Best Hotel To Stay In Fort Kochi – Forte Kochi

Have you ever stayed in a hotel that was once a Jewish Mansion built more than 150 years ago? We hadn’t, at least till recently, when we experienced a unique stay in the quaint and colorful Forte Kochi hotel in Kochi. The city of Kochi was the gateway to India in ancient times. It attracted the Arabs, the Chinese, the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British literally with the aromatic magic of its spices. The inexorable march of time has brought changes and the city has today metamorphosed into a modern city. A swanky International Airport, a metro, ritzy malls, and cafes are the visible signs of a contemporary city forging ahead. But history and the influence of different cultures have left their distinct imprint. The Chinese fishing nets, historic synagogues brushing shoulders with exquisite churches, tombs of people from far away lands, all combine to give Koch a unique personality unlike any other city in India. Fort Kochi is the place to head to for an immersive experience of the heritage of Kochi. For a truly immersive experience, a stay in the Fort Kochi area is the best bet. The hotel Forte Kochi is indeed the best hotel to stay in Fort Kochi.

Best Hotel To Stay In Fort Kochi – Forte Kochi / A Tryst With Heritage

Kochi is a city that you fall in love gradually as you come more and closer to it. It may not be love at first sight, but as you experience more of it, the attraction grows more and more stronger and you want to return to explore more of its wonders. This has been our experience and we love heading back to Kochi. We have experienced different facets of Kochi on our many visits. If a breathtaking road trip to Athirapally had us mesmerized on one of our trips, the zen moments we spent on the romantic backwaters had us totally enraptured on another trip.

So it was that our karma and the lure of Kochi once again drew us to the shores of the city that was once the hot spot of the historic spice route. It is believed that more than 30 countries from across Europe, Far East, and Asia traded with the then Fort Kochi.

Our visit to Kochi this time was short, but it heralded the opening of a new chapter of its heritage for us. We stayed at one of the hotels in Fort Kochi Kerala. In fact, we felt that the best hotel to stay in Fort Kochi is the Hotel Forte Kochi. As soon as the door of the hotel closed behind us, we were in a different world. A world with echoes of the past, a world that still preserved the art and heritage of more than 150 years ago. The world of the Fort Kochi heritage hotel, Forte Kochi.

The History of Forte Kochi

One of the thrills of staying at Forte Kochi is the history of the building in which it is located. We learned that the building in which the hotel is located was originally a mansion owned by a prominent Jewish family of the region. The building itself was built by the Portuguese in the year 1860 and was the dwelling place of a well to do Jewish family. The building is now modernized and equipped with all contemporary luxuries and turned into a boutique hotel, the Forte Kochi, one of the best 5-star hotels in Kochi. The hotel has however carefully preserved the original structure which is now painted in beautiful and vibrant colors. The Forte Kochi stands as an enchanting ode to the enticing blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British elements of art and architecture. It stands as a colorful reminder of a time that has gone.

How To Get To Forte Kochi – Forte Kochi Location

Forte Kochi Hotel, 1/373, Princess St, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

The Forte Kochi stands in the quaint environs of Fort Kochi, the most historic area of Kochi. It is located in the Princess Street, which happens to be one of the oldest streets of Fort Kochi. The street has a vintage charm with its colonial structures and is also one of the popular Fort Kochi shopping areas.

• The Hotel Forte Koche is located at 1/373, Princess St, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001
• The Hotel Forte Kochi is situated at a distance of about 36 kilometers from the Cochin International Airport
• One can take a cab from the airport or avail of the Airport transfer services provided by Forte Kochi
• The distance of Fort Kochi to the airport is about 36 kilometers

Luxury Hotel Forte Kochi – The Rooms

Garlands made of intoxicatingly fragrant Jasmine flowers and tender coconuts overflowing with sweet nectar-like water welcomed us as we stepped into the lobby of the Forte Kochi.

We were escorted to our room which is on the first floor of the single-storied building. From the lobby you emerge onto a rectangular courtyard, the shimmering aquamarine waters of the pool welcome you. Cute canopies with tables and chairs neatly arranged by the poolside promise some nice moments. Arched corridors run parallel to the pool on the ground floor as well as the first floor. The rooms are located in the corridors bedecked with pillars, vintage lamps, and stained glass shades. Colorful bougainvillea flowers in pink hues contrast against the pastel yellow paint that dominates the building. We ascend a spiral staircase to reach our room which is located towards the end of the pool on the first floor.

There is a sitting area outside the door to our room which is reminiscent of a royal lounge in a palace. A few sparkling wooden steps flanked by a wooden balustrade lead to a wooden doorway with two doors. These doors open into the room that was our home for two days.

The moment you step into the room, a sense of incomprehensible thrill encompasses you. You feel as if you have transcended the barrier of time and have traveled back into the colonial era. Each corner of the room is a tribute to its designers, the interiors keep alive the heritage and the elements of the original structure and yet ensure every modern luxury is provided. A four-poster bed occupied center-stage, an enduring symbol of British elegance and luxury. The four-poster bed, of course, has a long and colorful history, it was considered as a status symbol in the medieval and renaissance times. Ornamental and grand four-poster beds used to be the prized possession of royalty and noblemen. We were thrilled to experience similar royalty for a couple of days! A lone painting adorned the wall behind the bed while side tables on either side provided perfect symmetry to the room.

