Best Hotels Kerala & Best Kerala Houseboats

Our core mission when finding you the best hotels in the Kerala backwaters:

Design – We believe you should sleep somewhere that inspires you – No matter your budget.
Unique – No cookie cutter rooms. Always feel like you are somewhere new and exciting.
Near Good Food – Whether in the hotel itself, or very nearby. Your tastebuds need satisfaction!

Where are the BEST places to stay in the Kerala backwaters?

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

The most popular area in Kerala for tourist to visit. It is often called the Venice of the East due to the canals that connect it to Kerala’s famous backwaters.

Kollam

The quieter option, Kollam has been a popular trading port for thousands of years. Because of this you will see influences from Christian, Muslim and Hindu religions and also Chinese and European influences from days gone by.

Kochi

Take a boat all the way to Alleppey. Or go by bus. Kochi is a great attraction in itself and is the financial capital of Kerala. Kochi has a cosmopolitian culture, highly influenced by it’s previous trading partners of Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, Chinese, and Japanese descent.

Varkala

Varlala is a place to chill out and escape the hustle and bustle of India. Nestled along a cliff face you can enjoy beautiful scenery, clean beaches that you can swim in, and a great choice of restaurants offering both local and international dishes. A day trip to the backwaters of Kollam is easy from Varkala

Airport Transfers

Travel in air conditioned comfort at the time of your choosing. Don’t worry about public transport or haggling with taxi drivers. Be greeted at the airport and driven to your hotel in style and comfort with a pre booked private transfer.

Click HERE for Kochi Prices

Best Kerala Backwaters Hotels Menu:

Houseboats (All Prices)
Boutique / Design Hotels (Mid to Luxury)
Hotels For Foodies (All Prices)
Shoestring (Less Than $40 USD)
Quality On A Budget ($40 – $70)
Mid Range ($70 – $150 )
Splurge & Luxury ($150 +)

Look out for the Top Pick stamp to find out which are our all time favourite hotels in Kerala Backwaters.

KERALA HOUSEBOATS

Want to sleep on the water? Some of the most stylish and quality choices.

Xandari Riverscapes

Where to book: Booking.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

2 bedroom houseboat starting from $367 USD per night

Why you’ll love it: This luxurious houseboat offers its guests spacious rooms with attached bathrooms to every suit. Enjoy Kerala style meals at the onboard restaurant as you sail along the Vembanad Lake.

Location: Near Pallathuruthy Bridge, 688003 Alleppey, India

Our Houseboat

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting from $125 USD per night

Why you’ll love it: Enjoy stunning lake views from this traditional houseboat. The included breakfast has Continental, Vegetarian, Halal and Gluten-free options available.

Location:Karimbavalavu, Punnapira, 688004 Alleppey, India

Raviz Mahayana – Premium House Boat (Kollam)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com

Double rooms starting $194 USD per night

Why you’ll love it: One of the only boats we’ve noticed that feature wi-fi onboard! Rooms also come with a TV, DVD player and movie collection for after the sun goes down.

Location: Thevally Mathilil P.O. , 691601 Kollam, India

BOUTIQUE & DESIGN HOTELS

Ignite Your Senses By Staying In A Hotel Full Of Artistic Wonders

Deshadan Backwater Resort (Alleppey)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting from $82 USD per night

Why you’ll love it:

Spread across 1.5 acres of landscaped ground, Deshadan Backwater Resort is situated on the bank of Vembanad Lake. It features an indoor swimming pool and a spa. Free in-room Wi-Fi access and complimentary private parking is provided.

The resort is only a 45-minute drive from Kottayam city and a 30-minute drive to the coastal beach. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located about 15 km away.

Air-conditioned rooms come with tea/coffee making facilities, a personal safe, a flat-screen satellite TV and a minibar. En suite bathrooms offer hot rainshower facilities and free toiletries.

The in-house restaurant serves South Indian, Indian and Chinese cuisines. Room service is provided.

Location:Kayipuram, Muhamma PO, 688525 Alleppey, India

HOTELS FOR FOODIES

Stay & Eat – Why Go Further When The Best Food Is Right At Your Fingertips

Raheem Residence (Alleppey)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting from $83 USD per night

Why you’ll love it: This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Located just 50 m from the scenic Alleppey Beach, the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and wellness centre and multi-cuisine restaurant offering sea view. Free WiFi is available in public areas.

