Me, wife and our 6 month old Infant stayed here on August 31 for a day in Lake view heritage villa with private pool .
We booked directly through hotel website and reservation staff merlyn was very helpful in answering all the queries.we were offered a 30% discount as part of their flash sale.as we are celebrating our second wedding anniversary she had included a wedding cake.we have also requested for a baby cot and it was also accepted.
Check in Time is 2 pm and checkout is 12 noon.we reached resort by 2:15 pm.We reached Big Entrance gate which is about 200 m inside of main road. Security greeted us and guided to reception area. We were given traditional kerala style welcome and taken to reception desk.our luggages were taken by staff and done valet parking.We were given tender coconut as welcome drink and also provided wet towels.check in was easy and check in staff himself guided us to our room.Reception areas has no ac and feels humid if you stay there for longer time.Curio Shop, Travelers desk, Activity desk, tender cococnut stall( rs 78 per cocunut and outside resort you will get it for rs 30) etc are nearby to reception area .
The resort is full of greenery with lots of trees and lawn around.our room number was 104 and it was ready when we reached.its a traditional kerala style .The lock used was traditional Kerala Lock which was very intresting.room was spacious with a kind size bed, table and 2 chairs, sitting bench and wardrode.LCD TV, Electronic safe locker and mini bar equipped with 2 kingfisher beer, soda, soft drinks etc(all are chargeable)was also there.snacks packets were spread in table and staff reminded it was also chargeable and charges were displayed there. 2 complimentary mineral water were provided.Electric kettle along with tea and coffee sachets were provided complimentary.
Then we were taken to toilet and our own private pool. toilet are spacious and equipped with necessary toiletries and towels.private pool and shower were open to sky and privacy was strictly maintained.private pool was of descent size and was equipped with Jacuzzi. our luggage also reached by this time.after taking some rest we went to’THATTUKADA’ which is a local tea shop in resorts lawn serving hot tea and coffee along with fresh snacks.its open from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm and is complimentary for guests.staff greeted us and provided 3 types of mouthwatering Kerala snacks along with coffee.Supervisor Abin was very friendly and spend some time with us talking about the resort.we then went for complementary sun set cruise which leaves from resorts jetty every evening at 5:30 pm.cruise is in a motorized open boat equipped with chairs with capacity of accommodating around 100 guests.musicians were also accompanying in boat and it was a wonderful experience guest enjoying the beauty of vembanad lake and witness sun set .we were back by 6:30 pm.
We have also booked dinner buffet Rs 1750 per person) .we went to ETTUKETTU which is the 8 sided traditional mansion, the main multi cuisine restaurant taht serves breakfast from 7:30-10:30 am, lunch from 12:30 to 3:00 pm and dinner from 7:30 to 10:30 pm.The expensive dinner buffet consists of some kerala, indian and western items along with juices, cut fruits, salads, ice creams and desserts.only limited non vegetarian items were there( 1 mutton fry, couple of chicken items and a fish curry).They could have improve the menu adding a couple of variety non vegetarian items to the buffet, The staff were very attentive and need to mention about staff chippy, who were kind enough to take care of our infant during our buffet.other staff including Abin and Jills were also very helpful. we have experienced shortage of staffs everywhere in restaurants, reception and housekeeping and all staff were very busy to cater to guests needs.
We had a good sleep and resort was awsome in morning with full of greenery around overlooking the beautiful calm vembanad lake.it will be mindblowing to walk around in early morning.
There are yoga and meditation at swimming pool side every morning from 7 am to 8 am.The gorgeous swimming pool which is set at banks of lake is open from 7 am to 9 pm.fully equipped techno gym is also open from 7 am. Indoor games, pottery and mat weaving, cycling, fishing, village walk etc are the addittional activities available inhouse. There is no free wifi and its heavily priced.Business centre charges are also very high .An ISD call can cost you around rs100 per minute.Well equipped ayurvedic centre AYURMANA with doctors also open from 8 am to 8 pm and its recommended to book in advance
We went to breakfast buffet by 9 am and it was good.lot of varietieswere there including many kerala dishes.many Juices, cut fruits, snacks etc were available .
We ask for checkout at 12 noon and proceed to reservation desk.we have waited for around 30 min to get our luggage.
some of the suggestions/complaints are
- There are shortage of staff in reservation, restaurants, housekeeping etc
2.Buffet items for Dinner to be improved particularly non vegetarian items
- Temp control in room was not possible as there were no ac provided in room
4.It will be a good idea if staff removes foot wear while entering into villa when guests are occupied.
5.we asked for a baby cot for infant during reservation itself.we again reminded during check in time 2 pm and later again by 5 pm. but it was brought only by 8 pm
6.Could have done some towel arts in bedrooms
7.Floor mat in bed room found slippery with existing tiles.we fall down twice
WIFI should be made complementary
Lots of canals are running inside resort.could have introduced couple of complimentary pedal boats
Overall we have a good experiance and in future also we may book this resort