Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.5
#1 of 1 hotels in Willingdon Island
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Situated on Willingdon Island with a magnificent view of Cochin harbour, Taj - Malabar Resort & Spa is a fine balance between yesterday and tomorrow. Our lobby is a unique mix of chic and classic. The heritage wing, built in 1935, reflect the inherent beauty of Cochin. And the tower wing houses newly renovated guestroom suites, each a delicate mix of the classic with the contemporary.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
Nestled in a picturesque setting, Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin, is lauded for its spectacular location near city attractions and serene backwaters with sea views. The hotel's combination of luxurious amenities, including sumptuous meals and comfortable accommodations, is enhanced by a culturally rich atmosphere that seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern conveniences.
Guests praise the spotless rooms with breathtaking views, and the service is repeatedly highlighted as warm and personalized, making special occasions unforgettable. Reviewers agree that the hotel's luxurious offerings and heritage provide significant value.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Warm
Amenities
Luxurious
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveler reviews and learn more about how the site works.
The Taj Malabar is really nice - we very much enjoyed our stay. The room was clean, the bed comfortable, the view spectacular and each and every person who works there was extraordinarily pleasant and helpful, from the check-in people, to people who kept the room clean, to the concierge, to the hairdresser in the spa, etc. The concierge was especially helpful. Thanks, Abdul! There also are very good restaurants in the hotel. Our favorite was the Rice Boat (which we will review separately), but each of them seemed pretty popular. There’s a neat yacht in front of the hotel on the waterside, which can be chartered for nice “Backwater” cruises. Ask Abdul. The captain of the yacht and his assistant are very nice. We give this hotel an A+
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MathewSibi, General Manager at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
Responded Feb 25, 2020
Dear Guest, Greetings from Taj-Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin! Thank you very much for taking the time and sharing such a wonderful review about your experience with us. I am pleased to know that you enjoyed your experience right from your check in especially the room experiences, services rendered by our associates, restaurant experience, and the Spa experiences. Our constant endeavour is to offer comfort and services to all our guests which are home away from home. I have taken the liberty to communicate your feedback to my entire team as your feedback inspires us to perform better and deliver more enriching experiences to our guests. We appreciate your feedback once again and hope to welcome you back in the near future. Warm regards, Sibi Mathew
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
From the moment we arrived we knew we had selected a great place to spend a week. The welcome given by the doormen and reception staff was excellent. Whilst being shown to our room the receptionist explained where everything was including opening and closing times. After unpacking we decided to take advantage of the complimentary afternoon tea and sunset boat ride. A super introduction to the area surrounding our hotel. The next morning at breakfast we were asked by our waiter Sojan if everything was ok and I happened to mention that we were a little concerned about the noise outside below our room with tour coaches coming and going both late at night and early morning with their engines and A/c running. 10 minutes later he said we were being moved and if we went to reception after breakfast they would show us the alternatives. Amazing response from that member of staff. Our old room was 106. We decided on 510 which was an upgrade on our booking but there was no extra charge. The position of the hotel is at the end of Willingdon Island with views towards Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Vypeen and Ernakulam with a collection of vessels passing throughout the day. We didn't feel isolated as there were ferries nearby to take you to all the places mentioned above with a ready supply of Taxis and Tuk Tuks. The hotel also provides a free ferry from its own jetty to Mattancherry daily at 10.00 returning at 14.00. The gardens whilst not extensive were beautifully kept. During our stay the swimming pool was not open which we were informed about prior to our arrival but arrangements were made with another hotel and transport was organised. There are 4 different restaurants to cater for all tastes, all the food we ate was excellent. Most evenings we would have a pre dinner drink in the bar with a pianist playing and an hospitable barman. We arranged through the travel desk a trip to the backwaters which was excellent and the tour guide who only does tours for our hotel was very informative. The hotel also offer a cultural show each evening but this could be improved.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with Taj Hotels & Resorts
Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:106 can be noisy as over the hotel entrance with vehicles arriving and departing 24 hours
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MathewSibi, General Manager at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
Responded Mar 14, 2020
Dear Mr. Williams, Greetings from Taj-Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin! At the onset I would like to thank you for being a valued patron and delighted to know that you had a happy and comfortable stay with us. I will share your detailed feedback with our team and I am sure that this feedback will serve as an encouragement to all of our associates as we strive to continuously improve the quality of our services. We have also noted the area of improvement mentioned in the feedback with regards to the cultural show and room experience for a seamless experience in the future. Once again we thank you for sharing your valuable feedback and look forward to personally welcome you back as and when you plan your next visit to our hotel. Warm regards, Sibi Mathew
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveler reviews.
