We had a really super holiday – so thanks for organising this package
for us. Generally, we thought the package was spot on, taking us to
the right places and there was just the right amount to do each day,
without being too over-extended. And Mathew was always ready to take
us for more sightseeing if we wanted. It would have been very
difficult for us to have organised to see so much on our own.
The places we stayed in were also just the right style and type for
this holiday. Basic, but clean and most importantly, they gave a
taste of India and the staff were so helpful in all locations.
I hope the format of this summary is ok.
GENERAL COMMENTS
Mathew - lovely person – looked after us very well. Punctual. Well
organised and quite accurate in estimated journey times.
Showed us round us lots places. Accommodated many of our requests. V
helpful.Good driver - felt quite safe on the roads. Most importantly,
he always had a schedule ready for us, which we could then add to or
take away from, depending on how much we wanted to see.
Fort House and the Travancore - we had to wait for an extra bed to be
brought to the room. At the Travancore they tried to give us what
looked like an old sunbed - but we asked for a proper bed.
Anil called most days to check we were ok. Much appreciated.
SCHEDULE
Very good. The original schedule to go to Munaar after Cochin would
have been better as it would have saved a bit of travelling time.
2 days in each place was just about enough time to see the most
important sights.
Fort House
Good location. V friendly staff. Good breakfast. Evening meal was good
too. A bit noisy from the neighbouring hotel next door, but the aircon
drowned out the noise.
Wildernest
My favourite hotel. Very clean. Spacious room and bathroom. Super
location. Friendly staff. Monkeys amused us though they were a
nuisance on our terrace.
Olive Brook
Super location. the first night we slept in a very damp, musty room -
the one on the far end with no windows in the bedroom. even the bed
was damp. We complained and were moved to the room near the dining
area - which was much better. V friendly staff. Organised a walk for
us and 2 cookery lessons. Delicious food. Bathroom could have been
cleaner - needs a lick of white paint to brighten it up.
Houseboat
What an amazing experience. Loved the trip. Boat was basic - could
have been a bit cleaner especially the bathroom. Rajesh and the crew
looked after us very well. Delicious food.
Travancore Heritage
Friendly staff. Good location. Beach was rather dirty. Good food.
Travel to airport was efficient. Nice way to end a busy holiday.
Hotels in general were not too generous with toilet paper, this is of
course a minor comment. Also a bit more detail to the general
housekeeping would really bring up the standard for not much effort or
cost;
Cleaning - could be a bit more thorough, just going over surfaces with
a damp cloth to remove all dust.
Airing - Air out the rooms more, so they smell fresher.
Towels - Some of these looked a bit old and had some old stains.
Bedding and pillows - In a couple of places, eg. Olive Brook were a
bit old, stained and not so fresh smelling.
These are not complaints from our side, rather comments to help the
places improve. Small details, but could make all the difference.
Please pass on our thanks to Mathew, Rajesh and Anil. They did a grand
job.
When are you travelling out to India? I would like to send a thank you
card to you with photos to pass on to the Mathew and Rajesh.
Kasia, Mark and Monika
