The hotel is set in a lovely place in a gorgeous tropical garden by the river. We loved the rooms. The meal was delicious and very good value. We paid the equivalent of about 7 pounds sterling for a full meal for two. We needed to like Indian food as there weren't western options. That was fine as we love Indian Food, and in any case, we were asked how spicy we wanted the food.

Although close to the airport, it took 30 minutes or so to get there in a taxi as the road has many pot holes and quite a lot of traffic. We used the "pre-paid taxi" option in the airport arrivals terminal which worked very well.

It's not a simple hotel, it's a whole estate, with a heavy colonial fragrant, planted with banana and other tropical trees. There is a beautiful view to the Periar river. There is an ancient building hosting a playroom with a variety of games, including badminton and board games. The food I tried in the hotel restaurant was very good. The staff were amazingly considerate. They woke me up for the free ride to the airport, which the hotel offers and is very important. The general feeling and impression you get in the hotel is of undeserved luxury and leisure.

It was perfect, really, but on a personal note I sometimes felt uncomfortable with the excessive service, especially during dinner, when I felt I am constantly looked after by the waiters.

Staff at the hotel were all friendly and responsive to customer needs. The breakfast was wholesome and delicious. Especially liked the pool villa which was very private with a natural feel to it. Comfortable living quarters. Perfect for a family of 4 as it contained 2 bedrooms.

The activities room was not maintained well. Due to the greenery around there were a lot of mosquitoes as it was the rainy season. Therefore the outdoor area of the restaurant would not be suitable for an evening meal.

Very friendly staff, fantastic restaurant with the most extensive and authentic Kerala cuisine that we had seen, beautiful property lined with nutmeg trees and lush plants. After traveling 3 weeks across India, was also very pleased to have great shower water pressure and hot temperature!!

After a long day of travel we were looking forward to relax at the beautiful pool. Unfortunately it was filled with 10 fully clothed men splashing and playing around loudly. Seems that the property is also rented for events, the leisure and recreation area was covered in discarded plates/cups and waste from a party.

Well located for the airport. A calm well maintained haven. Well kept, enthusiastic helpful polite staff.

Only 2 loungers by the pool. We arrived at lunch, I ordered a shrimp cocktail which was 95% sauce. So at dinner ordered a chicken masala…. The chicken was not cooked, had to be sent back… we could’ve been unlucky with our choices … I would stay again… but I would be wary about ordering the food.

Unfortunately we only had a chance to overnight after late flight, but looking out our surroundings evening and morning, it felt like a wonderful place to spend peaceful time surrounded by the green nature. Spacious rooms with comfortable bed, WiFi working well and very nice swimming pool in the middle of greenery. Free pick up at the airport is definitely the biggest plus.

The rooms however fairly well equipped, they deserve some maintenance. The walls were mostly dirty and the shower needs some works. The water was warm in the evening but cold in the morning. My experience is limited one night, I believe I would find a lot more positives by staying longer.

We arrived later than planned, so weren’t able to use the pool etc, but the hotel staff were very friendly, it was in a lovely, well kept garden, on the banks of the river. Very peaceful, and only a 15 min taxi ride through back roads to the airport. The restaurant served really good food, at a very cheap (from a UK perspective) rate. Would recommend / stay again.

Nil

Indian-style breakfasts, with their diverse selection of curries, offered us a flavourful and satisfying start to the day. The blend of spices and textures provides a unique culinary experience. These breakfasts showcase a rich cultural tapestry and culinary expertise, celebrating the essence of global flavours and heritage. "Once Upon the River" was an exceptional hotel experience. Nestled within a sprawling semi-like tropical forest park, its location was a serene oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the surrounding busy area. The staff at the hotel were incredibly eager to assist, providing impeccable service with a warm and welcoming demeanour. Despite being situated in a lively location, the tranquillity of the hotel made it a peaceful retreat, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and accessibility.

We enjoyed the whole experience. I just couldn't ask for anything more.

This property is not only beautiful - set in gardens with beautiful "Caana" flowers lining the pathways but I was actually shocked at how superb the staff are let alone the magnificent pool - rooms are basic but extremely funcitonal, comfortable and spotlessly clean. Could have done with a couple of lamps as the lighting is very bright, but just needed a little touch of "softness" in the rooms and the restaurant. Service in the Restaurant was superb and the food was beautifully "home-made" and delicious! I couldn't believe the close proximity to the airport but I was never disturbed - this is certainly the best stop-over I've experienced in India and I will be using it on a regular basis every time I visit Kerala! Thank you everyone!

I wasn't able to stay longer!

A super and warm welcome at this hotel. We had considered it to be a humble abode near to the airport convenient for our early morning check out - 4.30am! It is in fact a beautiful serene plantation house on the river with lovely planting and character accommodation as well as a great (alcohol-free) restaurant, serving complimentary breakfast and food all day until 9. The vegan options were incredible and we feasted early - some of the best food we have had on all our travels in Kerala, which overall has seen us enjoying delicious overload. There is an outdoor pool and beyond a new apartment with its own plunge pool and dining area - and this, my friends, was where we found ourselves to have been upgraded. A serene delight and the first comfortable bed in a while and good bathroom. As well as the courtesy car to the airport at that hour and cheerful send off, we were left with the impression that we had way underestimated the charm and elegance of this chic river resort.