lidboymk2

Hi we have had some quotes for homestay places near both Kottayam and Kanjirapally included in our tour, but have read a couple of unfavourable comments. CAN anyone advise on the best in this are please. Thanks

dogster

Why not look in here:
http://www.mahindrahomestays.com/

very reputable company. I'd use their properties anytime. All the info you need is in the site. Cross reference with Tripadvisor if you're feeling anxious.

lidboymk2

Thanks will do, I think that there are so many and maybe our agents that we are looking it have their lists.
Thanks again

dogster

Actually, on the homestay front - there aren't all that many. It's all about the owners - not the room. Be prepared to chat - that's the pleasure of it.

As a starting position, just assume that <i>any</i> hotel recommended by a travel agent in India is suspect - particularly if your tour is strangely cheap. Remember, they'll steer you to the property where they get the best deal - for them. So take nothing for granted...

If you want to stay somewhere different... you can. If they don't like that idea, get another travel agent.

lidboymk2

Thanks may be someone has some really good recommendations but we are certainly not looking cheap

dogster

lol. That's a relief.

Well, as mind-reading ain't my strong point, you'd better tell us where and when you're going and what the suggested hotels are... there are some fabulous quirky boutique properties around. Check out i-escape.com for a good selection of the best of them.

Anything with Leela, Taj or Oberoi in the title will be fine. The other big chain hotels tend to cater almost exclusively to Indian tourists these days - of which there are a great many.

I was in Kerala a month ago. I thought it all a bit dull, but I'm an odd case - there are lots of Keralophiles in here who love it.

CaliNurse

nr Kottayam, we LOVED Philipkutty's Farm. it is not cheap, but the price includes some of the most fatnatic meals you'll ever have--three a day, plus tea/snakcs. A truly great place.

re: Mahindra homestay,s do read the reviews people post on that site. Surprisingly honest, and not all positive.

Lidboy, WHICH homestay are you concerned about? One or two neg reveiws, vs good ones, dont mean cuase of rconcern. "A couple" of ngegatives? Compared to how many positive? Virtually NO place has 100?postiive (excpet for the # 1 Tripadvisor homestay in New Delhi, which I am lucky enoiugh to be staying at next week).

Do not go by post-ers with only one tripadvisor comment, and DO note the nationalities of those who write. What is considered great by folks of one country may not be by others.

I know from experience with Indian Panorama that they will book whatever you want, and will be honest about those places that give them better rates--or better rooms-- than what you get yourself (I just went thru this with them, for a place in Bharatpur)

lidboymk2

Thanks Indian Panorama are suggesting Kalaketty Estate in Kanjirapally, i can't find out too much and Legends and Palaces are quoting Philip Kutty's Farm which sounds great. We have had quotes from both these companies, prices nearly the same L and P a bit more expensive, and some hotels the same, just want to get the homestay right. I think it was the Kalaketty estate which had 1 poor review. Any info is great thanks. We just want the best holiday and which group to use I'm not sure Thanks

CaliNurse

Well, you know i have had two great trips planned with the help of IP--they are not helping with parts of the third. Others here swear by L and P, and it is obvious from posts here that Mr Singh knows his country!!! I dont think you can go wrong with either company.

IP can book you into Philipkuttys--they know the place. On my first trip with IP, the driver picked me up at the little road where you get the rowboat to PK's Farm. LOL, not everyone knows where that is (you'll understand if you stay there).

If you do go to PK's, you absolutely MUST stay at least two days, pref'lly three. Any less than 2 and you'll kick yourself .

Another "homestay on an island" experience is at -i think it is called Emerald Isle, nr Alleppey. They get great reviews, i plan to stay there next time in Kerala (whenever that will be) and Faith of IP recommends them.



PK is "high end" but worth every rupee!!

is it a choice of Kanjirapally or PK? They aren't quite in the same area

lidboymk2

Thanks for your info, really useful. I love the sound of Philip Kuttys Farm. It is marked with Land P and at the moment we haven't decided on companies, but as you say IP could go there.
Thanks again for the info, it's just that we always want the best where possible. BOth quotes are similar, L and P a bit more for one less night. We just have to keep looking at it all, but all the help we can get is great. Thanks

CaliNurse

Lidboy, If you'd like to writhere other Keralan hotels or homestays you are considering, and if i have stayed at or know anything about htem, i will be glad to share that info--as will others on this forum.
PK is one of the most special places we have stayed at ever, anywhere. Philip died unexpectedly about ten yrs ago, and his wife Anu and mother carried on to keep his dream going. They've done a magnificent job