Bolgatty Palace & Island Resort

The Good: Good room service, polite staff, and great ambience are the main draws for this property. The Bad: The property struggles to overcome the negative impression left by the government heritage properties due to maintenance issues. Lake View Cottage: Initially given a room with relatively spacious single beds, we encountered a problem when the bathroom flooded into the room. Despite calling reception multiple times, the promised maintenance team never arrived. After contacting the booking agency, we were eventually provided with another room but we had to wait 2-3 hours. Unfortunately, the alternative room also had issues, including small single beds. The Ugly: At night, upon opening the door, a group of 5-6 people smoked right in front of our room and hosted a party with 10-15 people in a cramped room next to us. I don't know how the management allows so many guests in a small room with no policies. Alarms were unnecessary as water droplets from the AC served as a constant source of noise and nourished the pillow. The unpleasant smell emanating from the AC added its part as well. Sustainable Tourism: The lack of sustainable practices led to unnecessary waste, such as excessive use of plastic and paper wrappers for amenities like tea bags, glass water bottle caps, and dental kits. Despite enjoying the historical ambience, the overall experience leaves me undecided about staying here again. It may be preferable to stay elsewhere and visit the property instead.

I was appalled to discover how poorly they maintain a landmark property like this, despite its stunning location and architectural significance. Unfortunately, everything fell short of expectations, especially the restaurant and food. The breakfast was the worst I've had in Kerala. The staff seemed more focused on checking room numbers at the front desk than attending to the food. We had to repeatedly request even the basics, like water glasses. It was as if we had to explicitly ask for every tiny thing, which was frustrating and disappointing

I was bit sceptical about this hotel after reading the reviews. But my experience has been amazing. The hotel area is huge and very well maintained. The view is simply Amazing. Also, the hotel has its own jetty so you can go for ferry ride from the hotel premise. The rooms are clean. The breakfast spread is also good. I would definitely recommend this hotel

The hotel has vast area,excellent location ad gud sourounding,rest all is totally mismanaged,uninterested rude staff,sleeping on duty at 7am on the sofa,stray dogs in the lobby roaming,uninspired tasteless breakfast,syrup for coffe,dirty lifts total disaster

We went as a part of a wedding party and stayed here one night. This property was built by the Dutch long ago in an excellent location, surrounded by backwaters. Spread over a vast area and with very less number of rooms, it has all the right ingredients to be a prime hotel of the city. Unfortunately, due to the fact that it is owned and managed by KTDC, with the staff's lethargic attitude, it is nowhere close to it. They are all government employees and seriously lack any motivation to work. The buildings, though elegant in structure, are very poorly maintained. Room sizes are ok and the bathrooms are not upto the mark. Rooms and the furniture inside looks worn out and shabby. This place badly needs a serious renovation and makeover with new furniture and fixtures. We had buffet breakfast and lunch at their restaurant and it was good. Ambience is great during daytime with plenty of walking pavements and good scenery around, but in the night it looks very dull with very poor lighting. There is a lot to improve.

Was here for the first time ever recently, after missing out during my earlier trips to the city. Traditional ambience, with lovely views of the water & the lit up buildings in the distance. Built by the Dutch, this property is apparently the oldest Dutch palace outside The Netherlands.