Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel

Kochi, Next to INS Dronacharya, Beach Road
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50 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2018

Tom

Nice food, beautiful rooms and location (Right by the shore, you can see Dolphins out in the sea in the morning) and the staff are great too! If you are staying in Cochin, stay here!

8/10

Excellent

30 May 2018

RAJA

This rustic hotel is situated in a great location in Fort Kochi. Most of the hotel staff were friendly and helpful. Although the complimentary breakfast did not have a wide variety of selection, it is adequate and satisfying. The only negative points would be that the à la carte meal portions are quite meagre for dinner, given that you are paying for regular local prices for it. Also, the rooms and bathrooms have a noticeably pungent stench to them. It was hard to communicate with some staff members who do not speak much English. The wifi is unreliable because of the local weather which causes intermittent to extended internet disconnection. The hotel assisted us in organizing a backwater tour which we thoroughly enjoyed. The hotel also arranged for a driver to take us to Munnar.
Despite the few shortcomings, I would still recommend this hotel overall - it is worth it for the price and value considering the convenient location.

6/10

Pleasant

29 Apr 2018

dolphins

nice lobby and restaurant with good views over the sea but the rest of the hotel is shabby and in need of maintenance. the garden is badly maintained and sruffy so we didn't use it. there are broken tiles in the swimming pool. the swimming pool area is dirty and needs maintenance- i only used it on the first day because of this

2/10

Poor

30 Jul 2017

Dr. Ashraf

The worst ever hotels I have ever stayed

Perhaps this is the worst hotel ever I have been occupied
Now mirror or dress change facilities
No coat hanger
No hot water
No courtesy to provide it unless informing change the tap direction towards left not even knowing that there is not even a single drop of water in this direction
Simply cheating by announcing and advertising WiFi is available it is not available inside the room when complained had a funny answer WiFi is available in the promises of the hotel
The receptionist does not know what is an inter com
Brocken toilet in room number 8
Very poor guests service

Partner

2/10

Poor

08 Jul 2017

Abhishek

Pathetic!

Rooms have not been cleaned in a while. If you'll stay for more than 1 night you'll die of Malaria, Dengue or Chikungunya. Rated as 4 Star hotel. Expedia should be ashamed of collaborating with such establishments and duping their customers. This is a third grade cheap lodge masquerading as a 4 star hotel.

Oh my god! Terrible experience.

2/10

Poor

07 Jul 2017

Abhishek

Please don't go!

Except for the proximity to the beach. This hotel has nothing to offer. The maintenance of the property is so bad. Fixtures in the bathrooms are loose. Bathrooms are dirty! Rooms have not been cleaned in a while. You will die with Dengue, Malaria or Chikungunya if you stay long. This is not a hotel. It is a road side shady lodge.

8/10

Excellent

22 Apr 2017

Pamela

A restful break

We had the \"Sir Robert\" suite with a marvellous view over the harbour entrance, doubt if we'd have enjoyed the place as much if we had a room without a balcony. The food is a bit uninspiring, suggest you dine out - plenty of good places within safe walking distance.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Mar 2017

Grace

Great location, lovely sea views from restaurant

Good location, lovely views of the sea, service good, rooms clean. Only negative is the pool should have been cleaned of leaves etc more regularly and the jacuzzi also needed cleaning.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2017

Colin

An Island of calm..

I was looking for a hotel for a longer stay in order to recover from a long and tiring year. The Old Lighthouse Bristow is a piece of history and the opportunity to stay in a former British residence. It is clean, tidy and was exactly what I was looking for. I do like food! Breakfast had a small buffet selection together with a selection of freshly cooked hot options, such as omelettes and the chefs daily choice of Indian breakfast. Dinner is fine dining of a high standard and there is a wide selection of dishes which are excellent - as is the wine!. All the staff were polite and courteous. Most days started at the pool side after breakfast and then it was a five minute Tuktuk drive into Vasco de Gamma square or an excursion determined by the Tuktuk driver! There are Tuktuks outside the Hotel and the drivers are all friendly and will take you exactly where you want to go if you insist, but really prefer to give you a tour - go with the flow, it will cost you a few hundred Rupees or a few dollars are quite acceptable.

