Old Harbour Hotel

The Old Harbour Hotel is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and a dash of history. The 300-year-old building has been beautifully restored by Anglo-Indian owners, who have integrated modern touches with original Dutch architecture and traditional Colonial-style decor. It claims to be Kerala's oldest hotel building, and has a sense of Old-World charm and grandeur. There's no lobby as such, but guests come and go via the grand entrance hall, with giant white archways, ceramic tile floors, wooden furniture, and high wood-beam ceilings. The hotel is set amid lush green tropical gardens with winding stone pathways, towering mango trees, and pretty lotus ponds. There's an outdoor pool where guests congregate on sunny days, though the gardens tend to attract crows that may be off-putting for some. The hotel has a strong focus on art, with numerous paintings, sculptures, and artifacts belonging to the owner displayed around the property. Couples are the most frequent guests here, which isn't surprising given the romantic atmosphere.

This property is conveniently located for tourists, as it's situated in the historic heart of Fort Cochin, essentially opposite the ancient Chinese Fishing Nets. Many attractions are within easy walking distance from the hotel, though cabs are easily accessible. The Santa Cruz Cathedral is just a five-minute walk from the hotel, while the Indo-Portuguese Museum is 10 minutes away on foot. The ferries to the mainland -- for access to cabs to the train station in Ernakulam, in particular -- take 15 minutes to reach. The Dutch Palace and Spice Market are around a 15-minute drive away. The area around the hotel is quiet and upmarket, with historic streets that are lined with tourist stalls, bookstores, cafes, art galleries, and restaurants. Cochin International Airport is around an hour away by car, while Fort Cochin Bus Station is only a two-minute walk from the hotel.

Like the rest of the hotel, all 13 room and suites blend traditional colonial decor with modern elements. Each room has been named after an old street in Fort Cochin, and all are spacious and cool, with high ceilings and ceramic floor tiles. Most have four-poster beds (apart from those with twin beds) and original antique light switches, ceiling fans, and still-working candlestick phones. Chunky dark wood furniture offsets neutral color schemes, while bright patio doors allow in plenty of natural light. Some rooms offer nice views of the gardens or Chinese Fishing Nets, while others have dull views of the side street. Standard in-room amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, safes, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no TVs. Marble bathrooms are spacious and spotless, and all include walk-in showers, slippers, and free Ayurvedic toiletries. Museum-like suites add extra living space, furnished verandas, and open-air showers.

The facilities at the Old Harbour Hotel are mostly geared toward tourists looking for relaxation and tranquility. The sophisticated Restaurant 1788 has a special seafood menu and barbecue every night in the garden, plus outdoor seating on the terrace. A free English or Indian breakfast is served every morning, with fresh tea and coffee, but there is no room service. The hotel also owns the Kashi Art Cafe (which is located a couple of streets down from the hotel) where the Kochi-Muziris Biennale takes place. There's a sizeable outdoor swimming pool surrounded by padded sun loungers, and a full-service spa offering Ayurvedic massage treatments. Guests can also make use of free yoga sessions. There aren't many family-friendly facilities, but children are welcome and cribs are available in some of the rooms. Other services include free welcome drinks, laundry, luggage storage, and a tour desk. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.