Hi,
recently I stayed at the le meridian at cohin, I often travel to kochi and since this hote is right on the highway I had seen it from outside many times. The building looked impressive and since it was on the shores of a backwater , the setting is also good. Still I wasnt convinced that it was a great place to stay as compared to the backwater resorts at kumarkom eg. the taj and the ktdc waterscapes.
what I didnt bargain for was the beautiful backwater view with the chinese fishing nets and expanses of coconut groves which are not visible from the highway as they overlook a massive land scaped garden behind the hotel. the beauty is enhanced with the two swimming pools and ponds in the garden. the view from the 5th floor was breathtaking.
Apart from this the tastefully done rooms with the mini bar, the small private balcony and the luxurious bathroom had all that you would expect from a five star hotel.
Coming to the food, it was also one of the best I had in any of the star hotels at kerala. The chef on our request had prepared ’fish amritsari’ and it tasted every bit the same and even better than what I would have got in delhi or anywhere in north india. I was especially impressed by the north indian preparations apart from the usual fare of sea food and continental menu.
The advantage of staying here as compared to going to kumarkom is that you are near to the most happening city in kerala ( kochi). well this adjective of happening is purely relative :-). do not commit the mistake of comparing it with delhi, mumbai or bangalore. kerala is a very laid back place and these resorts are meant for rest and rejuvenation.
till now I used to advise people to skip kochi and go to munnar , tekdi, kumarakom , kovalam etc, but I guess now I can tell them to cut there stay at kumarkon short:-)