Saj Earth Resort

The Structured Observation at M/s. Saj Earth Resorts was arranged for S4 MBA Trainees at Providence School of Business, Chengannur. It was an exciting visit for both students and staff. Saj’s well-organized protocols gave the students useful information, and they could see the practical side of the management theories. The Operations Manager and General Manager explained the different parts of the business operations well.

The airport location is handy, less than a mile away, and the staff were lovely. Our room was clean with nice bedding and towels, though the pool-facing window was dirty on both sides and made the room feel a bit grubby. The pool itself was pleasant, but the water looked somewhat cloudy. We enjoyed the chilly mushroom at lunch, while the crispy veg wasn’t as good as it had been on an earlier visit. If we’d stayed longer, we would have eaten there again. The complimentary afternoon tea came with just two small biscuits each and half of a very tiny sandwich. The extra charges were the big letdown. Mini-bar items cost a ridiculous amount, something I hadn’t run into elsewhere in India. Mineral water was 25 rupees for 500 ml at breakfast or in the hotel, while 2 litres costs 20 rupees elsewhere. Airport transport was quoted at 750 plus taxes, compared with an Uber fare under 300. It felt like they charged for anything they could. Convenient for the airport, but not luxurious, and the extras are pricey. I wouldn’t stay here again. A disappointing end to our 30-day exploration of Kerala.

Our room opened straight onto the clean swimming pool, which was exciting, and it was well kept with all the five-star amenities. The staff were extremely polite, helpful and quick to respond when we raised a concern, and their prompt action helped us feel safe. Some guests in nearby rooms were rowdy, with children shouting or drunk men staring at us in the pool. Still, being next to the airport made the property very well connected, and we had a good experience overall.

The rooms with balconies and direct pool access were the best part. The pool was deep enough for a proper swim, and the rooms and amenities were really good. The place seemed to host a lot of flight crew and people on layovers. Breakfast and tea service, though, made the stay frustrating. The complimentary breakfast was a fixed menu with very few choices, served to order, and the ghee dosa felt like tissue paper. Service was slow and chaotic, and breakfast at a three-star hotel would be far better. The high tea felt just as cheap, with only tea, coffee and a few biscuits, no snacks. It took nearly an hour to finish breakfast because the service was so bad. The rooms and pool were enjoyable, but the service didn’t feel like five-star service.