ST Bhavan Homestay

The owners are wonderful and very welcoming, and the people there are great. The place is spotless and in a fantastic spot in Kovalam, close to the market and many of the luxury hotels.

The location near samudra beach was quiet, while groceries, restaurants, and beaches were still close by. We loved our stay in the lovely, very clean apartment. The A/C wasn't working at first, but they fixed it right away, so we could stay somewhere cool and comfortable. We also left something behind, and the owners kindly mailed it to us. This is our number one address in Kovalam. We were so happy here.

We were very comfortable here, and it felt just like staying at home. It's a homestay, though, so the rooms are basic and you shouldn't expect hotel-style facilities. They serve the purpose well and are comfortable, and Mr. Sukesan is cooperative if you have questions or need arrangements. The daily rate is very reasonable, and we'd definitely stay again if we return to Thiruvananthapuram. S.T. Bhavan Homestay is a bungalow just outside Taj Vivanta Kovalam, around a five-minute walk from the sea. The owner lives downstairs, with two independent one-bedroom flats upstairs: one faces the road and has a balcony over the front porch, while the other looks onto the backyard. Each has a drawing-cum-dining room, kitchen, bedroom, and attached bathroom. It's tucked away from the main road and very quiet. The kitchen has basic cooking items, and small grocery shops are a three-to-four-minute walk away on the main road. There are several nearby restaurants, serving local cuisine, as well as the Uday Samudra resort and Taj Vivanta sea side restaurant, depending on what you like. Kovalam is about a 15-minute drive from Thiruvananthapuram City (Trivandrum).

This homestay is a couple of small apartments, with the owner Seki living downstairs. He's friendly and helpful, and I felt at home right away. It's a few minutes from the beach, and at night you can hear the waves thunder. There are Ayavedic spars all around, and I could easily live here. Samudra Beach is the least touristy of Kovalam's three beaches. There's still a tourist side, but you also find local culture and restaurants. Kasim's fresh tuna curry is to die for. If you're after the center of the tourist area, this isn't the place for you. The internet has good days and bad days, and Seki is trying hard to fix it.