Varkala hotellia

Plussat: Great tranquil location outside of the noise of Varkala but still in a short walking distance to the cliff. Relatively new, well equipped, modern and very clean rooms, providing all necessary things like toiletries, bath robes, a minibar, team and coffee cooking facilities, fruits and snacks. The bed is very comfortable. There's a free WiFi. An absolutely amazing newly built ashram, just outside of the main facility offers great Ayurveda treatments (don't miss them!) and good yoga classes. Stunning sunsets and the sea views. A small and a relatively clean beach is right outside of the hotel. The main part of it can be fludded with tides, but there's still a very small space with black sand available to swim at any time of the day. The beach is almost empty - sometimes I was swimming alone! The waves could be quite high, especially close to the shore, so you should be good swimmer as there are no sea guards. There's no possibility to lay at the beach. The hotel pool is clean and nice, but quite small - so something better for kids The stuff is very polite and helpful leaving no wishes open. They can organize an airport transfer and even some sightseen tours in the area. The hotel's restaurant is very good - the food is delicious offering a great choice of Indian, Chinese and European dishes. Breakfast is ok, offering mainly Indian food.

Miinukset: There's no bar or any entertainment in the evening. Although the restaurant serves beer and wine, they do it in a kind of "undercover" way.. There are no cocktails or any other drinks offered apart from one type of beer and one type of wine. No champaign was offered even for the new year eve. The service, especially at the pool area during the day is extremely slow and often not present at all. The products at the minibar were not replenished upon consumption. The hotel is massively overpriced, even compared with some real 5 star hotels in Mumbai, London, Zurich or Rome.

Plussat: The service was great, the staff were really attentive. The room was very clean and comfy. The included breakfast was very good.

Miinukset: A little overpriced for the quality of the resort. The towels were freshly cleaned but still stained. Windows and communal areas needed a bit of a clean.

Plussat: The hospitality and kindness of the service personnel was really outstanding! We really reccomend a stay there and would visit anytime again.

Plussat: The team was super nice, helpful and really attentive. The place and room are beautiful and quiet. The Ayurvedic treatment was professional and pleasant. I could enjoy a yoga class (Iyengar) with Master Ramesh who is really kind. A beautiful where you can go without any hesitation.

Miinukset: Nothing :) Maybe the restaurant is a bit expensive...

Plussat: Excellent Location, too beautiful

Miinukset: Food was not that great, but it is not a big issue as the property is that great and beautiful and you have other places to eat nearby.

Plussat: The staff was amazing, the service excellent, and the food delicious.

Miinukset: The property itself wasn't quite "five star"; the room was a little small (although the view was amazing) and a few things were broken. Our impression was of an excellent group of people trying hard to work with a property with an amazing location and so-so construction.

Plussat: hospitality and beach dinner

Miinukset: - Room - Facility - Food

Plussat: Views, Comfort, Cleanliness..

Miinukset: Time, that they take to prepare and serve food. They take too much time,,

Plussat: One of the best hotels we have ever been to. Worth more than mentioning the wonderful service of all hotel staff, Tejasree admissions manager took care of everything we asked for, shuttle services to the city - Varkla, recommendations for beach trips and getting in touch with relevant local services when we needed them. Tapas - the restaurant manager was most likable and the food in here was amazing (we didn't eat out at all just in the hotel's restaurant), who are looking for a peaceful, fun and fulfilling holiday experience, we highly recommend getting to this hotel.

Miinukset: We liked everything.

Plussat: A fantastic place to stay in easy walking distance of Varkala. Really friendly and helpful staff and excellent food. Would absolutely recommend if you want somewhere safe, quiet and excellent value.

Plussat: Perfect location for a relaxing time at the beach. It’s one of the rare hotels with direct beach access. The cottages are very nice, well equipped and clean. The bathroom is basic but contains all you need (hot water, shampoo etc) and is clean too. The staff is super nice, very attentive and always helpful e.g. for recommendations or organizing trips to backwaters. Food (breakfast and dinner) was always good and we loved the fresh fruit juices. It’s nice to have the sunbeds and hammocks at the garden to relax. The cottages are in a quite area but close enough to all restaurants at the cliff. Varkala and the area of the hotel are very safe- also for women. Wearing Bikinis and short trousers were totally normal. All in all, recommended to everybody- unbeatable cost/performance ratio.

Plussat: The cottages are adorable and made our stay feel special. The staff is all extraordinary, going above and beyond to be helpful. We were grateful for their advice!

