Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa, Kerala

View n live music n staff

Size of room. Food

Taj Wayanad has the best views that one can imagine. The view itself is probably worth half the price and that’s why I had booked the room with a lake view, but at check in they claimed I had booked a cottage. I didn’t want to argue and the cottage was nice but didn’t have the lake view I had paid for which the rooms from the higher floors of the hotel allow you. The other reason I had booked a room with a lake view was to stay within the main building to avoid the rains during visits to the restaurant. But since they moved me to the cottage I had to walk in the rain with my family for every meal (since it was peak monsoon). But most of the walks were pleasant enough when it wasn’t raining. There are a couple of buggies but they weren’t always available when needed. Another high point was the food and the restaurant staff. Each meal was delicious (pre booking all meals is highly recommended) and the staff were very friendly(though the occasional puri, kabaabs etc. we ordered never came!). The room was clean and beautifully furnished, as expected of a Taj property. Staff behavior varied from individual to individual, which was odd. In particular, Ganesh at the restaurant took great care of us.

As other reviewers had warned me, I realised there’s very little to do inside the property. It’s a lovely place to rest and relax or if you are going to spend the day sightseeing. But it doesn’t have the usual entertainment facilities you expect in a 5 star resort. With very little investment they can easily add some more board games (they have carrom, TT and air hockey; the pool table was closed on our second day; the foosball didn’t work), video games, kids play area, a movie theatre, bicycles, evening entertainment etc. These are all available at other Taj resorts but not in this one. A resort must be a destination in itself or else how will you attract guests? Surely not to pay 5 star prices just to go out sight seeing? If you can’t keep kids engaged, how do you expect parents to visit the spa or the bar (which we were repeatedly told has the best view but we couldn’t access it since kids are not allowed) or the gym? Or perhaps, families are not your target customers. I don’t know but the management has to figure it out.

Restaurants were very good. The food was great experience. Staff was very friendly. The bartender Anoop Singh was fantastic. Bibina was very helpful. They were a couple of waiters in Southern spice, who were also very friendly

Property has not been maintained well, I noticed that in the spa there was a lot of seepage which needs addressing. Also, 2 out of 4 days, we did not get hot water in the bathroom, and it would have been nice if we were informed about it .

Exotic and absolutely wonderful place to be. Monsoon rains added to the charm. Exceptional holiday and would definitely make another trip.

Nothing in particular

The location is absolutely stunning. The view from the balcony, the restaurant, the pool...all stunning. The food in the restaurant is very good.

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