We had a nice suite of rooms, and we were received with the greatest hospitality and helpfulnes. Abu Baker and his staff are wonderful people, making you feel "part of the family" from day one. No restaurant, but you can have your breakfast served in your room, and Mr. Baker runs a great restaurant closer to the beach. A very open-minded place, and we had some great talks with mr. Baker, who is a truly extraordinary person. This is the place if you want a family-like, relaxed place and can do without a bar and loud music.. With a possibility for self-catering it is an ideal place for long-time stays in Kerala.

We stayed in the Maharaja Suite Non A/C. For a family of 6 persons, this is a perfect retreat. The Asoka Beach is walkable ( around half Kilo meter). The path to the beach is not a paved one. but in the daytime when it is not raining, it 's good to take a walk to this beach. The Eve's beach is 1.5 Kms. We took auto rickshaws for Rs 30 oneway which is not that expensive. Eventhough the beach is not closeby, that is actually an advantage as the hotels near beach are kind of crowded with tourists. Fully equipped Kitchen helps you unwind with some cooking skills. There were some glitches getting hotwater in the tap. There were sometimes wood smoke smell ( may be somebody in the next house was cooking?).

Overall, it is an excellent place to stay. I would strongly recommend.

We recently stayed three nights at the Baker's Hotel. The manager and hotel staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Our room was large but basic, although we really were not wanting for anything. Breakfast was great. This hotel is about a 1-2 km walk to the beach.
Although we had a very pleasant experience here, next time we would likely stay directly on the beach.... probably at Sea Face.

Sea Face was slightly more expensive but had a great beach front view, fantastic restaurant, spa, and very nice rooms (either with airconditioning or not...your choice!)

However, if you are traveling as a family this hotel is likely the best bet for your money as you can get very inexpensive suites with two bedrooms, living room and (very basic) kitchen!

I found this accomodation excellent...it is far from a hostel...rooms serviced every day...hot showers....air con if required (no need if in cooler period as all rooms have fans and ample windows and balconies.

The accomodation is good for single travellers and families alike, would be a great alternative to more expensive digs as all rooms have kitchens etc.

The family who run the hotel live on site and are available as required for good local information or assistance with traveling arrangements to other destinations (info. accurate and honest)

The surrounding shops are great and the little cafe next door serves good breakfasts and can supply most products required.

Also nearby ISD phones and grocery store.

6 - 8 min walk from Kovalom Beach or 20 to 30 rp. auto rickshaw ride. The distance from the beach is actually a bonus as the beach area can get pretty hectic.

30min (10rps.) bus ride to Trivandrum for larger shopping trips or temple / palace visits.

All in all an excellent experience......would visit again.