"Very disappointing – Not worth the money 0/5
We booked a one-night houseboat stay in the Kerala backwaters and unfortunately felt completely mis-sold.
On arrival, there was no communication. We were asked to pay extra for meals despite them being included in our booking. We were also put on a small boat and only told five minutes into the journey that an additional fee would be charged with no prior communication.
The houseboat was nothing like the advertisement. It was old and run-down with...
"Very disappointing – Not worth the money 0/5
We booked a one-night houseboat stay in the Kerala backwaters and unfortunately felt completely mis-sold.
On arrival, there was no communication. We were asked to pay extra for meals despite them being included in our booking. We were also put on a small boat and only told five minutes into the journey that an additional fee would be charged with no prior communication.
The houseboat was nothing like the advertisement. It was old and run-down with...
"Very disappointed coming from USA.
One towel for two people. If you take chicken for meal you were not allowed to get vegetarian potion. Never seen that before.
No activities on the boat. Not worth the price
Not worth the "
"Very disappointed coming from USA.
One towel for two people. If you take chicken for meal you were not allowed to get vegetarian potion. Never seen that before.
No activities on the boat. Not worth the price
Not worth the "
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
I had an excellent massage and we liked the novelty of canoeing down to the beach. The front of house staff were excellent however the restaurant was less so.
I had an excellent massage and we liked the novelty of canoeing down to the beach. The front of house staff were excellent however the restaurant was less so.
Xandari Pearl is a great Hotel for Marari Beach..it has pathway that goes straight to the beach. The room I had was a mini villa with a small garden and hammock. The only thing to be aware is that the toilet and shower is enclosed but open to the outdoors so may take getting used to. Also no TV in the room but wifi was fast and stable. Buffet breakfast was included which was very good, freshly made eggs and dosas every morning with a wide selection of local and international fare. There is not...
Xandari Pearl is a great Hotel for Marari Beach..it has pathway that goes straight to the beach. The room I had was a mini villa with a small garden and hammock. The only thing to be aware is that the toilet and shower is enclosed but open to the outdoors so may take getting used to. Also no TV in the room but wifi was fast and stable. Buffet breakfast was included which was very good, freshly made eggs and dosas every morning with a wide selection of local and international fare. There is not...
Anonymous traveller
Reviewed January 22, 2018Reviewed January 22, 2018
We took a 2 day houseboat from Alleppey booked through the resort (beware of cheaper houseboats that will disappoint you) and had the experience of a lifetime.It was simply amazing to be able to experience and share the daily lives of the people who live by the backwaters.
Our onboard chef catered for all our needs and was always going that extra mile.When we docked at the Resort the 5* service continued.Everyone should do this - you will never regret this journey.
I would however suggest...
We took a 2 day houseboat from Alleppey booked through the resort (beware of cheaper houseboats that will disappoint you) and had the experience of a lifetime.It was simply amazing to be able to experience and share the daily lives of the people who live by the backwaters.
Our onboard chef catered for all our needs and was always going that extra mile.When we docked at the Resort the 5* service continued.Everyone should do this - you will never regret this journey.
I would however suggest...
We loved our stay here. The restaurant was particularly good. We visited a couple of other hotels for dinner around the area but this was by far the best food.
The pool was amazing and very clean as were the rooms. All staff were great and we visited the spa too.
We loved our stay here. The restaurant was particularly good. We visited a couple of other hotels for dinner around the area but this was by far the best food.
The pool was amazing and very clean as were the rooms. All staff were great and we visited the spa too.
Anonymous traveller
Reviewed February 4, 2020Reviewed February 4, 2020
We enjoyed the resort. Some things were worn down, like the gym and the room doors, but the hotel made up for these problems with its beauty, swimming pool, delicious food and excursions (we had luck to take a canal trip at sunset and got to see a variety of exotic birds like a purple heron and several kinhfishers.) We were among very few foreign guests and really liled that.
We enjoyed the resort. Some things were worn down, like the gym and the room doors, but the hotel made up for these problems with its beauty, swimming pool, delicious food and excursions (we had luck to take a canal trip at sunset and got to see a variety of exotic birds like a purple heron and several kinhfishers.) We were among very few foreign guests and really liled that.
Manya
Reviewed September 20, 2026Reviewed September 20, 2026
A fantastic spot from which to explore the Kerala backwaters. The hotel organised a half-day Sikkara boat tour and for the remainder of our (too short) stay we relaxed by the pool and dined on the beach. Recommended!
A fantastic spot from which to explore the Kerala backwaters. The hotel organised a half-day Sikkara boat tour and for the remainder of our (too short) stay we relaxed by the pool and dined on the beach. Recommended!