Miinukset: The property is within easy walking distance to the majority of the shops and restaurants which is great. It’s definitely a little distance out, so it can be a bit of a dark walk late in the evening!

Plussat: Very clean cottage in a quiet atmosphere. A recommended place for relaxation. The staff is qualified, very friendly and ready to provide whatever you needs. An easy access to a clean beach to enjoy sea bathing. Revisiting is a must.

Miinukset: We do not have any complaints. Everything was just fine, in fact it was better than we expected.

Plussat: Cottages are spacious and we had the luck of staying in the Lotus cottage which has 2 terraces, one overlooking a beautiful lotus field!

Miinukset: Nothing really

Plussat: From the moment we arrived till the minute we left nothing was too much trouble for any of he staff. The team are amazing and everyone was warm and friendly!

Miinukset: That we didn’t stay longer!

Plussat: Awesome place. Lovely spot on Odayam beach. Comfortable clean cottage. The service was exceptional. Shout out to Anis and of course the ever helpful Mutu who in particular made our stay so enjoyable. I'd say the place to stay in Varkala for location, ambience and service.

Plussat: Best part of this hotel is the location. It's right on Odayam beach. The beach is clean and safe for children. We had best time. The deluxe room we stayed in was beach facing and spacious. Owner has paid lot of attention to the furniture and upholstery. Beach facing veranda was great. We didn't use the pool but it was clean and of a decent size. Hotel menu for breakfast was good. Taste and quantity was good too. Special thanks for George and the owner himself who personally addressed all our requests. Looking forward to be back soon.

Miinukset: No complaints really. Hotel was fully occupied and probably that's why we faced some minor delay in getting hot water. But otherwise everything was perfect.

Plussat: The staff were great! Nothing too much for Front of house, George or the owner, Shah to do for you. Food was really delicious- think we ordered the fish fry and dal almost every day... rooms near the main house are well maintained and modern. Lovely for families... plenty of space...and there’s a pool!

Miinukset: Ants and mosquitoes are present, but not in mass quantities- remember it’s India, and simply take some repellant with you. It’s not walkable to Varkala beach/Cliffs but George is on hand to book Auto’s at good prices. (Note to make sure you have international roaming included on your mobile or you purchase the relevant add on for your network)

Plussat: As a family of 7 adults - we all came together from different parts of the world to spend Christmas together in Varkala. Magnolia was an absolute treasure - we hit lucky! This place is super clean, with the most helpful happy staff. From the communication before we arrived to organising our taxis when we were ready to leave - always professional and very accommodating. We spent the days sitting around the beautiful pool and evenings playing cards and games in the main restaurant. The food was fantastic, fresh and very reasonably priced - breakfast, lunch and dinner. All the staff greet you with a smile - this place holds a beautiful energy... we didn’t want to leave. Close to the beach and short stroll to the cliff. The rooms are beautifully decorated with spacious verandas to sit out enjoy the view and the nature around you. Special little touches, like fresh cut flowers, bottled water and toiletries in your room when you arrive, daily cleaning (with fancy towel art) make you feel like you’re staying at a luxury resort. Shah and his small team were excellent, cannot fault anything ... really! If you’re contemplating Magnolia ... contemplate no more, go ahead book it, you will not be disappointed.

Plussat: Superb staff that couldn't do enough to make sure we had a great stay - including tracking down calpol for our youngest. There's a great menu of smoothies, juices and food, make sure to try the prawns.

Plussat: An easy walk down to the coastal path to the cliff edge, where along the way there are three good beaches. Loads of bars and restaurants within close walking distance. We had a balcony room facing the sea, which was very spacious, and lovely to watch the sunset. Pool is lovely and went very well with an Iced Coffee. Staff were really helpful, being able to organise any aspect required. There's a small shop on site, and a lovely clothes shop too. Would highly recommend.

Miinukset: No complaints and enjoyed every aspect.

Plussat: The team is extremely hospitable, warm and caring. They go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable. The location is excellent... Away from the crowds with the perfect view of the sea. The pool is clean, and the bungalows very tidy. Wish I had stayed a few more nights.

Miinukset: The foods is OK OK... Wholesome and the kitchen takes alot of care. Taste wise maybe it could do with a little more flavors. Maybe have more kerala fare.

