Kalathil Lake Resort

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what’s funny about Kalathil Lake Resort? It’s one of those places that looks amazing in photos, but when you actually get there, you realize the pictures didn’t quite capture what you’re walking into. I mean, it’s technically a 5-star property, and you can see they’ve put money into the landscaping and the buildings, but honestly – that 5.9 rating starts making sense pretty quickly.

The location north of Kumarakom is actually pretty sweet if you know the area. Being near the Indo American Hospital might sound weird to mention, but it’s actually a decent landmark when you’re trying to explain to auto drivers where you’re going. The thing is, Kalathil sits right on the backwaters, and when the weather’s good, those views are genuinely gorgeous. I spent a good chunk of my first morning just watching the traditional boats drift by – there’s something hypnotic about it. The resort has this sprawling layout with individual cottages scattered around, which sounds romantic until you realize you’re doing a lot of walking if you forget something in your room and need to get back to the restaurant.

But here’s the thing – and I don’t want to sound too harsh because the staff really does try – there are these little details that just feel… off for a place charging 5-star prices. The AC in my cottage took forever to actually cool things down (and trust me, you need it in Kerala’s humidity), and the Wi-Fi was pretty spotty, especially in the evenings when everyone was trying to upload their backwater photos. The food was hit or miss too. Their fish curry was actually fantastic – clearly made by someone who knows Kerala cuisine – but some of the continental dishes felt like they were trying too hard. I honestly think they’d be better off just focusing on the local specialties because those were genuinely good. The pool area gets pretty crowded during peak season, and since most guests seem to have the same idea about avoiding the midday heat, you’re basically fighting for chairs between 4 and 6 PM. That said, if you can snag a spot early morning or late evening, it’s actually quite peaceful. One thing I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night – no traffic noise, just the occasional splash from the lake and maybe some night birds. The housekeeping was solid, and check-in was smoother than I expected. Look, if you’re expecting Taj-level service and perfection, you’ll probably be disappointed. But if you want a decent base for exploring the backwaters without staying in Kumarakom proper (which can get pretty touristy), and you’re okay with a few rough edges, it’s not a bad choice.