The Old Courtyard Hotel

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Cochin, Kerala, India

A wonderfully intimate historic hotel, right in the centre of bustling Fort Cochin, with great food, friendly staff and occasional live music

Reviewed by Yasmin Boland

The Old Courtyard Hotel, India: Kerala, Overview

THE OLD COURTYARD HOTEL - REVIEW

The Old Courtyard Hotel does what it says on the tin, and more (if this reference escapes you, don’t think the building is housed in a metal box, just be thankful you missed a catchy paint commercial on UK television). It is both old – over 200 years, to be precise, built by the Portuguese when Cochin was their window to the spice trade – and it is centred around a cobbled courtyard, the heart of this delightful little hotel.

But there’s more. On summer evenings, you can sit around the tall old mango tree and soak up violin and flute music or clay pot drum rhythms played by local musicians. Alternatively you can swap stories with guests or with the well-travelled owners Rose and Jacob Kuruvinakunnel. And you can enjoy Continental-style cooking any night of the year - a refreshing alternative to curries. Follow the grand wooden staircase to the 8 guest rooms, varying in size but all charmingly decorated. Step outside and you have spice shops, Chinese fishing nets, a Dutch palace and India’s oldest church on your doorstep.

HIGHS

It’s an affordable, relaxed setting, as easy to be alone as to socialise
Centrally located, with plenty of attractions right outside the door
The live classical music in summer is enchanting
The larger rooms are on a par with much more expensive hotels
With only 8 rooms, you’ll need to book early in high season (Nov - March) as this place is deservedly popular

LOWS

The cheapest rooms are on the small side
The hot water can be a bit hit or miss, but in this humid climate, you won't mind a tepid shower
Breakfast is quite simple, and there's no license to sell alcohol with dinner
It's not luxurious, but it is a heritage hotel, bursting with old-world charm

Print Whole Report

Name	The Old Courtyard Hotel	Location	Fort Cochin, Cochin and the Backwaters
Type	Heritage Hotel: 8 rooms	Country	India: Kerala
Price Guide	Dbl: Ł27-63 BB	Open	All year


DISTANCES	Airport: 42km	Nearest Shops: 0.1km	Nearest restaurant: 0.1km	Beach: 0.1km