Plussat: Good place for kids and very friendly people

Plussat: The Magnolia guest house has a high quality resort character - with well kept grounds and garden with lots of beautiful flowers and an inviting pool. The rooms are light and bright with delicate linnen and the bathroom is beautifully tiled. We enjoyed the friendly and personal contact with the owners as well as the attentive service of the staff. We particularly enjoyed the New Year Eve's event with excellent dinner and a great show (including dance and drummers). The Magnolia guest house has a good restaurant where we took most meals during our stay. A beautiful and quiet clean beach is only few meters away with additional dining opportunities.

Plussat: We stayed in cottage 2 and it was perfect. Great seaview and comfy room with a fridge for our drinks. Staff at the guesthouse was excellent and good value and the staff were really helpful. I'd definitely recommend staying here, it had an amazing vibe.

Plussat: Awesome location with awesome crew. Owner was there all the time to take care of guests. Good Sea

Plussat: Nothing

Miinukset: Very bad experience and hotel full of humidity and dirty. Please don't go in this hotel

Plussat: The level of service at InDa Hotel is excellent, especially the manager Aji is outstanding and catered for all our special requests in the most friendly and service-minded way. We stayed at InDa Hotel for our last night in India, and it made us regret that we havn't stayed here during our entire time in Varkala!

Plussat: Amazing garden

Miinukset: Need furniture or hooks in rooms No where to hang anything not even a towel

Plussat: Good ambience and food

Miinukset: The shower force was so less

Plussat: Inda has it right from the moment you checkin. You are welcomed with a complimentary drink whilst completing your checkin. Taken to a perfectly clean, spacious room with a perfectly clean bathroom that has hot water, lighting is romantic and they even have a complimentary bowl of fruit. After a great nights sleep the complimentary breakfast is delicious and beautifully presented. Staff are well trained and efficient especially Hagi the Manager (my apologies if spelt wrong) - nothing was a bother to him and any requests were acted upon within minutes. Congratulations on such a well run business.

Miinukset: I could not stay longer.

Plussat: The greenery

Miinukset: Would recommend td have air conditioning in all the rooms

Plussat: Food and service

Plussat: Lovely staff, amazing cafe, great location

Miinukset: The lack of air con, it was hot at night

Plussat: 5 minute walk to the cliff, restaurants, beach. Staff was very helpful and friendly, restaurant staff could be a bit more accommodating but still very friendly. Breakfast options were great and tasty, definitely try their Masala Chai and fruit juices. Receptionist was very helpful in helping us plan our further trip.

Miinukset: some barking dogs in the area, but that's everywhere in India

Plussat: Very nice stay, helpful and friendly staff. Thank you Chris for your help!

Plussat: The view from the hotel is fabulous and the staff is super friendly and happy! The local beaches are really outstanding and a lot of fun to swim at! The food at the hotel is great and hotel is small enough to provide very personal service. The manager went out of his way to help us at every turn.

Miinukset: what's not to like? a great gem of a hotel in a fabulous spot!

Plussat: The Staff were exceptional - nothing was too much trouble and they made us feel very welcome.

Plussat: Breakfast Pool Very quiet Very nice staff - specially the pool master - Mr. Satheesh Kumar ;-)

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: The staff is great - specially Mr. Satheesh Kumar , the Pool man ;-) Very Comfy Room Nice food Pool Quiet place - quiet room - nice bed

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Staff were great! Breakfast was really good ! Sajimon at the restaurant was very courteous and considerate.

Miinukset: Dinner buffet could have been better ! A lot better !

Plussat: Beautiful hotel, friendly staff, great breakfast buffet and a nice swimming pool. Price for a massage / ayurvedic treatment reasonable

Miinukset: Hotel is a bit outdated. Room needed renovation (except for the restaurant, which seems to be renovated quite recently). Hotel was quite expensive, and although we had a wonderful stay, the rate wasn’t proportional. Too few beds around the swimming pool. Although breakfast was great, dinner was disappointing

Plussat: Quite area, very friendly staff and nice food

Miinukset: No gym facilities (Only a treadmill and elliptical machine located in the spa area)

Plussat: Pool , service quality and view. Had a great lunch . Sunken bar was a good idea too

Miinukset: Room location . Climbing down and up stairs everytime. Breakfast was average both in variety and taste.

Plussat: Varkala is a Wonderful place. The beach, the atmosphere - marvellous. Gateway is by far the nicest hotel here with really nice Food, a Wonderful view, a pool and nice staff. Definitely worth the visit!

Miinukset: We liked everything.