Azulejos or Portuguese tiles stretched from wall to wall ensuring that our attention was riveted on the floor. On one corner of the room stood what was obviously a sturdy antique study table designed and made with vintage finesse. A mirror with an exquisite wooden frame hung by the table while a beautiful reading lamp cast an ethereal glow in the room. Heavy orange colored curtains were held back by quaint looking rope holders and ropes.

Beyond the curtains were the windows that looked on to Princess Street. Ornamented with stained glass, these wooden windows seemed as if they were indeed the windows to another era, an era of grandiose opulence.

What was really delightful and unique was the large and comfortable window seat arranged with colorful cushions that provided a cozy corner to relax!

A glass-topped wooden center table with exquisitely carved, curved legs laden with goodies including chocolates, fruits and other local savories including Kerala’s famous banana chips and cashew nuts stood invitingly near the window.

Everything in the room seemed to be a work of period art and evoked the aura of a distant era now lost in the pages of history. The small thoughtfully designed alcoves, the old black electrical switches, the slender lamp that stood beside the bed, or the tall and elegant table on which stood a lone flower vase, everything seemed to tell a story from the past.

Forte Kochi Room Amenities

A large LED television brings you back to the present from the realms of history. If you think that the room is an ode to the past, a statement of elegance and luxury of the colonial era, you are right! But at the same time, the room is equipped with all modern luxury and convenience including the Television set, Refrigerator, Coffee/Tea Maker, Air Conditioning, Mini Bar, etc.. There is Wifi in the rooms and across the hotel too.

The bathroom is well equipped too with a nice bathtub and hand shower, hairdryer, and all required toiletries as well as dressing gowns and slippers. Newspapers are provided in the room too.

Types of Rooms

Forte Kochi which is one of the best places to stay in Fort Kochi is also one of the best 5-star hotels in Kochi. It has 27 rooms with elegant interiors that seamlessly merge comfort and luxury with heritage elegance. The rooms include Classic rooms that accommodate two people, Imperial King rooms that accommodate four people, and also the Sovereign Suite that can accommodate four people.

Art And Heritage At Forte Kochi

Every corner of the hotel Forte Kochi sings a paean to the rich artistic traditions of the past. Elements of Dutch, Portuguese, and British art and design fuse together to form a mesmerizing symphony of color, lines, and shape to create a delightful visual vista. Aristocratic arches, balconies, stained glass windows, period furniture, paintings and photographs, all combine to paint a life-like picture of life in an era of the past. Wicker chairs, regal sofas, and chairs, glittering and grand chandeliers, differently shaped mirrors with exquisite frames, weave together a mesmerizing ambiance that is at once relaxing and stunning.

The design of the Forte Kochi hotel has ensured that the building retains its original elements. These add to its quaintness and provide an element of intrigue.

An old freshwater well stands at one corner of the swimming pool. Looking at it, one wonders about the stories of the people who must have once drawn water from this very well. What happened to them? Do they lie buried in the old Jewish Cemetery in Fort Kochi?

Another unique sight within the Forte Kochi hotel is the holy spring of the Jews. This, in Jewish tradition, is known as Mikveh or Mikvah and was used for ritualistic bathing for purification by Jewish men and women. The spring dates back to over 200 years and is a rare sight to behold, an embodiment of the faith and belief of one of the most enigmatic religions of the world.

Amenities At Forte Kochi

What makes Forte Kochi the best hotel to stay in Fort Kochi is the fact that it not only provides a peep into the rich heritage of the region but also ensures that every contemporary convenience and luxury is at your disposal.

Apart from the in-room amenities, the hotel has an inviting swimming pool where one can take a dip and relax by the poolside. There is a library where one can catch up on some reading or can just lounge by the poolside with a drink. There are many small and big sitting areas inside the hotel where one can chill either under the sun or under the comfortable shade of the 19th-century Jewish mansion now transformed into Forte Kochi. If you feel like moving out of your quaint nest at the Forte Kochi, the travel desk is there to help you explore the wonders of Fort Kochi.

The Paul group of hotels of which Forte Kochi is a part also offers a unique package called, “Legacies of Kerala”, which enables guests to experience different aspects of Kerala. The package includes stay at Forte Kochi, the beautiful Kumarakom Lake Resort, and in a houseboat in Kumarakom.

Dining At Forte Kochi

The Jetty is the restaurant at Forte Kochi that brings to the table different cuisines that are as varied and as colorful as the heritage of Kochi. From local Malabar delicacies to Continental cuisine, from Pan Indian dishes to a tantalizing spread of seafood, the restaurant offers varied fare to its guests.

The ambiance of the Jetty makes for an enchanting and romantic dinner. Flickering lamps cast their shadows on the tables, colorful tinted glass windows sparkle casting a surreal aura to the place. An ideal setting for a quiet dinner.

Breakfast is a combination of buffet and à la carte. One can order from a selection of Indian or European breakfast options and beverages, juices, and shakes.