I booked two Heritage rooms and got upgraded to the ones with the sea view. The rooms also had a common door so it was easy to walk around between the rooms without going into the corridor and knocking the doors. The rooms were spacious and had good views of the sea from the windows. The food was good. The breakfast buffet had plenty of options. They served free snacks and tea at 5 pm and provided a complimentary ferry ride at 5:30 pm. It was a relaxing and enjoyable stay at Taj Malabar. I will definitely come back.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:great views of the sea from the windows
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sibi Mathew, General Manager at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
Responded Nov 14, 2021
Dear Guest, Greetings from Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin! Thank you so much for your patronage and for taking the time to provide a detailed feedback on your recent visit to the hotel. Your feedback is a recognition of the service culture of genuine care for the guest experience. We were delighted to note that you had a pleasant stay with us and enjoyed the room experience, Overall dining experience and the evening sunset cruise followed by high tea. Comments like your’s would surely encourage the team to do better and strive to achieve highest guest satisfaction synonymous with the Taj brand. All of us at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa-Cochin, thank you once again for your review and look forward to the delight of welcoming you to our hotel in the near future. Warm regards, Sibi Mathew
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Spacious room but you may need to be very careful. Otherwise can end up with room having no view at all. No joking, there are room without any view, you will be looking a terrace with building on other side. In lower sections there are a very few room with bath tub. Most of the rooms don't have bath tub. Food is nice, but the pre paid dinner/lunch etc are in the pepper restaurant which is the lowest in the hotel standards. Better restaurants only available with more payment at the property. Staff is very friendly. Morning breakfast is crowded and felt not properly managed. I visited during covid times and the pool along with bar was closed. Overall it is a nice weekend location, and the location is great. If you are on a higher budget and managed to get sea view rooms, the view is excellent. But most of the sea view rooms are smaller, which is a major setback. You are paying extra for the view and you may end up getting smaller room without a bath tub! In - room facilities are much below par. TV is extremely outdated along with the cable tv connection and speaker system. They were even dusty. Most of the young travelers may not seen such an old TV in their lives. I have travelled for relaxing from the busy life in a cozy room with good food. Room was spacious as i didn't choose the sea view, luckily i checked in time, so I got the room with garden view. the entrance, otherwise i would have ended up in the room with a roof view of a restaurant, which is SAD! Room was cozy with a good bed but the TV and music system was pathetic. Cable TV connection was restored after calling the reception and got disconnected every day but have to call to reconnect. Free WIFI was good. As I told before food was tasty but prepaid dinner only served in Pepper restaurant which have the buffet. Spa, bar and swimming pool was closed due to corona.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with Taj Hotels & Resorts
Date of stay: December 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sibi Mathew, Owner at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
Responded Jan 15, 2021
Dear Guest, Greetings from Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin! At the onset I would like to thank you for being a valued patron and write to you in reference to your detailed feedback regarding your stay at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin. I am pleased to know that you are satisfied with the overall service rendered by our associates and overall cleanliness. At the same time I have noted the observations and the area of improvements that you have raised in the feedback on various aspects and the same will go a long way in helping us in our endeavour to provide a personal, instinctive, renewal experience to all guests. We have noted and analysed each and every points very carefully, the sole intent being to improve upon our shortfalls and areas of improvement. Our guest’s satisfaction and well-being is of most importance to us and we are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences. Thank you once again for your feedback and observation. We look forward to welcome you back so we could leave you with an even more complete experience that would be memorable. Warm regards, Sibi Mathew General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Taj Malabar is a beautiful hotel in Willingdon Island, Cochin. The property has a beautiful pool and gym overlooking the backwaters. There are several restaurants and a lobby bar serving delectable cuisines. The breakfast spread is spectacular with a generous dose of local cuisine, the quality of the food was very good. The lobby bar is great to spend time in the evening before heading to one of the restaurants for dinner. The bartender takes special care to customise cocktails as per our tastes. All in al superb stay, only downside is that the room is too small. And definitely uncomfortable for 3 people (2+1 kid). The Jiva spa treatments were very good too, although slightly pricey give the time of the treatment. The complementary evening tea and the boat ride of the backwaters were definitely a treat and great for kids too!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MathewSibi, General Manager at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
Responded Mar 17, 2020
Dear Guest, Greetings from Taj-Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin! At the onset I would like to thank you for being a valued patron and delighted to know that you had a happy and comfortable stay with us. We sincerely appreciate your detailed feedback.I will share your feedback with our team as we strive to continuously improve the quality of our services. We have also noted your concern with regards to the room size, however we have updated your room preferences for a seamless experience in the future. Once again we thank you for sharing your valuable feedback and look forward to personally welcome you back as and when you plan your next visit to our hotel. Warm regards, Sibi Mathew
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Being an Innercircle member for last 15 years or over, my first expectation when I walk into a Taj property is at least my basic expectations are going to be met. However, having had a wonderful experience at Taj Kumarakom, the General Management, primarily was so missing in this mismanaged property that I was filled with only disgust and anguish as to why I chose to stay at Taj Malabar Cochin.