Anonymous traveller
Reviewed February 20, 2017Reviewed February 20, 2017
We stayed four nights and had an amazing time. Sindhu looked after us and we did the daily boat trip and made use of the bikes to explore the area. The room was lovely and shower powerful and hot. Saila
In the restaurant was so lovely always helpful and always smiling nothing was too much trouble for her thank you. Ayyappan the pool man made sure we had towels and also arranged the kayaking for us and was very helpful and friendly man. We had a wonderful stay here and can not recommend the hotel...
We stayed four nights and had an amazing time. Sindhu looked after us and we did the daily boat trip and made use of the bikes to explore the area. The room was lovely and shower powerful and hot. Saila
In the restaurant was so lovely always helpful and always smiling nothing was too much trouble for her thank you. Ayyappan the pool man made sure we had towels and also arranged the kayaking for us and was very helpful and friendly man. We had a wonderful stay here and can not recommend the hotel...
Karen
Reviewed February 25, 2024Reviewed February 25, 2024
A beautiful property that is 160 years old staffed by lovely people. Everyone was helpful - especially with local attractions and booking boat tours. Breakfast was good.
The pool is good but could use a clean and currently there are no loungers - due to be replaced soon. The owners are building a restaurant on site which will be a great addition.
A beautiful property that is 160 years old staffed by lovely people. Everyone was helpful - especially with local attractions and booking boat tours. Breakfast was good.
The pool is good but could use a clean and currently there are no loungers - due to be replaced soon. The owners are building a restaurant on site which will be a great addition.
Stephen
Reviewed February 23, 2025Reviewed February 23, 2025
Its an amazing hotel tucked away facing the lake.
I loved the Aapams and the Mini Fishing Net.
The facilities needed to be updated such as A/C & The Shower Head
However it was a peaceful environment and the one room house boat was stunning
Its an amazing hotel tucked away facing the lake.
I loved the Aapams and the Mini Fishing Net.
The facilities needed to be updated such as A/C & The Shower Head
However it was a peaceful environment and the one room house boat was stunning
Anonymous traveller
Reviewed September 2, 2015Reviewed September 2, 2015
This hotel really is dreamy, the sat are incredibly helpful and the location is ideal.. we personally weren’t sure about staying overnight on a houseboat so this was the perfect conclusion.. a lovely hotel right on the backwaters.. the restaurant could be updated but still the food was lovely and the staff were really nice.. we both had massages which realistically weren’t the best we ever had as were in a very strange damp smelling room but still, it was an experience.. the room was amazing....
This hotel really is dreamy, the sat are incredibly helpful and the location is ideal.. we personally weren’t sure about staying overnight on a houseboat so this was the perfect conclusion.. a lovely hotel right on the backwaters.. the restaurant could be updated but still the food was lovely and the staff were really nice.. we both had massages which realistically weren’t the best we ever had as were in a very strange damp smelling room but still, it was an experience.. the room was amazing....
e
Reviewed February 1, 2018Reviewed February 1, 2018
We stayed for 13 nights in a detached villa which was next to the beach. From the time we arrived to our depature the service at Abad Turtle beach was 6*. The grounds are beautiful & it very peaceful the only sound coming from the birds & the sea! The butterfly garden is lovely & there is an abundance of wildlife such as Indian palm squirrels, various birds & fruit bats which you will see from 5pm. It was also fantastic to sea the Sea Eagles fishing off the beach. The food in the restaraunt...
We stayed for 13 nights in a detached villa which was next to the beach. From the time we arrived to our depature the service at Abad Turtle beach was 6*. The grounds are beautiful & it very peaceful the only sound coming from the birds & the sea! The butterfly garden is lovely & there is an abundance of wildlife such as Indian palm squirrels, various birds & fruit bats which you will see from 5pm. It was also fantastic to sea the Sea Eagles fishing off the beach. The food in the restaraunt...
Carol
Reviewed September 18, 2016Reviewed September 18, 2016
I recently stayed for a day on the Cost Houseboat in Alleppey, Kerala, and the experience was truly memorable. The stay was comfortable and well-organized, making for a delightful getaway on the scenic backwaters.The staff members were extremely helpful and courteous throughout the stay, ensuring that all our needs were promptly attended to. The meals served—lunch, dinner, and breakfast—were simple but delicious and hygienic. Although the menu did not offer many choices, the quality and taste of...
I recently stayed for a day on the Cost Houseboat in Alleppey, Kerala, and the experience was truly memorable. The stay was comfortable and well-organized, making for a delightful getaway on the scenic backwaters.The staff members were extremely helpful and courteous throughout the stay, ensuring that all our needs were promptly attended to. The meals served—lunch, dinner, and breakfast—were simple but delicious and hygienic. Although the menu did not offer many choices, the quality and taste of...
Lokesh
Reviewed December 31, 2025Reviewed December 31, 2025