The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel — Hotel in Kerala

This is the worst resort/hotel I have ever visited in my life. This is supposed to be a 5 star "resort"!!! To all the tourists and travellers across the globe "please do not waste your time and money and spoil your holiday". We travelled to this so called resort on 23rd May expecting a great experience. We travelled all the way from Kochi to spend one night at this resort and visit Jatayu Park the next day. We reached here around 5.30 pm on 23rd. Checked in and then wanted to have a coffee. This 5 star resort doesn't have a coffee shop!!! We were sitting in the lounge next to the lobby and ordered for coffee, and what we got was just below standard coffee. We had plans to use the swimming pool, but unfortunately the staff out here says "pool will be closed from 7pm to 7 am" !!! We decided to go back to rooms. Around 8.30 we decide to have dinner and come down searching for the dining options. We were told that this 5 start has just one restaurant !!! Well, left with no options we decided to go to that restaurant, and the service staff out there tells us that the only option is to go for their buffet. We said that we need only a la carte and the service person was hard selling buffet to us saying that other orders will take around 45 minutes! We said, we will wait but please send it to our rooms and the reply was "room service will be at extra cost"!!! Upon checking with him about this poor service, he says "sorry , Leela group has taken over and this is how we operate"!!! Well...we decided to go for room service and ordered the simplest dishes possible. Food was served in the room by around 9.30 pm. And we decided to hit the bed early so that kids could use the pool early morning. Well...the 5 star food from this 5 star resort spoiled everything again! Around 12.30 am my niece started vomiting and it went on and on the whole night. We asked the reception for medical assistance and they were helpless, no first aid kit and no doctor on call service!!! The trauma continued till 4.50 am and finally we decided to take the child to the nearby hospital. We came down to the lobby and the front office staff did not even offer travel assistance to take the child to the hospital. We called for our tempo traveller and by then one of the drivers in the resort approached us and offered to help us with a car. It took a driver to show value of service than all other staff out there. We spent the whole morning at the hospital till around 9 am !!! Got back to the hostel absolutely tired and disappointed. Our whole was spoiled by this "5 star" resort and staff. We decided to return as soon as possible. Had breakfast and the we thought of speaking to the GM of the hotel to give him a feedback on our terrible experience. To our greatest surprise the GM gives us all kinds of excuses for the terrible experience we had!! He talks about fssai license and food safety and said that they will send the food for lab testing!! He says, we served the same food for 350 pax yesterday evening in a function they had !!! Well...great service and great response from the GM of the hotel. THIS IS A TERRIBLE PLACE...PLEASE DO NOT SPOIL YOUR HOLIDAY BY VISITING...

Best service, scenery, safety, comfort, and food in Kollam (Reason for reduced star at the bottom).

Story:

My 9 month old daughter and I are from the US and my wife is from Kollam. We visited because my Mother In-law was in the ICU at a nearby hospital.

I had to go right back to work when I got back home, so we needed to stay in the safest place and I know from a lot of previous experience that the Raviz is the safest hotel in Kollam.

We were worried that it would be hard to get food for my daughter who was exhausted from the travel, was throwing up on the airplane, and still doesn’t have teeth yet.

Thankfully there was a kitchen staff Member who knows me from previous stays and two Chefs (Chef Bapi and Chef Arun) who really went out of their way to to approach us and prepare food exactly as we request for our little one. They even boiled and blended the prunes that we brought from home. Not only that but we had a great time chatting and connecting with them as well.

There were also two Malayali Girls and One Malayali Boy at the front desk who were just amazing and took care of everything we needed. They were very humble, kind and compassionate. A lot of times I’ve experienced a really bad degree of arrogance from concierges, especially at the front desk, so these three were a real breath of fresh air!

Almost all the staff were amazingly humble compassionate and friendly:

Off the top of my head I remember Aprna, Subarna, Niss, Christopher, Mohamed Ali, but there were so many others from the front desk to the restaurant staff, to the house keeping staff that really made us feel happy and comfortable.

I love the Raviz because of the traditional architecture mixed with modern amenities and the scenery. I love that the staff is a mixture of people from different religions and states in India all working together. Above all I love the food! The buffet is honestly the best in Kollam!

*^One star reduced :

There was one male staff member from the restaurant who was a bit too touchy with my daughter. He smelt like cigarettes and was sneezing and coughing so we had to be a bit stern with him. He said something about the evil eye and how we should take care. After that he left us alone.

I’m used to this in kerala and probably he was just trying to treat us the way he would his own family, but it’s really annoying especially when I’m ,in general, constantly worried about my family’s health and safety.

There was another male staff member who kept trying to hold my daughter. He also was getting a bit too close to me. He was very friendly and smiley but it was annoying to have to keep moving away and put my hand up to stop him.

I don’t feel that either of these staff members had any Ill intention and I think they were just being friendly, but still my wife and I did not like it. We don’t like anyone trying to touch our daughter without our permission.

I honestly don’t want to reduce a star, I love this hotel, but I feel it’s important to bring attention to this issue...

Nestled amidst the serene backwaters of Kerala, The Leela Ashtamudi, a Raviz Hotel, is a paradisiacal destination that offers a perfect blend of luxury, natural beauty, and impeccable hospitality. I recently had the pleasure of staying at this exquisite property, and I can confidently say that it exceeded all my expectations.

Good for Events (5/5): Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or any other special occasion, The Leela Ashtamudi is an ideal venue. The hotel boasts spacious and elegant event spaces that can accommodate both small and large gatherings. The picturesque backdrop of the backwaters adds a unique charm to any event hosted here. The hotel's event planning team is top-notch, ensuring that every detail is meticulously taken care of. The Leela Ashtamudi truly excels in making your events memorable.

Backwaters Experience (5/5): The highlight of The Leela Ashtamudi is its stunning location on the shores of Ashtamudi Lake. The tranquil backwaters provide an enchanting and peaceful atmosphere that transports you to a world of serenity. The hotel offers various activities like sunset cruises and canoe rides to help guests immerse themselves in the beauty of the backwaters. Watching the sunset over the tranquil waters from the comfort of the hotel is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Houseboat Experience (5/5): To truly savor the backwaters, don't miss the opportunity to take a houseboat ride arranged by the hotel. The Leela Ashtamudi offers luxurious houseboat experiences with well-appointed cabins, delectable Kerala cuisine, and an attentive crew. Drifting along the scenic canals and lagoons while enjoying the serene environment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed during your stay.

Restaurant (5/5): The hotel's restaurant, serving delectable Kerala and international cuisine, is a culinary delight. With a stunning view of the backwaters, dining here is a sensory experience. The menu is an exquisite blend of traditional Kerala dishes and international favorites, prepared with utmost care and expertise. The seafood options are particularly exceptional, showcasing the fresh catch from the nearby waters.

Overall Experience (5/5): The Leela Ashtamudi - A Raviz Hotel offers a luxurious and authentic Kerala experience that is second to none. The combination of exceptional service, breathtaking surroundings, and world-class amenities makes it a standout destination for both leisure travelers and event planners. The hotel's commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the backwaters while providing unmatched comfort and luxury is truly commendable.

In conclusion, The Leela Ashtamudi is a true gem on the backwaters of Kerala, offering an unparalleled experience that caters to all types of travelers. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a venue for a special event, this Raviz Hotel is the perfect choice for an...