The LaLit Resort & Spa Bekal

Vedant made our 2-day stay at The Lalit Bekal feel warm and comfortable. Whenever we went to the restaurant, he greeted us with a genuine smile. He was attentive and professional, and remembered our room number throughout the visit, so we never had to repeat it. His courtesy and personal touch made the stay more memorable. Please pass along our heartfelt thanks for his wonderful hospitality.

The property is large, the rooms are spacious, and there's an in-room Jacuzzi. The staff were courteous. But the stay didn't feel like luxury, despite booking a 2-night weekend getaway expecting that. The outdoor Jacuzzi was dirty and had no hot water. There was no hard liquor, and of the 6 beer options listed, they only had 2. The wine cocktails used run-of-the-mill ingredients. Breakfast didn't feel premium either: the Paneer Paratha had no paneer, and the olive oil was Olive Pomace oil. Bathrobes weren't in the room until we called. The buffet and menu both lacked the breadth and depth you'd expect. Overall, it didn't fit the bill.

Bird enthusiasts would enjoy the variety of birds, and there are lovely walkways and an activities room that suits all ages. You can get around the property with the buggy service, and the hammocks are placed in great spots. The beach access felt almost private, and it was clean, much like the backwaters. The water activities were well run, and the activities manager made them a great experience. The location is beautiful, and the rooms are clean, spacious, and well maintained, with a jacuzzi and separate balcony. The pool and other amenities were good, and the staff were all courteous and helpful. The children's park could be better maintained, though. The room floorboards creaked a bit, but I didn't find much else to complain about. Loved most things about it.

The food and service were highlights. Ashutosh gave thoughtful recommendations and attentive service, and the restaurant staff did everything they could to make us comfortable. Their Mutton biryani is a must-try, and the coconut cream dessert is one of the best I've tasted. Binay from the river activity team also made our time kayaking and fishing more enjoyable with his guidance. The property is expansive but never felt crowded, with direct access to both the beach and river and plenty to explore. The warmth of the staff, with their genuine smiles and friendly greetings, made us feel like family. Our stay at Lalit Bekal was one of the finest vacations we've had. It was so memorable that we wished we could stay longer. Even when we left, the reception staff came to see us off and waited until we were gone. They packed fruits, khichdi, and water bottles for our road trip back to Bangalore, looking after us until the very end.