6/10

Pleasant

26 Jan 2017

Anthony & Ayla

Caution recommended

Our stay at the Bristo Lighthouse was for 3 nights at the end of a months travelling Sri Lanka and India celebrating my wife's 60th birthday. It was to be a treat.
Staff were lovely.
We were advised upon arrival that the superior room we had booked had a water problem and we were being put in another room for our first night and be given a complimentary dinner. I had been advised by email some 2 months earlier that there was a problem with the room I had booked and that we would be given another room for the first night with a complimentary dinner. It so happened that this was another problem and we had 2 complimentary dinners.
The first room was ok.
The 'superior ' room was lovely except that it was on the end of the building above the kitchen. The kitchen extractor fan 'hummmmed' and 'rumbled' until midnight and was then replaced with the cleaners crashing pots and pans and talking aloud till 2 or 3 in the morning.
The general outlook over the harbour was not very inspiring as one viewed over the broken glass on top a concrete wall and then across a littered gap to a final raised concrete walkway before the sea.
To see the sea you walk out the room into a glassed in hallway with coffee style table and chairs to sit and look out or use your computer. Not what we expected .
The staff couldn't of been more helpful and attentive and were lovely.
For the money paid we thought it fell short.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2016

Verified traveler

Beautiful hotel in Fort Kochin!

The Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel is an absolutely stunning historic hotel in Fort Kochin. It is in a superb location within walking distance of the Chinese fishing nets and many local restaurants and beer halls. It is also just a short tuktuk ride away from many tourist destinations. The hotel is beautiful and you are greeted with fresh juice upon your arrival. The rooms exit out to overlook the ocean, which is beautiful for the evening sunsets.

6/10

Pleasant

26 Nov 2016

Verified traveler

Average

Staff were very helpful and friendly however wifi was pretty bad, no hot water.safe didn't work. Most of our in room amenities were broken but we didn't make a fuss as we spend most of our day outside.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2016

Glenn

A nice place to relax at the end of a tour.

After 3 weeks touring SW India on a motorcycle this was a great place to unwind for a few days.
The staff were all very helpful, the restaurant overlooked the sea, where something was always happening, and the room was very comfortable.

8/10

Excellent

20 Sep 2015

Hesham

Decent Stay

Stayed at the hotel with my wife and child. The Hotel was under repairs. The restaurants were being renovated and the spa was not function. The Hotel made every effort to make our stay comfortable. They gave a free upgrade. The view and the location was excellent. They also arranged spa treatments from another location nearby. The pick up and drop off was already arranged. The food is decent a wee bit over priced as compared to others around them. There breakfast service was very slow. Apart from that the stay was good. The staff are just lovely and very very respectful and helpfull.

Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Dec 2014

sck

Excellent hotel in very good location

This is very good heritage property and charming. The staff is very caring and helpful, though the provision of services for a small hotel like this can be improved.

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2014

glendulum

Beautiful hotel

We had an excellent time at the Old Lighthouse. Great rooms, good food, lovely pool, great views overlooking the sea, goo staff with a better command of English than elsewhere we had stayed in Kerala, close to the main sites at Fort Kochi with local tuk tuk drivers waiting nearby ready to give you an excellent tour of the area (seriously good). Only minor downside was their Wifi was not great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2013

Franz

Most friendly staff

We stayed only a couple of days, but had the feeling as leaving our friends. The hotel is perfectly situated to visit Fort Kochin on one hand and to enjoy quiteness and a beach view on the other. The (indian) food is exeptional and our room was spacious and nice. If we should ever get close to Kochin, we will visit the Old Lighthouse again for sure.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 Jul 2013

Verified traveler

close to all must see sights

thought my stay was relaxing and beautiful. The spa was great.

8/10

Excellent

27 May 2013

Verified traveler

Plesant stay

Good hotel , enthusiastic staff , specially Anthony at the restaurant .
The pool could have done with a little lesser chlorine ( my perspective ) .

Family

8/10

Excellent

11 May 2013

Verified traveler

overall good

the location of the hotel is superb just right on the beach. Food is excellent and service is very good. The only disappointment was the air condition was not working and even the pool was not ,maintained. On a hot and humid day you would deifinitely need these 2. so guys pls go when the climate is pleasant.

6/10

Pleasant

22 Apr 2013

Verified traveler

Dirty towels, poor service

Request clean towels, never happened. Food in restaurant distinctly average. Great room, great view though

Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2013

Joyce

Did give the hotel highest scores across all areas required.However, we did find the food disappointing- not enough variety at breakfast, and the one evening meal we had there was very bland. Maybe it was our choice which was at fault, but I've never had bland vegetarian food in India before.Also, the view across the sea incorparates industrial buildings very prominently. I wouldn't let this put you off, jut be prepared to look the other way, and eat elsewhere at night.

8/10

Excellent

12 Apr 2013

Verified traveler

Great heritage building

Great location with beach views and a beautiful building. The friendly staff lack leadership or management so service is good but not great. Could be amazing with a bit more effort!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2013

Suki

Lovely hotel with excellent view of ocean

very helpful and attentive staff. lovely heritage hotel with amazing views of beach and arabian ocean. walking distance to shops and restaurants of fort cochin. short auto ride to jewish neighbourhood and spice markets.

