Niyati Boutique Homestay

The location and the room's initial appearance were the only good parts of our stay. We usually don't leave bad reviews, but this experience deserves one. We're used to subpar places on our budget trips around SE Asia and can put up with a lot when the hospitality is good. This was the worst customer experience we've had, and we urge people to avoid booking here at all costs. On the second day, we returned to find the room overwhelmed by cigarette smoke. Later, when we came back again, there was an unmistakable marijuana smell. It was so strong that even the towels hanging in the bathroom stank. When we raised it, the manager got very defensive, kept denying the smell, and blamed it on "200-year-old limestone walls and the rain." His response was appalling every time. He denied there was a problem, and when we pushed for a solution, he walked away from our room mid-conversation twice, without exaggeration, and never came back. There was no apology, solution, or accountability. We practically begged him to come into the room and check the smell. He eventually admitted, with a laugh, that it stunk of marijuana, but still offered no fix, such as moving us to another room, and walked away mid-conversation again. The worst part was his callous response when we told him about my partner's asthma. He said, "well, there’s no where for you stay in Fort Kochi."

The room was roomy and the staff were lovely, and the price was affordable. But the WiFi in the room was weak, which made remote work difficult. There was also a persistent damp smell, especially during the rains. The hotel is well located on a nice lane close to restaurants.

Niyati is in a great spot in Fort Kochi, in a charming heritage building. The main sights and best restaurants are all within walking distance, which was convenient, and the staff helped make our stay nice. The in-house restaurant has a lovely feel, delicious food, and live music in the evenings. A few things to keep in mind: amenities are basic, so bring your own toiletries. The bedding seemed old and was torn in some places. The fridge in the room worked, but didn't get cold enough, so be careful about storing food in it.

The hotel looks charming and is right in the center of Fort Kochi, which was convenient. But I left after just one night because staying there was uncomfortable. I could hear the hotel staff talking until midnight, and the rooms have very poor soundproofing. There was a noticeable damp smell too. The air conditioner is directly above the bed. It was too hot to go without it, but turning it on made the room uncomfortably cold. I wouldn't want to stay there for an extended time.