Another interesting feature is the afternoon High Tea which is served by the poolside at a small recreated local Kerala style tea shop known as Thattukada. One can munch on local snacks over some authentic tea and strong filter coffee.

Service At Forte Kochi

The service at Forte Kochi matches its unique ambiance. It is full of earthy and traditional love and warmth. A reflection of the nature of the people of the land which embraced diverse religions and cultures. Be it the smiling doorman who opens the door as you enter the enthralling world of Forte Kochi or the head Chef walking over to your table to ensure that everything is in order, Forte Kochi is a place that touches your heart.

Places Of Interest And Things To Do Near Forte Kochi

The Forte Kochi is located in the heart of Fort Kochi in Princess Street and is one of the ideal places to stay in Fort Kochi. Most of the places to see and things to do in Fort Kochi are nearby. Here is a list of things to do in Fort Kochi, for details do check out our detailed guide to Fort Kochi.

• See Chinese fishing nets of Kochi from Vasco Da Gama square (Appr. distance: 250 meters)
• Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica (Appr. distance: 400 meters)
• Indo-Portuguese Museum (Appr. distance: 650 meters)
• St. Francis Church (Appr. distance: 270 meters)
• Kerala Kathakali Centre (Appr. distance: 450 meters)
• Indian Naval Maritime Museum (Appr. distance: 1.3 kilometers)
• Paradesi Jewish Synagogue (Appr. distance: 2.9 kilometers)
• Jew Town (Appr. distance: 2.5 kilometers)
• Mattancherry Palace (Appr. distance: 2.6 kilometers)

Best Hotel in Fort Kochi – Forte Kochi FAQ

• Which is the best hotel in Fort Kochi?

There are many good hotels in Fort Kochi if you are looking for Fort Kochi accommodation then Forte Kochi offers a unique experience.

• Are there hotels near Fort Kochi beach?

Forte Kochi, one of the best boutique hotels in Fort Kochi is located around 550 meters from the Mahatma Gandhi Beach in Fort Kochi Kerala.

• Are there many Fort Kochi restaurants near the Forte Kochi Hotel?

The Forte Kochi is located in Princes Street and very close to many attractions. If you are thinking of what to do in Fort Kochi, many options are within walking distance. Apart from important landmarks, there are many restaurants situated in the vicinity. Forte Kochi itself has a popular restaurant, The Jetty which serves a range of cuisines including Seafood and Pan Asian, Pan Indian, Pan European, and local food.

Final Thoughts About Our Stay At Fort Kochi In Forte Kochi

The experience of our Forte Kochi stay in what was once a Jewish mansion that was built in 1860 was really unique. We really loved our entire stay in the hotel Forte Kochi which swept us away into another fascinating period in history. The contemporary conveniences blended with the luxurious elegance of the past make Forte Kochi the most unique Fort Kochi places to stay in.

Plan a stay in Fort Kochi – Forte Kochi, Kochi, Kerala India

Are you planning a trip to Kochi in Kerala, India and thinking about Kochi Hotel Booking? You can book flights through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline. Be it hotels in Kochi, 5-star hotels in Kochi, best resorts in Kochi or anywhere in India or throughout the world, you can book them right here. You can book your hotels through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and save big.

You can book online Kochi tours and can also book any of the popular activities in Cochin.

Have you been to Kochi ( also known as Cochin ) India? If you want to experience Kochi in Kerala with the luxury you must stay at this beautiful boutique hotel – Forte Kochi which combines heritage with luxury. This exquisite hotel blends modern comfort and luxury with vintage heritage and elegance. The beautiful building is a riveting harmony of Dutch, Portuguese and British elements. The heritage hotel is not only an Instagrammers delight with its vibrant colors but each corner unveils a treasure from history.  For us, it is the best hotel in the Fort Kochi area.

If you are looking for hotels in the Fort Kochi area, do check out Forte Kochi, a stunning property in the Fort Kochi area.

Driving around Kochi, India

If you are looking at getting the best deals on car rental in Kochi, India, then look no further. You can rent a car in Bangalore or Chennai or Hyderabad or Coimbatore to explore and experience the unique vibes of Kochi and its surroundings, be awed by the strange aura of the Chinese fishing nets as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea, get transported to another era as you walk past old colonial buildings that have stood the test of time. Get lost amidst exquisite synagogues, temples, and mosques., and in and around areas and embark on a road trip of exploration and discovery Cochin. If you have a valid Indian driving license then you could rent a self-drive car from Bangalore or Hyderabad or Chennai.

Get a feel of the heritage and luxury of Forte Kochi by watching this short video by us:

Have we given you enough reasons to plan a trip to Kochi/Cochin and stay in Forte Kochi? Your Kochi tours too are covered. Book online Kochi tours and activities in Kochi and experience unique vibes with luxury.

Have you experienced the vibrant and quaint charm of Forte Kochi? Have you ever stayed in any of the hotels in the Fort Kochi area? If not, you must experience Forte Kochi, the best hotel in Fort Kochi.

We were hosted by The Paul group of hotels – Forte Kochi. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.

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