4/10

Poor

01 Apr 2013

David

Quiet location but service was poor

Paid £80 a night after a discount for a garden suite and for quite an expensive hotel in this region it was a disappointment. Staff were not very interested in service. Despite often the being several in the dining room you had to work hard to get any attention. Food was basic cafe style whether western or Indian. I have been travelling and working in India for 10 years and the standard here was well below that I have come to expect for this price. No Internet at any time I was there over 4 days despite being constantly told it would be working shortly...
Be aware that I didn't see anywhere in the town with anything like a fast connection. Ok if you really do want to ge away from it all....

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Mar 2013

ScottyH

Friendly staff and a great location

Loved the location in Kochi, was walking distance to sights and restaurants. One of the two rooms booked had trouble with the AC, and after a half hour attempting to fix it, the staff quickly moved us to another room.
Lovely views of the sea, and the grounds were in excellent condition. Service at the restaurant was a bit slow, but nothing worth really complaining about (just don't expect speedy service).

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2013

Priti

Amazing!

Absolutely wonderful place! Couldn't have found a better place which had an old colonial feel and was on the beach. Wonderful view from the hotel of the sea.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2013

Meredith

Excellent location

Very comfortable hotel, pleasant staff, wonderful views of harbor and beach.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2013

Verified traveler

Serene Settings

We are delighted to have discovered this hotel. We stayed for only one day but have resolved now that we will return for a longer stay.The location, hotel setting, the beach view, the service and the good food are a real treat for a vacationer.

8/10

Excellent

08 Apr 2012

Verified traveler

Magic by the Arabian Sea

Beautiful restored old building with exquisite rooms. Opening our door on the first floor, we had full view of the Arabian sea and magical sunsets. The staff are sweet and capable. Breakfast is great. Definitely a place to remember and return to.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2012

Zeena

The Old Lighthouse Bristow, Kochin: cozy and clean

We are thrilled to have experienced staying at the Old Lighthouse Bristow. Far from the hustle and bustle of Kochin's touristy side, but within walking distance of everything, including Princess Street, where shops sell pretty souvenirs.

Our room was clean, cozy and smelled fresh. Bonus - we got a free foot massage! Two thumbs up for this charming hotel in Kochin.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2012

Verified traveler

Very nice hotel and friendly people

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2012

Hewer

Great Spot

Very helpful staff who work hard to meet every need. Great location by the sea and an oasis from the Cochin melee.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Dec 2011

Verified traveler

Perfect Sunsets

We loved staying at the Old Bristow. Our room was huge and very clean. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Being able to sit and watch the magnificent sunsets in the evenings was a pleasure and the all the activity of Kochi was just a short walk around the corner. Tuk Tuks are always at the gate of the hotel willing to take you around the sites. I would certainly recommend the Old Bristow to anyone. Don't forget to have a massage while you are there!

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2019

Ludovic

Excellent stay in this hotel with awesome staff

I recommend this hotel with excellent location and very good restaurant. More particularly thanks to the restaurant staff, especially J Lenin and JP Ganesh who are excellent. Thanks to them and their advise we could see the dolphins along the coast. They are excellent staff dedicated to the customers.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Un îlot de calme et de fraîcheur au milieu d’une ville qui tend à devenir assaillie par l’insistance des tuk -Tuk et des vendeurs!

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2018

Jörgen

Underbart hotell med mycket charm

Hotellet ligger direkt vid havet och solnedgångarna är helt magiska. Personalen vet vad service är och gör allt för att vistelsen skall bli utmärkt.
Det enda lilla minuset är att Internet accessen är lite svajig ibland.

8/10

Excellent

18 Apr 2018

Franziska

The Crews hospitality was extraordinary! Their kind- and friendlyness, helping in any way they could was just outstanding. I never met that kind of service during my 3 weeks in India elsewhere. It is obvious that the whole staff enjoys working there and they really are doing their jobs very well. Thanks again! Their efforts compensate the too few sun beds by the poolside. Next time I will stay at a bedroom with balcony giving view to the sea ;)

8/10

Excellent

15 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Ich würde wieder hier übernachten

Zwei Kleinigkeiten (zuerst keine twin beds obwohl so gebucht und sehr schlechte Zimmerreinigung nach der zweiten von insg. 3 Nächten wurden mit excellentem Kundenservice reagiert, bzw behoben. Sehr nettes Personal, ruhig, trotzdem schnell in der City mit Metro (6 Stationen), extrem bequemes Bett und tolle Bar / Frühstücksbuffet.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Dec 2017

andre

Hôtel accueillant en bordure de l’ocean

Un vrai plaisir de prendre son petit-déjeuner en regardant les dauphins jouer dans la mer!
Très calme et agréable, proche de tout! J’y retournerais!

