My Disappointing Experience at The Leela Kovalam I have been observing this place for three seasons, and unfortunately, I can say that the quality of service here is not improving but getting worse.
The Beach My introduction to the hotel began with the beach, which they illegally call "private." It is important to note that private beaches do not exist in India – all beaches belong to the state and are open to everyone. However, the hotel staff shamelessly drive out locals and tourists, which is outrageous and unacceptable.
India is known for its hospitality, where people are welcomed, not thrown out from a public place that no one truly owns.
But if the hotel considers this beach to be “theirs,” then a logical question arises: why is it always covered in trash? Why does no one maintain it? Piles of plastic, litter, and seaweed—this is how the beach of a "5-star" hotel looks? Moreover, sewage flows directly into the sea, and the smell is unbearable. Do they really think this is acceptable for their guests?
The Tides Restaurant – Chaos and No Service The Tides Restaurant is a separate disaster. Booking a table there is nearly impossible. The staff simply ignores emails and requests, not even bothering to respond. Such behavior demonstrates complete unprofessionalism.
When I finally managed to visit, I was deeply disappointed. Mediocre food that absolutely does not justify its price. Of course, the prices are high—it is a 5-star hotel—but that does not mean they can serve food that tastes like it came from a cheap street café. It feels like they are simply profiting off their name without making any effort to deliver quality.
The Sky Bar – Only a Nice View The only good thing about The Sky Bar is the beautiful view. But that is all. The sofas are covered in bird droppings, and it seems like no one has cleaned them for weeks. How can a 5-star hotel allow such a level of unsanitariness?
The cocktails are just as mediocre as the food. The price-to-quality ratio is completely unjustifiable.
The Absolute Disrespect Toward People But the most disgusting and shocking thing is the service and attitude of the staff.
I witnessed an absolutely disgraceful scene: a security guard with a stick refused to let an elderly woman use the toilet. The toilet! In any civilized country, any reputable restaurant or hotel allows visitors to use the restroom.
But what is even more appalling is that in India—a country known for its incredible hospitality—I have never encountered a situation where security guards literally protect a toilet with a stick! This is beyond common sense. What kind of mindset do you need to have to think this is acceptable?
I have visited this hotel’s restaurants and bars multiple times, including during the off-season, when they actually need customers. But after such disrespectful treatment of people, I will never set foot there again.
Final verdict: terrible service, mediocre food, and a complete lack of basic respect for people. I strongly do not recommend the restaurant, the bar,...
Read moreLeela Hotel's Sky Bar offers an unparalleled experience that combines breathtaking panoramic views of the sea with an excellent ambience that sets the stage for a memorable evening. As you step into the Sky Bar, you're immediately greeted by the vast expanse of the sea stretching out before you, creating a mesmerizing backdrop that adds a touch of magic to the atmosphere.
The ambience of the Sky Bar is nothing short of spectacular. With its sleek and modern design, comfortable seating, and subtle lighting, it strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and relaxation. Whether you're lounging with friends or enjoying a romantic evening for two, the ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Live music adds another layer of charm to the Sky Bar, enhancing the ambiance with soulful melodies and vibrant rhythms. As you sip on your drink and soak in the surroundings, the music adds to the overall ambiance, creating a truly immersive experience.
Visiting the Sky Bar, you'll find yourself completely enchanted by the place. Time seems to stand still as you lose yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. The combination of the panoramic sea view, the live music, and the impeccable ambience creates a magical atmosphere where you can't help but feel like you've stepped into another world.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Sky Bar is the breathtaking view of the lights twinkling in the sea and the sky. As evening falls and the lights come on, the entire scene transforms into a spectacle of shimmering beauty that is simply mesmerizing. It's a sight that you won't soon forget.
As you enjoy your time at the Sky Bar, you'll also be treated to the gentle caress of the wind, adding another sensory dimension to the experience. The cool breeze serves as a reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds you, enhancing the overall sense of tranquility and serenity.
In summary, Leela Hotel's Sky Bar is more than just a place to enjoy a drink; it's an experience that transports you to a world of luxury, beauty, and relaxation. With its panoramic sea views, excellent ambience, live music, and enchanting atmosphere, it's easy to see why you'll fall in love with this extraordinary...
Read moreThe mosquitoes feasted on me at this bar. Unfortunately they didn’t put electric fan around to help ward off the mosquitoes. You need 2500 rupees for entrance which you can use towards drinks or food. The drinks are very pricey (even more expensive than Finland price average). Whether it’s worth it is a bit questionable. WWW bar nearby has nice ambiance too + similar drinks for a fraction of the price (and a great chocolate cheesecake). It’s true that it’s peaceful here but the mosquitoes won’t let you...
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