Mandala Beach House & Cottages — Hotel in Kerala

Of the over two weeks spent travelling in December this was by far the worst place. The choice was inspired by a too old edition of LP guidebook and the owner was contacted on the phone. He said that there was only one room available and that it was the cheapest on the beach within this price. Unfortunately, no further research about the place was done but, had we read some comments on booking platforms, we would have avoided the place. We were told there was some maintenance carried out and that the room would be available by 4 p.m. but when we arrived the owner wasn't there and we had to wait until 6 p.m. The lock got stuck and we had to leave things in the room unattended. There was hot water for one and after that neither hot water nor cold water the whole night. The following morning (December 21) before noon we checked out instead of staying one or two more nights, we had to phone the owner for payment - like we had to for any basic room requirement since he was not on site - and when he showed up paid him the 2200 rupees agreed on the phone. We did not want to start any argument and said nothing because everything was so obviously clear and moved down the street to a much better place for 1600 rupees including a substantial breakfast. Mandala wasn't even worth 1000 rupees but the owner eagerly cashed the...

Of the over two weeks spent travelling in December this was by far the worst place. The choice was inspired by a too old edition of LP guidebook and the owner was contacted on the phone. He said that there was only one room available and that it was the cheapest on the beach within this price. Unfortunately, no further research about the place was done but, had we read some comments on booking platforms, we would have avoided the place. We were told there was some maintenance carried out and that the room would be available by 4 p.m. but when we arrived the owner wasn't there and we had to wait until 6 p.m. The lock got stuck and we had to leave things in the room unattended. There was hot water for one and after that neither hot water nor cold water the whole night. The following morning before noon we checked out instead of staying one or two more nights, we had to phone the owner for payment - like we had to for any basic room requirement since he was not on site - and when he showed up paid him the 2200 rupees agreed on the phone. We did not want to start any argument and said nothing because everything was so obviously clear and moved down the street to a much better place for 1600 rupees including a substantial breakfast. Mandala wasn't even worth 1000 rupees but the owner eagerly cashed the...

WORST ROOM, WORST SERVICE – COMPLETE DISASTER!

This place is an absolute mess. There’s only one lady acting as the so-called caretaker, and even she is never available when needed. No staff around, not even someone to give you a glass of water. You’re basically left to manage everything on your own.

I asked for an extra bed and paid ₹1000 extra – and what did I get? A filthy, dust-covered mattress with a dirty cover, NO blanket, NO pillow – nothing! They just dumped it in a room where it didn’t even fit. I had to carry it myself to another room. And during checkout, the caretaker had the nerve to ask me to keep that same disgusting mattress in the staff room.

I literally paid ₹1000 for a mattress that was not only dirty but also had bed bugs. No basic hygiene or decency in service. It’s like they just want to take your money and disappear.

To top it off, the owner has his photo displayed at reception with a line saying “Call me if anything required” – but no one responds, and clearly,...