Hotel Reviews of Leela, Kovalam Beach Resort

5.56
Sunita, Bangalore | 02^nd July 2008|
Hotel Review of Leela, Kovalam Beach Resort
Comments: When summer comes calling, it’s time to head to the seaside for a lazy vacation where the heat and humidity forces you to relax. The chosen spot this May was the Leela Beach Resort at Kovalam. Having seen the hotel in its previous avatar at least two decades ago, I was looking forward to the wonderful views of the sea, but nothing prepared me for its transformation into modernity – from small town to world class.

As we drove up the winding road leading to the resort, I couldn’t help noticing the stark contrast between the road we had just left behind - a typical small town in Kerala with small shops, houses and signs for ayurvedic massages strewn about liberally along the road – which at the entrance to the hotel suddenly transformed into a luxurious haven with shade trees towering over the driveway and beautiful dark green flora almost everywhere the eye could reach, and views of the glinting sea sneaking in through the gaps in the shrubs and trees. It was heavenly!!

As we checked in, an L-shaped infinity pool just off the lobby beckoned invitingly. We were taken to our rooms in the ‘Club’ block, which is a new addition to the earlier buildings, and were pleasantly surprised to find that every room in block had a glass door through which you could view the sea even if you were lying in bed. The glass door lead to a balcony from where you could lean out to discover how high up you actually were from sea level, atop a rocky cliff. And, at night, the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the rocks guaranteed a good night’s sleep. The rooms although modern were not very big considering the club rooms have a luxury label attached to them. However, the superior view which makes you feel like the Lord of the seas, more than compensates for this aspect.

The resort has two dining options – the Terrace where most of the buffet meals are laid out; and The Café in the Club block which is exclusive to guests staying in the Club Rooms. There is also a beach side restaurant which mainly caters to the large number of conferences and conventions that take place at the resort. The open air Sky Bar is an ideal choice for a drink after sunset and the other Bar near the Terrace Café is a delight for sports aficionados, thanks to its large screen TV.

We had all our breakfasts in the Club Café, a tempting spread of almost anything you might want – eggs to order, several types of cold meats, breads and cheeses, pancakes, as well as the Indian selection of dosas, idlis and more. Lunch and dinner was at the Terrace since we were on the all-inclusive package. While the buffet spread was lavish beyond doubt, with the highlight being the Kerala section at dinner time with fish curries, thorens, theeyal, red rice and several other delicacies perfectly presented in traditional earthen chattis (pots), we began to notice the lack of variety after having about three meals at the restaurant.

As for activities, there were several options to explore like sightseeing trips, catamaran rides, or a visit to the spa (a beautiful wooden enclosure with a Balinese feel) but we chose to spend our days lazily with a swim twice a day in either of the infinity pools, followed by a chilled beer and an occasional trudge to the Club Library to borrow a book to read, before heading for the next meal. The Club also had a lounge where ‘high’ tea was served every evening so we didn’t have to exert ourselves to make a cup of tea using the kettle and tea bags in the rooms!!

While we all enjoyed this wonderfully relaxing holiday, its not one I would recommend for those who like to keep busy on vacation. If you are looking for night life or beach shacks like in Goa, you will find life at the Leela Kovalam a little too tame. This is a perfect destination if you are travelling with family when all you want to do is rest and relax as you spend time catching up with loved ones.

Best Experience: The wonderful 180 degree view of the sea from the room and the two infinity pools.
Worst Experience: The food bordered on average and could have been better with more variety in the buffets.

5.78
DJ, Bangalore | 19^th December 2007|
Hotel Review of Leela, Kovalam Beach Resort
My husband is known for his wonderful surprises, but what I got on my birthday surpassed all the gifts that I have received! Till the day of our travel I had no clue that we would be visiting one of the most scenic resorts with a view of the Arabian Sea! The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach Resort! The Leela’s really know how to treat their guests in style. We flew in to Trivandrum and called the Leela’s to let them...

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4.78
Abhi, Bangalore | 26^th August 2007
Hotel Review of Leela, Kovalam Beach Resort
This was our first stay at The Leela Kovalam and had great expectations of the place and I must say we were not disappointed with it. The very first impression of the resort took our breath away and we were indeed relieved that we were at the right place. It is a breathtaking resort and if you are looking for a resort to just chill, then this is the place to be. Definitely one of the best holidays we have...

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5.89
Mark, Bangalore | 24^th August 2007
Hotel Review of Leela, Kovalam Beach Resort
This hotel is designed for the person who would like to just relax and vegetate at the hotel. There are spa facilites, which are quite over priced in my opinion. I traveled with a small child (2 1/2 yrs old) and we found the place brilliant for just letting him run around. I definitely recommend the Sea View Pavilion Rooms that over look a large lawn, have their own common pool and reception and are just opposite the road from...

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5.33
shreekant, Mumbai | 27^th March 2007
Hotel Review of Leela, Kovalam Beach Resort
The overall experience was good. Nice polite and courtious entrance security and reception staff. They will always greet you with namste in indian style. Even the restaurant staff was also good and would cater to the special demand....

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5.89
dimpy, Delhi | 16^th February 2007
Hotel Review of Leela, Kovalam Beach Resort
The location of the hotel is excellent. The sea experience is exquiste. The rooms are very comfortable. However the food is not good. The overall experience was was good....

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4.00
Heena, Mumbai | 13^th February 2007
Hotel Review of Leela, Kovalam Beach Resort
We had a great time! It was energising after the peaceful holiday at Kumarakom Lake resort......

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2.78
jayanti, Bangalore | 12^th January 2007|
Hotel Review of Leela, Kovalam Beach Resort
The only thing which conforms The Leela, Kovalam's star rating is the exorbitant room rates they charge. We had booked a sea view room at the newly renovated 'Club' at the Leela, Kovalam. The rates match any 5 / 7 star rate anywhere in the world - 24,000/= per night. This includes only breakfast and a so-called high tea (cofee/tea and some miniscule snacks). The room and bathroom are quite small. Mind you not even a bath tub in the...

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6.78
vishal, Mumbai | 09^th September 2006|
Hotel Review of Leela, Kovalam Beach Resort
overall experience at this resort was a class apart. right from the time the hotels vehicle picks u from the airport or the station, u start getting a feel of the things to come. the chauffers are extremely well groomed. the lobby, when i first saw it in outlook traveller, i thought it to be some resort in maldives or mauritius. the rooms are not very big though, but are beautiful to say the least. the utilities provided in the...

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5.22
TEERTHO, Delhi | 28^th May 2004
Hotel Review of Leela, Kovalam Beach Resort
Great experience by the beach side but my expectation from them was perhaps 'slightly' more than what I actually encountered....

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