Padamadan homestay

I stayed at Padamadan Homestay for a couple of weeks, while I was attending a conference at the Grand Hyatt / Lulu Bolgatty Conference Centre up the road. It was a very pleasant stay, and I felt welcomed into Mani and Baby's home like a family member. Location: The homestay is situated in a quiet neighbourhood adjacent to the Hyatt. It is about a 10 minute walk to the main entrance, which includes a flat section of paved road and a slight uphill towards the Hyatt. I found the location very convenient, although I did end up taking an auto rickshaw most mornings due to the monsoon rains, which Mani helped organise. Staff: Mani and Baby were very warm, attentive hosts, and went out of their way to ensure that I was comfortable. As well as organizing an (electric!) rickshaw ride for me each morning, they offered recommendations for local spice shops, museums, coffee houses and restaurants, and helped me organize a pharmacy visit at short notice. In addition to being helpful hosts, Mani and Baby were kind, open, and genuine people. It was a pleasure to meet them, and to feel welcomed into their world. Facilities: The house itself is well-maintained with a lovely white facade and potted purple bougainvilleas across the fence. The room I stayed in had a double bed (it was firm, and I found it comfortable); a couple of chairs; a bedside table with a lamp; a cupboard with some clothes hangers, and a small table with some cutlery and crockery. They also provided an iron and ironing board, and hair dryer. There was also a little 'kitchen' area with a kettle, cups and teabags. They offered to bring milk if required. The bathroom had a shower, toilet, sink and small shelf for toiletries (soap, shampoo and dental kit provided). There was a reverse cycle air conditioner and ceiling fan, which kept the room cool. Overall the facilities were simple and adequate, which was what I expected from a homestay. Value for money: Absolutely.

While there were some shortfalls, I found they were more than made up for by the advantages of staying with a local family. Shortfalls for me: Wifi I couldn't connect to the wifi. However, there is more I could have done in an effort to connect, and Mani offered to help with this. Instead I opted to use international roaming on my phone, and the internet at the conference centre. Shower I didn't get hot water from the shower. However, I never mentioned this to Mani or Baby, as the weather was so hot that I didn't mind. I'm sure that if I had mentioned it they would have either shown me what I was doing wrong, or fixed it. Facilities Long days at the conference meant that I had little time to exercise. Staying at a hotel with access to a gym would make it easier to maintain a fitness regime. Ultimately, Padamadan Homestay is not a luxury hotel, and it exceeded my expectations of a homestay.

Great stay in this guesthouse thanks to Mr Padamadan, who will do everything to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Good cleanliness, functional wifi and AC, quiet location on Bolgatty Island. Mr. Padamadan is available and answers really fast.

no shower tray in the bathroom. The location could be better marked, but there is a small sign in front of the house.

Nice cute home stay. Great Hospitality

Friendly and helpful hosts, very clean room and bathroom, comfortable bed, perfectly working air conditioning, convenient location to attend conferences at Hyatt (3 minutes' walk).

Could not take breakfast as I had to leave early Excellent hosts. Both Mr & Mrs Padmanabh are very nice & friendly got to experience Kerela Hospitality first hand with them will stay again with them if er get to visit Kochi again(

There wasn't anything we didn't like!

The hosts made all efforts to make my stay very comfortable. I simply loved the wonderful homely breakfast that aunty made. The room was spotlessly clean as well.