I have stayed in Kochi 6 times since 1975 when I first stayed in a run down hotel in the Fort Kochi area. Then Fort Kochi was almost deserted full of decaying buildings and a run down charm. Now of course it is the 'Hampstead' of India but it is a lovely comfortable place to stay. I hadn't been back since I was there just after the Tsunami but it is still as good as ever. This time I chose the Arches hotel on the basis of TA's reviews. I'm so glad I did. We arrived late in the evening, by taxi on the car ferry from Vypeen. We were garlanded on arrival, and the friendliness and hospitality of the staff were immediately apparent.
The room was very pleasant, a delightful old-fashionedness without overdoing it. There were 2 antimosquito machines in the room. The bathroom was a decent size with toothpaste and razor replaced daily. We ate dinner in the atmospheric rooftop restaurant twice: the food wasn't cheap but nor was it overpriced. The local Keralan dishes were excellent - and we were served terrific breads. Breakfast was included, European if no requests were made but on request we got terrific appam with vegetable stew one morning, as well as fine dosas.
There is a high quality laundry service, not too pricey for the standard of hotel. The staff were most helpful, down to the finding out the address of Soma (the Rajasthani clothes and furnishing chain) in Ernakulam.
The hotel is well situated in the heart of the tourist area, near St Francis Church. We had a wonderful stay - I can't wait to visit Kochi again

Situated in a quiet street we found this hotel to be better than expected. Our room was clean and very adequate. The view wasn't great but we were not in it during the day so it didn't really matter. The staff were very helpful. Breakfast was good and we also had a meal in the rooftop restaurant which was very good and well priced. i would definitely recommend this as a well priced place to stay in Fort Cochin

Arches is located in the heart of Fort Cochin. It is a warm and cosy place. The places of interest in Fort Cochin are a stone's throw away from the hotel. We really liked our room very much, particularly the Indian sitting located close to the window. The interiors of the room were well done up. Room service was good and prompt. However, service in the roof top restaurant was slow. Food and beverage were tasty and we enjoyed very much. Sightseeing was very well organised by the hotel staff. We were given full guidance to plan our sightseeing. Hospitality by the staff was at its best. Mr. Godson did a great job for making it a comfortable stay for us. Keep it up!

Good Hotel and food, the only problem at least our room did not have a view as blocked and even the terrace restaurant is no great view. Service in restaurant takes time but the quality of food is excellent. Also although very near fort kochi