Rude and callous Duty Manager, missing General Manager, the hotel is being run by dedicated staff who are so good, but, no procedures, no upkeep, overall complacent , irreponsible managment just made sure to ruin my stay, unfortunately I went on leisure trip with Family. Right from restaurant, unhygenic, unclean, worst facing rooms, sick Airconditioning, rotten furnishing to fitness centre with only a few and that too 80% faulty machines, what worse can one expect.
Brand Taj Properties does not deserve such an experience!
My sincere suggestions : Kindly shut down the property ASAP!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:If last room in Cochin is gone, stay here at own risk & make sure your choice is secured,...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had high hopes from this hotel just because of the name Taj. However, this was my worst experience ever in a hotel of this category.
I reached with my family quite early on 28 Nov and they were kind enough to offer an early check-in. But this is was the first and last pleasant experience at this place. We were given a room in the Tower Wing (Room No 208), although I had booked in the Heritage Wing, with an assurance it was a better room with a better view. The room had layers of dust on the fan, dirty windows, a tilted TV and the ceiling had seepage marks on it. I immediately brought this to the notice of the duty persons and they assured me they would change my room. This did happen after a few hours and we were given another room in the Heritage Wing (Room No 114). The new room also had dirty windows and a tilted TV but not wanting to waste my time, I stayed on.
We went for the complimentary Sunset Cruise in the evening. On our return, we were horrified to find a pool of water in the room with water dripping from a smoke detector. I tried calling the Front Desk several times, without any response. Incidentally, this is also one of the specialties of this hotel; you have to call the Duty Manager or Front Desk at least 10 times before they answer. Anyways, not receiving an answer, I myself walked down and informed the Duty Manager about the dripping water. I also took this opportunity to share the issues I had faced in the last few hours of my stay. He got the leakage repaired in the next few minutes.
Now comes the dining experience at this place. They have a small enclosure which barely has any seating capacity, where they lay out their buffet for guests. However, this place is so small and insufficient that guests have to wait to find a table and have their meal. This was a first for me as I have never seen in-house guests standing and waiting their turn for a meal.
Although the buffet spread is decent, what they lack is service. You really have to keep an eye out to get hold of the stewards or staff. On ordering a Masala Dosa and specifically telling them to make it extra crisp, they gave something which was not even cooked properly, let alone be crisp. On pointing this out to the staff, I was told that the machine had some problems.
