Molly's Retreat

My absolute favourite place, chilled and away from the throng of Lighthouse beach but only 5 min rickshaw ride. Plus the evening meals are brilliantly tasting, everything cooked fresh to order so you do have a long wait but absolutely worth it. No food waste so very sustainable practice and the prices are actually cheaper than elsewhere. Lovely English speaking staff, and the pool etc is divine. Lots of regular Indian and tourist guests booking their children and comfortable rooms and the restaurant. Truly, I cannot fault this place. Plus it's a 5 minute walk to Samudra Beach. I can't praise this place enough.

From the moment I entered Molly's territory, it felt like another world- a charming, green, quiet, peaceful oasis, where everything has been thought of. Interesting design details, both in the area (starting with a pool in the shape of a cashew nut and ending with the most unusual outdoor shower I'd ever seen) and in the room – the bed frame with the delicate wood carvings alone is like a work of art! The room is spacious (including the bathroom) and bright, with a private balcony. The comfortable bed and pillows, as well as the excellent noise cancelling, guarantee a great sleep. Molly's doesn't fit the typical impersonal hotel experience, it felt more akin to visiting a friends' welcoming home. Because that's exactly the attitude of the personnel - responsive, friendly, helpful, and concerned with every client's comfort and satisfaction. You can also express your needs and wishes in the hotel's restaurant where the food is prepared just as you'd like it. This was very important for me, as I don't eat spicy food and my dietary requests were met with nothing but understanding and compliance on the chefs' behalf. Regrettably, I only stayed at Molly's on the last days of my trip, because I would have liked to spend a lot more time there. Over the course of my month's travel across Kerala, I stayed at 6 different hotels, out of which Molly's was definitely my favorite, given that it stands out with something special you're unlikely to find in a tour guide–a hotel with a great aura.

Had been to have dinner based on reviews. Looks like people at Kovalam do not understand what continental or Mexican or Italian food is. Ordered for pasta and got very dry pasta with lot of oregano. Sweet lime soda turned out to be bitter lime soda. Mashed potatoes are only boiled potatoes with no salt, butter nor cream provided on the side of grilled chicken so hard that it's impossible to cut with knife and fork. The staff absolutely do not have any idea of what different cuisines mean. Truly need to make efforts to learn culinary skills and improve. I don't understand how parking was rated 8 star. It's a road side parking and not covered. Of all, there was a cat roaming around and the staff serving the food picks it up and takes it to the kitchen. Not sure how hygienic the kitchen is. People allergic to cats , beware!