Lily Jones

Old Harbour Hotel

  • Where:
  • Why:A few lazy days in India after a long work trip to Kerala.
  • When:February 2014
  • Who:Just me staying in the hotel, hanging out with friends living locally.
>
Old Harbour Hotel Morning swim time.

Morning swim time.

Old Harbour Hotel Ancient trees shelter the courtyard.

Ancient trees shelter the courtyard.

Old Harbour Hotel Sunlight filtering through the trees over the lily pond in the <br data-src=

Sunlight filtering through the trees over the lily pond in the
garden courtyard.

Old Harbour Hotel The hotel is peppered with gorgeous restored features like this lovely fountain.

The hotel is peppered with gorgeous restored features like this lovely fountain.

Old Harbour Hotel Some of the rooms across the pond.

Some of the rooms across the pond.

Old Harbour Hotel All of the rooms at the hotel are named after streets in Fort Kochi - I was in 'Lily'!

All of the rooms at the hotel are named after streets in Fort Kochi - I was in 'Lily'!

Old Harbour Hotel Jasmine flowers strewn on the bed perfume the room.

Jasmine flowers strewn on the bed perfume the room.

Old Harbour Hotel Imagine my squeals of delight when this phone started ringing!

Imagine my squeals of delight when this phone started ringing!

Old Harbour Hotel My outdoor shower in the sunshine.

My outdoor shower in the sunshine.

Old Harbour Hotel Lovely outdoor dining area.

Lovely outdoor dining area.

Old Harbour Hotel The pool under the paper stars by night.

The pool under the paper stars by night.

Old Harbour Hotel Old Harbour Hotel - the security have the strongest look in town!

Old Harbour Hotel - the security have the strongest look in town!

Highs & Lows

  • The history and heritage of the place is in everything from the building to the gracious service, food and ambience, amounting to a seductive illusion of living in a glorious, bygone time.

  • The outdoor restaurant and pool space is decadent and relaxed… you feel as if you could take your shoes off and drink champagne or dress up for dinner and then jump in the pool for a swim under the stars (both real and pretty paper). At night, the live music is subtle and creates a magical atmosphere and by day the glorious ancient trees, picturesque lily pond and exotic fruit growing in the courtyard make it hard to leave to explore anything else.

  • Morning yoga on the rooftop followed by fresh squeezed organic juice, cut fruit, delicious dosas and a swim.

  • Outdoor showers under the moon or in the sunshine.

  • Cassava chips and sparkling local wine in the afternoon.

  • The food, while delicious and fresh, could be more of an event. Although, I believe they have this in mind and are currently looking for a new chef.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 43/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Restored heritage boutique hotel.

  • Vibe

    Relaxed decadence that harks back to a bygone era. Simple pleasures on a grand scale, exercised with charm, ease and grace.

  • Location

    In the heart of Fort Kochi, the sleepy majestic port town of Kochi, with easy access to all the best spots in FK.

  • Rooms

    13

  • Music

    Live, classical Indian music poolside by the restaurant each night.

  • Year Opened

    A 300 year old building, originally designed for and serving as the first hotel in Kochi, was later restored to its original intended purpose & reopened as a hotel in 2006, after 3 years of restoration.

  • Designed By

    The architect Karl Damschen, a specialist in restoration of ancient buildings.

  • Health & Wellness

    Outdoor pool, free rooftop yoga every morning and spa on the roof.

  • Restaurant

    Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Fresh juice, fresh locally sourced fruit, vegetables and excellent fish. A simple, traditional menu with good local flavours and a few standout dishes as well as some lovely homemade ice creams.

  • Bar

    No bar but drinks are served by the pool, in the outdoor area, restaurant or rooms.

  • Children

    I’d say leave them, but they are welcome too.

  • Price

    Affordable luxury.

  • Tel.

    +0091 484 2218006

Dinner at Malabar House

Dinner at Malabar House

Malabar House, Gopala Prabhu Road, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

stroll along the beach

stroll along the beach

Kochi Beach View, River Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, India

Seagull

Seagull

Hotel Seagull, Kochi, Kerala, India

Old Harbour Hotel

Old Harbour Hotel

Malabar House, Gopala Prabhu Road, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Share this Hotel

More AHL

JaipurIndia

The Johri

by Smita Lasrado

“If God is in the details, then The Johri is God”

CoorgIndia

Evolve Back, Coorg

by Amulya Hiremath

“A little slice of Kodava living with exceptional hospitality”

UttarakhandIndia

Ananda

by Allison Reiber DiLiegro

“Totally blissed out Himalayan hideaway.”

GoaIndia

Siolim House

by Greg De Roeck

“17th century Indo-Portugese colonial palace.”

Abode Mumbai

by Alex Tieghi-Walker

“Colonial-Indian-boho hybrid.”

JodhpurIndia

Raas

by Lara Southern

“Minimalist industrial with a modern and trendy ambiance.”