Plussat: This is a great hotel , close to the beach with a pool looking out to sea. What makes it the perfect stay are the staff who work here. Everyone is so helpful and attentive, they cannot do enough for you. The food is fantastic and there is a great choice provided by the chef and his team.

Plussat: A good price for a hotel with decent size pool near the cliff area. Good breakfast buffet included in the price & restaurant staff very accommodating. Comfortable beds! Easy walk to the buzzy cliff area.

Miinukset: It rained heavily when we visited & had to wade through a ‘lake’ in the road out front to get to the cliff area or catch a tuk tuk over it. People swimming fully clothed in the pool. The shower in our room was a bit of a dribble & hardly hot water. Staff had to be asked to clean our room on the first day there.

Plussat: Staff, very soft and comfy beds, swimming pool

Plussat: It was a lovely quiet spot but only minutes to the beach and lots of restaurants . The staff were delightful , kind and helpful all the time

Miinukset: The pool needs a little bit of maintainance but it was clean and lovely to use

Plussat: There is nothing much to like.Room and all is just normal.Its kinda overpriced..!!

Miinukset: Toilets were very smelly. Disgusting odour filled my room when I opened the door. A/C was not working well, normal fan above your bed was v slow.Finally,the restaurant...I got my order after waiting for an hour. No value for money...charging way too much for the service they are providing.

Plussat: The ambiance

Miinukset: Nothing

Plussat: Breakfast consisted of wide variety of dishes , quite well cooked . We particularly liked the banana pancakes .

Miinukset: The bed size was rather small and the bed didn't face the TV directly as it was tilted a wee bit due to design of the room . And the name " Beach resort" is a misnomer as the hotel is 5-6 mins away from the beach and not visible from it .

Plussat: Great location; good view from cliffside. Helpful staff!

Miinukset: No beach

Plussat: Only location, not resort.

Miinukset: Resort, there was no power backup in the room, also no intercom, in night the staff was not available for any help, Room was also not so good.

Plussat: The location is great, halfway between the cliff and great walks along the coastal path. Good food, great staff. Some of the greatest sunsets, and a really laid back, chilled out experience, watching the dolphins and fishermen.

Miinukset: Could do with some hot water once in a while. The A/C is tricky to get right, and once you've found the perfect setting, it tends to forget it. A little hard to find, but maybe that's a feature ... It would really help if there was a nearby ATM, because not everywhere takes plastic.

Plussat: The bungalows are in a beautiful setting, with view right on the sea. The garden invites to just sit there, read, eat or go for a swim at the little beach right in front. Not many tourists. Plenty of other restaurants around that are easily reachable by foot along the coastal walk. I also liked that you can choose other than the set breakfasts. You can order what you like and then pay the difference. Very friendly staff. The food in the restaurant is delicious and freshly prepared - all very good value.

Miinukset: The rooms are very dark...there is only one window, but the bamboo blinds were not to open. You always had to have the light on to see something. A fluorescent light. Even with the light on it was hard to see what you are looking for. This is the only point where we were a bit disappointed. Especially if you stay more than a couple of days.

Plussat: Only location.

Miinukset: Staff is very arrogant, they didn't cooperate with guest. Will never stay here. Old property.

Plussat: Had a great time here, appreciated being on the beach as opposed to up on the cliff. Cab or Tuk-tuk was cheap and efficient way to get up to the shops and restaurants. Food on site was very good, breakfast was plentiful and delicious. The beach at sunset is really special. My wife and I loved our stay here. Not a huge hotel so it can book up quick.

Plussat: Special mention for Mr. Shameer who handled our reservation. We made a short notice reservation since we had an extremely bad experience at another property called Vibes beach house. We were traveling with an older person and a small child and were desperate to find commute to this property i.e. Hindustan beach resort. We explained our predicament to Mr. Shameer who was extremely understanding. He made arrangements for a quick pick up for us. This humanitarian approach is what will set this place apart from other places. We cannot thank him enough.

Plussat: Fantastic location - a perfectly clean & beautiful beach a 30 second walk away

Miinukset: I can't think of anything

Miinukset: Air conditioning was not working properly. Despite complaining the issue was not fixed. The Room Service is not 24 hours, so its a bit inconvenient. wifi is very pathetic.