6/10

Pleasant

02 Dec 2016

Laure

Hôte bien placé mais salle de bains viellissante

Hôtel agréable qui joue sur les codes de l'hôtellerie occidentale mais un peu onéreux (compte tenu notamment du caractère veullissant des salles de bain).

Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2016

Verified traveler

Très belle expérience. A refaire!

Bel hotel en bord de mer qui laisse apprécier le ballet des entrées sorties dans le port de Cochin, le jeu des dauphins ou les sorties des pêcheurs. Brise marine très appréciable compte tenu de la chaleur, tout comme la qualité de la cuisine et du service.
Proximité de restaurants et boutiques de Fort Kochi, sans l'effervescence de la ville.
Définitivement une bonne adresse!

Partner

2/10

Poor

23 Feb 2015

Verified traveler

JUST STAY AWAY!!!!!

Total disaster! Stay away, and look for a more nicer and affordable place. This hotel promised a lot; but truth was moldy bathroom, bad smelling room with poor housekeeping. Your privacy was not respeted, when do not disturb -sign was on, the staff still kept knocking on your room for minibar refilling. Buffet breakfast, pillowmenu, fruit- and cookie platter promised on arrival. Never happened. You cannot get so old and grey looking sheets and towels anywhere else. Changed a room and both room lacked bathrobes. Got them after asking, but they promised it is included. Forgot to bring toilet papers (which were the worst quality ever seen in any place) as part of the housekeeping... Pages of hotel directory were so dirty, and were not wiped after complaining. Just take a good advice, because there is lack of management, employees are so lost and unsupervised. So much so, that on the last evening, the older male housekeeper put insect killer spray to all our luggage and clothes. We couldn't notice this until in the next destination, cos he has also sprayed another spray to cover this act. You might think me and my wife are out of our minds, but this is a true horror story.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Jun 2014

Tomo

Vacker utsikt

Fint hotell med extremt tillmötesgående personal. Terassen med utsikt över solnedgången över Arabiska Havet med en kall öl och utmärkt tilltugg passade utmärkt för mig. Nära till allt i Fort. Rekommenderas för den bekväme lycbackpackern.

6/10

Pleasant

07 May 2014

park

noise of a/c

everything is OK but you may suffer from noise of a/c.

8/10

Excellent

05 May 2014

G & JM Guillot

Un bel hôtel, une jolie vue sur la plage

Chambre confortable, un personnel très disponible et un excellent restaurant. Possibilité d'organiser vos visites (Backwaters, Munnar) avec la réception de l’hôtel. Les \"Chinese Fishing Nets\" à quelques pas.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Apr 2014

Anne

Skøn beliggenhed

Hotellet ligger med en dejlig udsigt

8/10

Excellent

08 Apr 2014

Jean-Marc

A notre avis l'hôtel le mieux placé à Fort Cochin (le seul avec vue sur le mer). Très bon rapport qualité/prix, personnel attentif. Seul bémol : la restauration pourrait aisément être améliorée (on aimerait bien avoir du poisson grillé de bonne qualité, par exemple).

Partner

4/10

Poor

12 May 2013

Pierre W.

Un hotel en dérive

Nous sommes arrivés à l'hôtel le vendredi , la piscine était dans un état d'insalubrité déplorable. Le manager nous a affirmé que tout serait règlé le lendemain matin...que des mensonges, tout les jours, le personnel s'affairait à tourner autour de cette piscine en faisant semblent de travailler...mais 5 jours plus tard elle était encore dans le même état. La chambre (villa piscine) est spacieuse ainsi que la salle d'eau. Malheureusement le service de ménage est incompétent. Le petit déjeuner est bon mais servi avec une lenteur pas possible. Il nous a été offert un plat de fruit de mer à la fin de notre séjour pour nous dédommager de notre mésaventure...la encore, les promesses de crabes, de Tiger prawns etc... sont résumés à quelques crevettes, 1 mini poisson et 5,6 rondelles d'encornet...bref. Un très belle hotel, malheureusement très mal géré...ce qui fait de cet établissemement un endroit à éviter.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2013

Sara

Utmärkt läge vid stranden

Fantastiskt läge vid stranden, att sitta och se ut över havet och alla människor på stranden och känna vinden svalka en var oerhört härligt efter en varm dag.Hotellområdet var också fint ,med lite natur och en pool att svalka sig i.Nära till restauranger och sight-seeing och mycket trevlig personel. Mycket bra rum men ej super rent det dög dock. Återvänder gärna, mykcet valuta för pengarna.