Hotel Aida

The vegetarian breakfast could use more flavor. We enjoyed staying here for two days, with very comfortable rooms and a prime location.

Parking can get a bit tight during peak wedding or banquet hours, though the security team is proactive about managing the flow. The building has an old-school charm, while the service feels current. Staff have been consistent over the years, which is rare. AIDA still feels like a home in Kottayam, with genuine warmth from the front desk through every floor. Manager Mathew and the team at Theo’s Restaurant make a point of remembering your name and preferences. In a time of automated check-ins, that human touch is refreshing. Theo’s is a 150-seater multi-cuisine restaurant. The breakfast buffet is extensive, and the Malabar Biryani and Kerala-style Beef Roast stood out. The hotel is in the business district, 2.5 km from the Kottayam Railway Station, making it a handy base for business travellers and families. The rooms are spotless and recently renovated. For solo business travellers, the Classic Mini rooms are efficient and budget-friendly; families get good value from the 420 sq. ft. Master Suites. A superb, reliable experience in 2026.

Everything was superb apart from the wifi. The connection was almost useless in the room, with a poor signal and frequent disconnections. Management should focus on it, but hotel staff don’t seem bothered by how bad it is.

I tried mutton soup with ghee rice and mango fish curry. The soup was flavorful and surprisingly good, but the rice and curry tasted bland, without much spice or intensity. Still, it’s a nice spot for delicious food if you’re in Kottayam.