The Malabar House

Style

East meets west

Setting

Fort Cochin cricket ground

East-meets-west boutique hotel The Malabar House's location away from the hustle and bustle lends this original retreat in Kerala a relaxed feel no matter how hot or hectic it may be elsewhere. Comprised of two 18th-century colonial-style villas built around a courtyard (where you'll find the acclaimed Mediterranean-accented restaurant, the Malabar Junction), it's full of eye-catching artworks and exotic fabrics perfect for a stop-over when touring southern India, especially when teamed with stays at the Malabar Escapes retreats in the Keralan backwaters.

Facilities

Rooms

18, including eight suites.

Checkout

Noon; flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 2pm.

More Details

Rates include a choice of Continental or South Indian breakfast, served in the Malabar Junction.

Also

Accessible rooms are available on request.

Free Internet Access

Laundry

Pool

Spa

At the Hotel

Ayurvedic spa treatments, free WiFi throughout, bicycles to borrow. In rooms: air-conditioning, flatscreen TV and DVD players, free bottled water, tea- and coffee-making facilities, luxe rain-style showers and inspired own-range toiletries.

Our Favourite Rooms

Each room has its own look, but the five Roof Garden Suites on the first floor, and the two-floored Malabar Suite are the most spacious and special. Rooms 10 and 11 have their own roof gardens and double-poster beds made from reclaimed pillars.

Poolside

The small pool right by the reception is suitable for a quick plunge, but this isn't really sunbathing territory, although there are a few loungers for bolder bronzers.

Spa

The hotel has two treatment rooms, where Ayurvedic treatments are on offer for those requiring a little R&R.

Packing Tips

Mosquito repellent and wrist- and ankle-covering layers – particularly if you plan to sit by the swimming pool in the terrace restaurant.

Also

The hotel prides itself on its art collection which showcases Kerala's cosmopolitan influences and sculptures and paintings are scattered throughout the Malabar House.

Children

All ages are welcome. Extra beds are €25 a night. Babysitting can be arranged with notice.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

Grab a table by the live musicians for maximum tabla-and-sitar sounds, or pick a romantic spot next to the pool.

Dress Code

Go local but glam; we love the pretty cotton clothing from around the corner at FabIndia.

Hotel Restaurant

The Malabar Junction, the restaurant in the hotel’s courtyard that comes to life by night, is well known for delivering Mediterranean cuisine by way of South India – a rare treat in this land. In rainy weather, there are tables indoors.

Hotel Bar

There isn’t a bar as such, but the candlelit tables in the courtyard or on one of the terraces are the ideal spot for a colonial-style G&T. You can enjoy wine and beer in the lounge just above the restaurant.

Last Orders

The Malabar Junction isn't strict about meal times, but dinner is generally available until around midnight.

Room Service

Really, only breakfast can be rustled up for you to enjoy in private until 11am (a Continental-style spread or South Indian favourites, such as a banana and coconut dosa), and supper until 11pm (orders before 10.30pm).

Planes

The nearest airport is Cochin International, an hour and a half away by car. Trivandrum’s airport is 150km away.

Trains

To get to Ernakulam Junction (South), which is connected to all major cities in India and Kerala, expect a 45-minute drive.

Automobiles

The hotel is in the middle of Fort Cochin, where there’s a full supply of rickshaws, as well as guided tours that come with drivers, so your own car isn’t strictly necessary.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .