Hailed as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cosmopolitan city and the financial capital of Kerala. The city is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India and is also a vital commercial port. Kochi traded in spices with Dutch, Arabs and Portuguese as early as the 18th century which explains its unique mix of culture and tradition. Once characterized by charming Chinese fishing nets and winding by lanes of Jew Town, today the city is a bustling metropolis and a major IT hub. Kochi is frequently featured in “Places to Visit in A Lifetime” lists due to its historical monuments and unique culture. If you are planning a visit to the city, here are the top rated budget hotels where you can rent a clean and comfortable room without breaking the bank.
Fort House
A charming property with rooms arranged a central garden, Fort House is often rated as one of the best budget hotels in Kochi. The highlight of the hotel is the in house restaurant that serves freshly prepared, delicious local food. Guests can dine at the restaurant or enjoy their meal sitting by the jetty overlooking the tranquil river. The hotel is centrally located and is close to all major sightseeing spots. The staffs are polite and will help with anything that will make your stay a pleasant and comfortable one. Guests are also treated to a relaxing ayurvedic massage at the in house spa. This is also one of the few hotels in Kochi to offer unlimited free wi-fi.
BTH Sarovaram
A good option for solo travellers and backpackers looking for a traditional and affordable hotel. The hotel is located around 10 minutes from the railway station and is close to the major shopping hubs. Guests are served complimentary breakfast comprising of traditional kerala delicacies. BTH Sarovaram is one of the few hotels in the city to introduce the concept of a capsule room and also to house a swimming pool. The hotel will also arrange cab rental for sightseeing and airport drop at reasonable rates. The sole drawback is that the hotel is far off from the Fort Kochi area, which is the prime tourist spot.
Yuvarani Residency
A centrally located hotel that is close to the major shopping and business hubs. This Kochi hotel offers clean and spacious rooms with modern furnishings and amenities. The staffs are friendly and guests are treated to a delicious complimentary breakfast from the in house restaurant. The hotel's location on MG Road and the proximity to the south junction railway station are added advantages. Guests can access wi-fi by paying Rs.100 for 6 hrs, which is fairly reasonable. The best part about this hotel in Kochi is that the owner personally greets and welcomes the guests.
Palm Grove Service Villa
This Kochi hotel has garnered rave reviews and is the recipient of several travel and hospitality awards. The rooms are located amidst lush landscape where the chirping birds create a tranquil and relaxing ambiance. The hotel resembles a forest resort right in the heart of the city which makes for a unique experience. The Lulu Mall is a few minutes walk from the hotel while the railway station is around 12 km away. There is no in house restaurant but guests can get food delivered from nearby restaurants.
Martin Wynn