The spacious rooms offer air-conditioning, wardrobe and dining table. The attached bathrooms are equipped with a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries.

Chakara, the in-house restaurant, serves regional, Indian, Chinese and continental delights. Room service can be requested for in-room dining comforts.

Location: XX/1100, Beach road, 688012 Alleppey, India

SHOESTRING HOTELS / GUESTHOUSES

Acceptable For The Price – Save Your Money For Food

Lovedale Lakeside Homestay (Alleppey)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Price: $27 For Double Room

Why you’ll love it: At Lovedale Lakeside Homestay you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and a shared kitchen. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, luggage storage and a children’s playground. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling, fishing and diving. The property offers free parking.

Location: Pulickel chirayil , Puthanangadi , Varanam P.O, 688555 Alleppey, India

Royal Beach Abode (Kochi)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Price: $37 For Double Bed Room. (Private bathroom available)

Why you’ll love it: Located in Cochin, 8 km from Kochi Biennale, Royal Beach Abode features a children’s playground and a private beach area. The homestay has a sun terrace and views of the sea, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free WiFi is provided and free private parking is available on site.

Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Certain units feature a seating area to relax in after a busy day. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom equipped with a hot tub and bath.

Location: Kuttappasseril House, Cheriyakadavu Kannamaly, 682008 Cochin, India

Harisree Residency (Kollam)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Price: $26 For Standard Double Room.

Why you’ll love it: Offering a fitness centre and a tennis court, Harisree Residency is located in Kollam. Free WiFi access is available.

Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and bathrobes. Extras include a seating area and satellite channels.

Location: Perumpuzha P.O,Kollam, 691504 Kollam, India

Palm Tree Heritage (Varkala)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Price: $29 For Standard Double Room. (Breakfast included)

Why you’ll love it: Sitting on a sandy stretch of private beach, Palm Tree Heritage in Varkala offers charming sea-facing rooms. Aside from yoga lessons and Ayurvedic massage, guests can dine at the on-site restaurant.

Featuring wooden fittings and a private balcony, air-conditioned rooms all come with a personal safe. En suite bathrooms are equipped with a bathtub and hot-water showers.

Location: Odayam Beach, Edava , 695311 Varkala, India

QUALITY ON A BUDGET HOTELS

Fantastic Bang For Your Buck

Hotel Bonanza (Alleppey)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting from $47 USD per night. (Go ahead and try the deluxe double room)

Why you’ll love it: Hotel Bonanza is set in Alleppey, 4.1 km from Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.

Every room has a flat-screen TV. Some rooms include a seating area where you can relax. The rooms include a private bathroom.

Location: NH 47, Main Road, Paravoor Junction, Alappuzha, Kerala, 688014 Alleppey, India

Fort Abode (Kochi)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting from $44 USD per night. (Breakfast included)

Why you’ll love it: This property is 8 minutes walk from the beach. Conveniently located in the heart of historic Fort Cochin, Fort Abode features an outdoor swimming pool. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property.

Fitted with tiled flooring, all air-conditioned rooms come with a flat-screen cable TV, a writing desk and ironing facilities. The private bathroom includes shower facilities.

Location: 1/1529 Kottavalappu,Fort Kochi, 682001 Cochin, India

The Quilon Beach Hotel and Convention Center (Kollam)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting $49 USD per night. (Enjoy the perfect view of the sea!)

Why you’ll love it: This property is 2 minutes walk from the beach. The Quilon Beach Hotel & Convention Center is located at Kollam, facing Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. The luxurious hotel offers spa facilities and a swimming pool.

The cosy rooms of Quilon Beach enjoy spectacular sea views and are fitted with satellite flat-screen TV. Each room has en suite bathroom with grooming kits and bathrobes.

Location: Beach Road, Near Kollam beach, 691006 Kollam, India

Tropical Crest (Varkala)

Where to book: Booking.com

Double rooms starting $51 USD per night

Why you’ll love it: Set in the Varkala Beach district in Varkala, 900 m from Janardhanaswamy Temple, Tropical Crest features an outdoor pool and views of the garden. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parking is available on site.

