We arrived at the Chiramel Residency at 5am in the morning, after coming off an overnight train. We were tired, grumpy, and the taxi driver had no clue where it was! When we finally found it, were were shown to our room. The inside of the Residency was jaw dropping- lovely dark wood and elegant furnishings.

Our hopes lifted, and when we were shown our room....wow! Four poster bed-frame, very comfortable, pristine bathroom (and I mean pristine!!), AC, fan, LCD TV with full cable channels and .... is that free WiFi in the room?? It is!

We were so amazed and pleased, we changed our plans to stay one night and stayed three.

So- the room had everything you needed- space, comfort and utility. Breakfast, which was included in the price, was served in the area outside the room. They set it up on a nice dining table and knocked on the door when it was ready. Again, superb service.

Nothing was too much bother. There was even a laundry service, which we used for a large batch of clothes which needed washing. It took 24 hours and cost R450, which is about £6- they came back pressed and folded.

We weren't expecting this level of luxury for the price we paid, and indeed this trip was about backpacking around so we were prepared for some less luxurious places.

The staff were extremely helpful, and recommended lots of places to see and things to do- nothing was too much bother.

If I had to make a negative comment, it's very minor- they had second hand books on offer, but only to borrow and return. If they could turn this into a book exchange, would've been very nice. But, it's hardly a big deal.

All in all, if you are wondering whether to stay here- just do it. You won't regret it.

We stayed one night in Chiramel.I booked the room in advance and no payment was needed. We stayed in 2 rooms, both with extra beds for the children (not the folded ones but real comfortable single bed..)The place is very cosy, clean, quiet and friendly. I will certainly be there again next time and I recommend it highly.

We stayed here for 7 nights recently, two adults and a 4yr old child. We paid 2500rps for a large, bright and clean room in the new block. It was a lovely room and 300rps cheaper than one in the old part, which we found to be a bit gloomy. Breakfast came with the room and was served in a nice little common room down stairs, you had a choice of toast or cereal, eggs and tea or coffee, basic but nicely laid out and plentiful. The people who own and the staff are friendly and helpful, all in all a very nice place to stay.

I stayed in the Chiramel Residency for a few days and would really recommend it. It is in one of the old Malabar-style houses that are dotted around Fort Cochin, very central, and offers a couple of different room types depending on your budget. I was unfortunately on a tight budget so couldn't go for the gorgeous double room but even so the smaller single room I went for was clean, had a decent shower, a good temperature and satellite TV.

Best of all though was how at home the family who own Chiramel made me feel. They were always happy to arrange things like Ayurvedic massage treatments, a taxi when I needed one and they also have wifi and a wicked breakfast - I couldn't have asked for anything more!