Stayed 3 nights here during a 17 night tour of Southern India. Beautifully appointed with flowers everywhere and friendly, helpful staff. Great waterfront setting apart from the view of the docks, but even they look good at night when the lights are on. However there is nothing outside the hotel - it seems set among industrial units. Would recommend the complimentary sunset cruise (we also saw dolphins), but having to wear lifejackets was uncomfortable and a bit restricting for taking photos.

Attractive infinity pool but the water was on the chilly side. We had a room with a side view of the water which was lovely although the glass partition between bathroom and bedroom was a surprise, but there is an electronically controlled roller blind if you're shy!

Food was excellent - large choice from the buffet at breakfast and dinner. Complimentary afternoon tea with snacks and pastries on the waterfront terrace was very popular. Had one dinner in the Thai restaurant which was quite good but not exceptional - however it was nice to be served rather than help ourselves.

A lovely place to stay as long as you don't need shops/restaurants close by.

I had a wonderful leisurely stay at Taj Malabar, Cochin. I was in the new wing with wonderful views of the water from both windows. The hotel has wonderful amenities with a home theatre syatem attached to the LCD TV, a waterfront buffet for dinner, a restaurant in the shape of a boat called the rice boat, DVD library, etc. The hotel also provides a complmentary boat cruise. I would have loved to stay longer but unfortunately I was there for only one night. The service was also excellent and I had dinner in the Thai Pavilion which was also a culinary treat.

The best thing about this hotel is the BBQ every day. The setting is beautiful with White lanterns hanging from the trees and little tents/marquees. The service was excellent here and throughout the hotel. For £50 we had as much food as we wanted and it was the best food we had ever had. I actually had extra helpings of the fish and I don't ever eat fish at home. Puddings were amazing.

We booked the taj for our first 2 nights in Kerala before travelling and we are planning on going back there now for our last night too we loved it so much

I started searching for a boutique hotel but all were full and ended up at the Taj. Having stayed with this group throughout India I dont know why I doubted them, maybe it was the Vivanta prefix. Anyway the experience was superb with a style of service that is just brilliant. Lovely old world feel to the hotel, the only unfortunate part is the view of the container port is not the most attractive. We went to other highly ranked TA hotels for lunch and did not find them exceptional. India is a fantastic place but a couldn't really recommend Cochin. The Cochin city Taj was also very good.
Vincent