indian and international wines accompanied by tapas. There's a gorgeous plunge pool with massage jets in the central courtyard, surrounded by tables and chairs, but the lack of loungers and direct sunlight make it a less than ideal place for catching rays. There's also a small spa on the property offering a variety of Ayurvedic massages and other treatments. Guests can borrow free bikes for exploring the neighborhood. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and the front desk can arrange for currency exchange and local activities.