Kumarakom Lake Resort

Kumarakom Lake Resort, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, offers a luxurious and enchanting retreat amidst the serene backwaters of Kumarakom, Kerala. Guests consistently praise its traditional charm, impeccable service, and breathtaking location, making it a highly recommended destination for those seeking a tranquil and authentic Kerala experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Kumarakom Lake Resort consistently garners exceptional reviews, with ratings around 9.4 out of 10 on various platforms. Guests frequently describe their stays as "wonderful," "exceptional," and even a "paradise on earth." The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a blend of traditional elegance and modern luxury that creates a truly memorable experience. Its selection as a Michelin Key property further underscores its excellence in hospitality and unique offerings.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly captivated by several aspects of the resort:

• Stunning Location & Design: The resort's setting on the banks of Vembanad Lake, sprawling across 25 acres of lush greenery, with traditional Kerala architecture, is a major draw. The presence of canals flowing through the resort adds to its picturesque appeal.
• Exceptional Service: The staff's friendliness, attentiveness, and personalized service are consistently lauded by visitors.
• Unique Amenities: The meandering swimming pool, direct pool access from certain villas, a large infinity pool overlooking the lake, and an Ayurvedic spa (Ayurmana) are highly appreciated.
• Engaging Activities: Complimentary sunset cruises, village walks, pottery workshops, and the traditional Kerala tea shop offer unique cultural experiences.

3. Room Quality

The rooms, villas, and suites at Kumarakom Lake Resort are designed to blend Kerala's traditional architecture with luxurious modern comforts. They are generally described as spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable.

• Traditional Aesthetics: Rooms feature wooden ceilings and Asian-style furnishings, with carefully selected decor creating an atmosphere of refined elegance.
• Variety of Accommodation: Options include Luxury Pavilion Rooms (560 sq ft, garden view), Meandering Pool Villas (603 sq ft with direct pool access), and Heritage Villas with Private Pool. The Presidential Suite even includes its own private infinity pool.
• Modern Comforts: All rooms are air-conditioned and include amenities such as cable TV, a safe, minibar, and tea/coffee making facilities. Many villas feature semi-open bathrooms, offering an open-air bathing experience.
• Houseboats: Guests can also opt for a unique stay on a houseboat, which is described as comfortable and private.
• Minor Criticisms: Some guests have mentioned older rooms appearing somewhat small and dark, and occasional issues with air conditioning or jacuzzis not working in specific villas.

4. Dining Experience

Kumarakom Lake Resort offers a diverse culinary journey through its three dining venues:

• Ettukettu: This multi-cuisine restaurant, an architectural marvel built from a dismantled heritage structure, serves a wide buffet spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It features local Kerala, Chinese, Continental, North Indian, and Mughlai dishes. Specialties include Syrian Christian Duck Roast, Karimeen Pollichathu, and various appams. Guests praise the delicious food and the extensive breakfast buffet.
• Vembanad Seafood Bar: Located on the quiet backwaters, this restaurant offers fresh seafood and beautiful sunset views, providing a romantic dining experience.
• Thattukada Tea Shop: A traditional Kerala tea shop where guests can enjoy a cup of tea in a garden setting, often featuring local artisans making "1m tea".
• Overall Quality: The food quality is consistently rated as excellent, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Kumarakom Lake Resort are among its most highly praised attributes. Guests frequently use terms like "impeccable," "attentive," "friendly," "cooperative," and "warm hospitality."

• Personalized Care: Staff are noted for going "above and beyond" to ensure a fantastic stay, making guests feel like family. They are responsive to requests, such as preparing special meals for children.
• Efficiency: Issues are addressed promptly, as noted by a guest whose AC was quickly attended to.
• Longevity: Many employees have worked at the resort for a long time, contributing to a consistently high level of service.

6. Location & Accessibility

The resort boasts an excellent location on the serene banks of Vembanad Lake in the Kottayam district of Kerala, offering breathtaking backwater views.

• Natural Beauty: The property is surrounded by lush gardens, canals, and coconut trees, creating a tranquil environment.
• Attractions: It is ideally located near several attractions, including the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall. Backwater boat rides are a popular activity.
• Transport: Kumarakom Lake Resort is approximately 70-72 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), with an average travel time of about 2 hours. Taxis and private car hires are readily available, and the resort offers shuttle services for an additional charge (or complimentary for Presidential Suite guests).

7. Value & Pricing

Kumarakom Lake Resort is considered a luxury property, and its pricing reflects that. While it is on the higher end, many guests feel it offers "exceptional value for money" due to the unparalleled experience it provides.

• Average Price: The average room rate in the past month was around INR 66,980.47 (approximately $409 USD), significantly higher than the city's average of INR 10,886.87 (approximately $156 USD).
• Worth the Cost: Despite the steep price for India, guests frequently state that the location, amenities, and overall experience make it worthwhile for a special treat.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor and occasional complaints include:

• Wi-Fi Issues: Some guests have noted that Wi-Fi coverage and speed could be improved.
• Maintenance: Isolated incidents of maintenance issues have been reported, such as leaking bathroom ceilings, non-working jacuzzis in older rooms, or AC not cooling properly, though these were often attended to by staff.
• Water Hyacinth: Overgrowth of water hyacinth at the jetty has sometimes disrupted speedboat rides and sunset cruises.
• Privacy Concerns: One guest mentioned receiving junk emails after their stay, raising privacy concerns.
• Safety Concern: A notable but seemingly isolated complaint involved a snake entering a bathroom in a ground floor villa, which a guest felt the staff handled too casually.

Sources

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