Fort Kochi, a captivating coastal town in Kerala, is renowned for its rich history, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture. And tucked away in a side street of this charming destination is Niyati Boutique Stay, a 3-star budget hotel that’s a sanctuary of serenity. In a previous blog, I’ve already talked about how, on my last trip here, I stayed at Ernakulum. The back and forth to Fort Kochi meant I had less time to explore. So this February, for my second sojourn in this town, we picked Niyati Boutique Stay, and I’ll tell you why you can consider booking a stay here, too.
About Niyati Boutique Stay
Niyati Boutique Stay truly lives up to its boutique status. The entire property is meticulously maintained and it blends in with the historic look and feel of Fort Kochi. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to create a harmonious and balanced atmosphere. From the wooden staircase and artwork to the decor and tiny green patch of indoor garden space, everything adds to the organic and rustic feel of the place – including the reception, which reminded me of an old office.
The character and charm of Niyati perfectly complement the old-world allure of Fort Kochi. As we explored the fishing area, cafes, cycle or walking trails, and shopping choices nearby, Niyati served as a great base to soak up the unique ambiance of this part of town. Everything was literally a few minutes stroll away. You can even hire an autorickshaw to navigate the narrow lanes and visit Jew Town, where you can explore the spice bazaar, the palace, the synagogue, and shop for curios and antiques. The staff at Niyati are friendly, and non-intrusive, ensuring that your stay is both comfortable and welcoming.
Being a small hotel, there is no common area/space outside one’s room to sit and read, enjoy a coffee, or to catch up on work. So you will either be in your room or outside of the hotel.
Comfortable and Cozy Rooms
With its budget-friendly pricing, Niyati Boutique Stay surprises guests with its value-for-money offerings. It has 5-6 air-conditioned rooms adorned with vintage features and classic decor, so we were transported to a world of simple elegance and relaxation. Although simple, the rooms are spacious and house all the basics you would need. The bathrooms are extremely clean and the rain shower in the bathroom is an addition I appreciated!
I found that the rustic charm of the rooms, combined with their cleanliness and fresh linens, provided for a cozy stay with just enough comfort. The “courtyard” room, in particular, which is the one I stayed in, was charming with its big windows and abundant natural light, creating a pleasant and soothing ambiance while giving you something to look at. There are another 3-4 rooms like it at the property. For light sleepers, it is advisable to book one of these rooms as they are away from the main road and noise disturbances.
While the rooms are undeniably nice, one minor drawback is the lack of outdoor space to sit, relax read a book, or drink coffee. However, this is a small price to pay for the overall appeal of the property. Speaking of reading, check out the bookcase in the reception that holds books that travelers have left behind. I found some interesting titles and comics that I read during my brief stay here.
The Food at Niyati Boutique Stay:
The hotel itself doesn’t offer food, and we didn’t have the opportunity to dine at the restaurant attached to it, either. However, Fort Kochi is a food lover’s paradise, offering a myriad of culinary options. From traditional Kerala dishes to international flavors, the town has something to tantalize every taste bud. I recommend exploring the surrounding area and trying out the various cafes and restaurants. Relax in one of the cafes, sip your favorite beverage, and enjoy the vibrant energy of the Fort Kochi streets as time passes by.
The Verdict
Niyati Boutique offers a tranquil stay and the undeniable advantage of being a hop, skip and jump from a lot of must-sees, must-dos, and must-eat-at places. You may like to read more about the things to do in Fort Kochi and Ernakulam.
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