Plussat: View of the ocean 5 minutes walk from the cliff

Miinukset: Hotel is old and tired Not clean enough

Plussat: Birds poop everywhere you sit,

Miinukset: Birds pooped everywhere you sit was so disgusting,Prevent birds with spikes , air condition was making so much noise , again the flushing pipe in a bad position, in front side of the hotel looking towards your kitchen shows how good is your maintenance , just few thoughts for future. Psalappat

Plussat: Staff were exceptionally helpful and always smiling. Rooms were clean and of a good size, bed was comfy and good sea view from balcony. Delicious kerala breakfast brought to the room everyday. Fridge in the room to keep water chilled.

Plussat: Nice

Miinukset: Everything should be renovated

Plussat: Dishes at the restaurant are awesome

Plussat: Clean comfy modern rooms with nice bathrooms. Good air-conditioning. Very helpful and friendly staff

Miinukset: Rooms, a little dark and strangely set up with tv to side and electric plugs which could not take kettle. Limited European selection at breakfast

Plussat: Room lovely, beautiful pool, yoga, nice food & drinks, fabulous location near to all the amazing places to eat & the beach. Enjoyed it so much that we doubled length of our stay!

Miinukset: These are very minor points but don't let them put you off as the benefits hugely outweigh these! - Seemed to be a lot of poison that had been put in the room & got on to some of our stuff - Black leather sun bed cushions meant they got incredibly hot! - Fan on the balcony would have been nice - More staff to serve food & drinks around pool would have been better & would result in more orders made I'm sure

Plussat: Great location, nice well kept garden, friendly staff. Great opening hours for the restaurant. We have stayed in 3 different rooms, all great. I travelled with my kids, 7 & 10 years old and this felt very safe and comfortable for us. Close to the beach, shops and restaurants.

Miinukset: Not the best Wi-fi and not the cleanest pool.

Plussat: The room was large with a very comfortable bed and the gardens surrounding the rooms are lovely. Staff were friendly and helpful. The pool is big with plenty of space for sunbathing. The location is very good, less than a 5-minute walk to all the restaurants and bars at the top of the cliff.

Miinukset: The fan had no speeds between extremely low and very high, which was very noisy. The pool wasn't very clean - the water was quite cloudy - and there was a lot of noise from nearby building work in the pool area. It's a pity there's no wifi in the rooms.

Plussat: Loved the pool and the greenery around the property

Miinukset: Restaurant service was mixed. Sometimes it was fast and sometimes it was very slow. Can be improved.

Plussat: The staff, the gardens, the pool, my room. The staff were very friendly. The food was nice also. It’s a very short walk to the cliff and the beach. The grounds are stunning

Miinukset: My cottage was next to the restaurant, which was not super loud but it did wake me up early (cottage 4) so avoid this one if your as light sleeper

Plussat: Reception and staffs were friendly and cordial.

Miinukset: Food could have been better.

Plussat: Location is great a few minutes walk to the Cliff. Pool is huge and clean. Gardens lovely and room great.

Miinukset: Nothing.

Plussat: Pool is very nice. They dont allow bachelor's in this hotel. So you can expect peaceful pool with kids and family.

Miinukset: Bathroom can be bit more spaces. Specially cube can be bit bigger.

Plussat: The noise of the beach. Koude nachten.

Miinukset: The garden was very bad to walk. I had a accident in the garden,and have to go to hospital for a stich in my hand My right eye is terrible blue form a long time. You need big shoes and it is not the place for old people No hot water

Plussat: We had a fabulous time. Great helpful staff. Room was nice and very clean. Location was great. The small pool was clean and a perfect way to cool down. Food was good as well. Highly recommend .

Miinukset: Nothing.

Plussat: Nothing was too much for the hosts, they made us feel extremely welcomed from start to finish. Amazing food was cooked for us morning and night and they arranged activities for us at the drop of a hat. Lovely location too.

Miinukset: Absolutely nothing. The place was perfect x

Plussat: Great quite spot to relax in the lush garden and the beach which is walking distance is nice too. We stayed in the bamboo huts ( non air con) but the fan was sufficient. Pool is small but relaxing and a big boon. Unni and team were great and made sure we had a good time and super helpful to our never ending demands, kudos to them,

Plussat: Walking distance from beach. Lot of greenery.

Miinukset: Lot of insects, ant, lizard and even frog was there in room. They have long menu but they provide only breakfast. For even having tea you have to visit nearby restaurant. They don't have power backup according to them it is under repair. And when electricity is not there you may face issue of water as they say that motor needs to be switched on which cannot be done without electricity.

Plussat: Very nice and helpful staff. Quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Lovely breakfast with best porridge in india.