Kimansion Inn

Kimansion is right by Fort Kochi Beach, an easy short walk away, and the location is excellent for exploring. The place is often locked from outside, though, so finding or getting in can be tricky. Just one person handles everything from reception to service, which is impressive but means things may take a while. The bathroom was clean and neat, with a bathtub and a working geyser. My room could sleep three, with a king-size bed and a single bed, and had lots of space. It was furnished mostly with old wooden and cane pieces, giving it a vintage feel, though it could use some modernization. The building is said to be around 250 years old, a two-storey wooden structure with classic stairs and plenty of heritage character. For the premium price I paid, above 4K, I expected basic modern amenities such as an electric kettle, mini-fridge, hair dryer, or iron, but these were missing. Plug points and switches are scattered around, which made charging devices and working on a laptop a little inconvenient. Kimansion suits someone after a quiet, old-world stay and heritage architecture, but may disappoint if you want modern comforts and quick service.

The location was excellent, next to Dutch Abad hotel and about a five-minute walk from the sea, Cochin Club, and parade ground. We had a very good two-day stay at heritage property Kimansion. Staff served us tea and coffee, but we went out for breakfast and other food.

Hospitality should be a priority at a hotel or homestay, but we had several problems here. Early check-in wasn’t available, so we asked to leave our luggage. Mr Harish, the caretaker, was furious and told us to put it under the staircase. He also refused to let us use a washroom, saying there was no common one. We had paid for a double-bed AC room, but its AC didn’t work. Instead of moving us to a room with AC, we spent the night there. Harish offered no apology or regret. He was rude and arrogant, and it makes me wonder why someone who doesn’t want to do the job is assigned to it. Don’t be fooled by the positive reviews or photos. This hotel ruined a stay that should have been smooth and happy. There are plenty of other hotels and homestays, so I’d say don’t choose this one.

Harish was a very polite and helpful caretaker, and took care of all our requests. The stay was spacious, probably the best-sized place I’ve ever stayed in. I’d give the cleanliness, location and nearby surroundings, affordability, and quality of the stay all 10/10. A must-stay, in my view.