Overall, this property is beautiful and well furnished. What it desperately lacks is management and maintenance with personal touches. This is not at all what you expect from a highly respected and valued brand name of Taj and the experience leaves you regretting wasting your time and money at this place.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sibi Mathew, General Manager at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
Responded Dec 6, 2021
Dear Mr. Gaurav, Greetings from Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin! Thank you for taking the time out to give us your feedback regarding your recent stay at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin. It is only through these kinds of constructive comments that we can take the necessary steps to make sure that all of our guests have a truly delightful experience and correct any shortcomings with our service. I am greatly perturbed to note the inconveniences caused to you at various occasions during your recent stay and we are extremely apologetic for not meeting up to your expectations. I understand that words cannot change the memory of your experience but nothing is more important than regaining your trust and all of us here hope that you will give us the opportunity to welcome you once again at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa and provide you with an experience that you would expect from a Taj Hotel. Kind Regards Sibi Mathew
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
It's the location of this beautiful property( stunning sunsets and dolphins playfully swimming) together with the par excellence service that makes us go back ever so often. We love the familiarity of the place, the way each guest is looked after so well. Nothing is too small or trivial to be seen to by all of the staff.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with Taj Hotels & Resorts
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Rooms with balcony although expensive are worth the luxury.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MathewSibi, General Manager at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
Responded Feb 12, 2020
Dear Guest, Greetings from Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin! I am delighted to read your review and thank you for taking the time to write an excellent feedback regarding your recent stay at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin. The entire team was very pleased to knowing that you had a fantastic and comfortable stay and appreciated our warm, friendly hospitality and incomparable level of service. Your commendable feedback about our associates will inspire and motivate them to continue to deliver excellence. We look forward to welcoming you back to Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, in not so distant future. With warm regards, Sibi Mathew
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A property that is racist in practice and attitude, desperate to be exclusive, (would not let a auto into the property) (my family felt like we were measured and found to be laking.) not providing water to wash your behind in the toilets, the only way Indians (please read as "locals") do. In this day and age, some person with a questionable intellect, who runs this place thinks he/she can do this and get away with it. We Indians use water to wash our behind after taking a crap. GET WITH THE PROGRAM, the brunch was a experience in minimalism, about as though through as a cafeteria menu. The desert spread was good. Seafood was totally off base. Staff was good. To start with, the person responsible for food could do with a bit of a review with the other star properties in Kochi. In a sarcastic note, the British have quit India, please stop trying to live up to that attitude.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MathewSibi, General Manager at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
Responded Jan 7, 2020
Dear Mr. D’Silva, Greetings from Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin! We sincerely appreciate your detailed review for our hotel. It is through customer feedback that we are able to identify the areas of improvement. We shall surely consider your feedback about installing a health faucet in the public washroom since we are working on an upgrade of the facilities in a phased manner. With regards to your observation on the quality of food, we have discussed your feedback with my culinary team and assure you that we will strive to make improvements here. I am sure that we may be able to serve you better and also to meet your expectations in the future. Once again, thank you for your feedback. Upholding our commitment to provide a memorable experience with exceptional service, we look forward to meeting you on your next visit to Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin. Warm regards, Sibi Mathew
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great food, facilities and service. We enjoyed the speed boat ride organised by the hotel. This Taj has a great location being in proximity to major sightseeing locations - Fort Kochi and Matancheri. Rooms are very comfortable. The lobby bar has a great ambience and each of the restaurants serves great food. The only thing we were underwhelmed by was the kids activity center - it’s quite dingy and we didn’t feel comfortable leaving kids there (even with supervision).
Overall, good stay.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MathewSibi, General Manager at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
Responded Jan 5, 2020
Dear Guest, Greetings from Taj-Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin! At the onset I would like to thank you for being a valued patron and happy to know that you had a comfortable stay with us. We are delighted to know that everything worked out well for you during your stay with us, especially the overall services, facilities and also the sun set cruise . I will share your feedback with my team as we strive to continuously improve the quality of our services. We have also noted the area of improvement raised in the feedback with regards to the kid’s room . Your observation has been addressed to the concerned team and therefore kindly take my assurance that you will find a marked improvement during your future visits. Once again we thank you for sharing your valuable feedback and look forward to personally welcome you back as and when you plan your next visit to our hotel. Warm regards, Sibi Mathew
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am not sure which wing we stayed in, but it was a room over-looking the water. Sitting at the window felt as if we were in a ship. We saw dolphins so many times. It was an absolutely mesmerizing experience. I think, you should ask specifically for a room on the water-side.
There are more places to choose from in the Willingdon Island area.
PRICE RANGE
₱7,832 - ₱11,804 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
vivanta by taj - malabar hotel kochi (cochin), taj malabar cochin kochi, taj malabar cochin hotel kochi
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Vivanta by Taj - Malabar
LOCATION
IndiaKeralaErnakulam DistrictKochi (Cochin)Willingdon Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
95
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