All rooms have a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms have a seating area to relax in after a busy day. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. Each room comes with a private bathroom equipped with a bath.

Location: North Cliff End, Thiruvambadi Beach,, 695141 Varkala, India

MID RANGE HOTELS

Comfortable Without Breaking The Bank

Vembanad House Boutique Back Water Homestay (Alleppey)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting from $88 USD per night. (The family suite is best suited for large groups)

Why you’ll love it: Vembanad House Boutique Back Water Homestay is located on the bank of the Vembanad lake. Traditional Kerala food sourced from local markets is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Free WiFi access is available in this homestay.

The air-conditioned accommodation will provide you with a balcony facing the lake. The private bathrooms also come with a bath and a shower. Extras include a desk, a safety deposit box and bed linen.

Location: Puthankayal Muhamma.p.o, 688525 Alleppey, India

Trident Cochin (Kochi)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting from $83 USD per night. (Try the deluxe double room)

Why you’ll love it: Ayurvedic spa treatments, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre are offered at Trident Cochin, a 5-star property on Willingdon Island. Guests can dine at the 4 on-site restaurants or order food through 24-hour room service. A daily Continental breakfast is also available. Complimentary WiFi is available in all rooms.

Enjoying garden or pool views, the air-conditioned guestrooms and suites are equipped with a satellite TV and minibar. Suites include a separate living room. En suite bathrooms come with a bathtub.

Location: Bristow Road, Willingdon Island, 682003 Cochin, India

Saha Yathri Tours (Kollam)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting $147 USD per night. (Max 3 people)

Why you’ll love it: Featuring air conditioning, Saha Yathri Tours is set in Kollam, 2.4 km from Thangassery Light House. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 58 km from Saha Yathri Tours.

Location: Opposite KSRTC Bus Station, Jetty Road, Kollam, Kerala State, 691001 Kollam, India

B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort (Varkala)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting $125 USD per night

Why you’ll love it: This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Set in Varkala, 4 km from Janardhanaswamy Temple, B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort features a restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. The resort has an outdoor pool and views of the sea, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free private parking is available on site.

Each room at this resort is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms have a seating area where you can relax. You will find a kettle in the room. Rooms come with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.

Location: Sree Eight, Edava P.O, 695311 Varkala, India

SPLURGE

Go On! Spoil Yourself

Xandari Pearl (Alleppey)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting from $274 USD per night. (The white pearl room is the place to be)

Why you’ll love it: Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Marari Pearl is located just 100 m from the scenic Marari Beach. Free WiFi access is available in this resort.

The accommodation will provide you with air conditioning and a minibar. Featuring bathrobes, private bathroom also comes with free toiletries and slippers. Extras include a desk, bed linen and a fan.

Location: Beach Road, Arattukulam Junction, Mararikulam North P.O, S L Puram, Alleppey- 688 549, Kerala, India, 688549 Mararikulam, India

Aquatic Floating Resort (Kochi)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting from $220 USD per night

Why you’ll love it: Famous as India’s first floating resort, Aquatic Floating Resort boasts a floating swimming pool, a spa and wellness centre and a fitness centre. Free WiFi access is available in this resort.

At Aquatic Floating Resort you will find a restaurant. Other facilities offered at the property include water sports facilities, a games room and a ticket service. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling and fishing. The property offers free parking.

Location: 4-630 A, Puthankary, Kumbalangi PO, Cochin, 682007 Cochin, India

The Gateway Hotel Varkala (Varkala)

Where to book: Agoda | Booking.com | Hotels.com

Hear what others think: Tripadvisor Reviews

Double rooms starting $169 USD per night

Why you’ll love it: This property is 4 minutes walk from the beach. With its prime cliff-top location, Gateway Varkala offers peaceful retreats with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Featuring an outdoor pool with sunken bar, it is a 7-minute stroll from Kappil Beach.

The Gateway Hotel Varkala is a short drive from the famous 2000 year-old Janardhanaswamy Temple and 2.5 km from Varkala Railway Station. It is about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Thiruvananthapuram City.

Location: Janardhanapuram, 695141 Varkala, India