Le Colonial

• 16th century former governor's residence
• Spacious, air conditioned rooms
• Garden with swimming pool and deck
• Walk to the Chinese fishing nets 
• Visit the Kerala Backwaters 
• Used in 'The Real Marigold Hotel' 2017

Open: Le Colonial is open all year.

Location: Le Colonial on Church Road next door to St Francis Church in Fort Kochi. It is 13kms from the railway station and 45kms from the airport.

Rooms: There are 8 rooms in total, comprising 2 grandrooms or suites: Viceroy and Jan Van Spall both on the first floor, and 6 rooms: Vasca da Gama (ground floor), Mahe de la Bourdonnais (first floor), Major Petrie (first floor), Tipu Sultan (ground floor), Aide de Camp (first floor) and J Thomas (first floor). Configurations are as follows: Viceroy 1 double bed, Jan Van Spall 2 queen beds, Vasa da Gama and Aide de Camp are twins, and the others are doubles. An extra bed can be added if space permits. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom with shower plus a bathtub for each suite, toiletries, bathrobes and a hairdryer. All rooms are air conditioned, have ceiling fans, Wi-Fi internet access, phone and safe. The 2 suites, Aide de Camp and J Thomas have balconies. Rooms are named after people who have played a prominent role in the history of Kochi (Cochin) and the building.

Activities: You can walk to the shore and see the Chinese fishing nets and chat to the fishermen. Other attractions within walking distance include the Indo-Portuguese Museum, the Kathakali Dancing Theatre. A little further away, easily reached by taxi or motor rickshaw, is the Paradesi synagogue in Jew Town. Hotel staff can arrange boat trips on the Kerala Backwaters and can organise a car and driver for sighseeing.

Facilities: The hotel has a lounge with a selection of board games, dining room, terrace, garden with an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck. Massages can be arranged on request. The hotel offers a laundry and dry cleaning service, payable locally. Within walking distance of the hotel there’s a yoga centre, an Ayurveda centre, a beauty salon, shops, restaurants, coffee shops and bars.

Dining: The room rate includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner, both 3 course meals. Full board is available at extra charge. There are compulsory gala dinners on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve each year. Soft drinks are available, but there are no alcoholic beverages.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Some rooms can take a third bed. Children’s meals and baby sitting can be arranged on request. Children under 4 years stay free of charge, those under 10 years pay half the adult rate.

Health: We recommend malaria prophylactics for travel to India.

Communication: There is free Wi-Fi internet access.

Notes: Tipu Sultan can accommodate guests with disabilities.

This is the hotel used in series 2 of the BBC's 'The Real Marigold Hotel'. '