Must see hotels in Kerala

On the site of a Victorian-era shipyard, this grand CGH creation faithfully reproduces 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century Dutch, British and Portuguese…

Tucked into the southern curl of Lighthouse Beach, the 14 elegant and refreshingly spacious rooms at this stylish pad gaze out on the beach from private…

In a peaceful lakefront setting 4km north of Alleppey, this welcoming, creative operation amid natural canals sleeps guests on a floating mini houseboat…

Tucked away behind the North Cliff, this warm, highly regarded guesthouse throws boutique style into its impeccably kept gleaming-white rooms and six…

Six-person, locker-equipped en suite dorms (some air-conditioned) and smartish private doubles with simple murals are the draw at this social budget hang…

The Kovalam branch of this glitzy Indian group is nuzzled into lush grounds with direct seafront access. Individual thatched cottages come tastefully…

Bold pink and turquoise design meets a homely, social feel at this boutiqueified British-run yoga and surf retreat spread across lush gardens atop the…

What may just be one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Kerala, Malabar flaunts its chic blend of contemporary design and original 18th-century…

The first thing you'll notice at the Waterfront Granary is the 1928 Ford vintage car in the lounge. This is a museum-hotel, where relics from the owner's…

An elegant boutique-meets-country retreat, 4km southeast of Munnar, where 18 supremely spacious garden- and valley-view rooms are sprinkled around serene…

Well away from the bustle and up a steep hill with good views on the east side of town, this warm and long-established German-Indian-run home has gently…

Handily located near the main bus station, this popular guesthouse has fresh, clean budget rooms (the best on the upper floor), a friendly welcome, and…

This 1960s hotel, with its polished original art deco fittings, exudes the sort of retro glamour that contemporary hotels would love to re-create. The…

Secluded and on an 80-year-old estate overlooking banana plantations, ginger crops and rice paddies, this charming homestay (which translates as My Own…

A very good deal, this easy-going, homely and colourful backpacker hang-out sits 500m inland from the beach and 2km north of the train station. The two…

Overlooking leafy gardens, 400m from the beach, this beautiful old whitewashed building with sky-blue shutters – once a radio station – now doubles as a…

Overlooking palms from its hillside perch, a five-minute climb inland from Lighthouse Beach, tranquil, Italian-operated, adults-only Paradesh Inn…

Scented by frangipanis, the sumptuous Leela sprawls across the headland separating Hawa and Samudra beaches. Spacious, smartly designed rooms have…

Hidden away in the backwaters of Munroe Island, 16km north of Kollam, this cheery hammock-strewn homestay is popular with travellers for its low-key…

This attractive heritage-style family home, 4km north of Alleppey, enjoys a tranquil location close to Punnamada Lake. The two fan-cooled rooms are neat…