Calm, charming place surrounded by ashtamudi lake. Perfect location to just slow down and chill a little while in the hammock. Rooms are spacious with tarraces. Dirty cheap ferry ride from kollam boat jetty. Don't waste money on rikshaw - it's just cool to take a ferry across or around the lake. Canoe trip to Monroe Island is a must.... More

If you want absolute peace, quiet and beauty this is your place. It's pretty much just you and an isolated peninsula. The rooms are clean, very large and most have private balconies or decks that look out to the bay. The sunsets are sublime and the atmosphere is amazing. The staff were also attentive and courteous. Also, while isolated, there's... More

We didnt know exactly what to expect from the Valiyavila Homestay, but when we walked up to the estate, we saw the leaflet had not been overstating it. The location is absolutely beautiful, as the estate is surrounded by the lake on three sides. The rooms are all corner rooms, giving you an excellent view over the water. There is... More

It seems that losing reservations is common at this place. We booked by phone the day before and were assured that our reservation was confirmed. After the 8-hour ferry ride, we arrived at the wharf where we were greeted by a young man who led us up the path to the inn. And then we were told we had no... More

We were told about Valiyavila by a young guy who worked on a houseboat we stayed on for a few days working our way down to Kollam. On arrival we were hot and tired and just wanted to relax, which is just what we got here. We were sorted with plug adapters to charge phones (free of charge) and had... More

Valiyavila was by far the most disappointing of our stays in India. The location is undoubtedly incredible, but the cleanliness, service and hotel condition failed to match in every way. The hotel seemed to be staffed by a few teenage boys, who seemed more intent on watching the cricket than cleaning up the food that littered the lounge floor both... More

I lived and worked in Quilon and returned for a very nostalgic visit after a period of forty years. My daughter recommended that we stayed at Valiyavila Family Estate and I am very pleased that we took her advice. Mr Prabath Joseph was extremely helpful, not only did he make us very welcome at the hotel but he also spent... More

May be the most serene place you will stay in India. Views to die for. Friendly staff. Kollam is an interesting "real" i.e. not excessively touristy place. If you are looking for a break, this is your place.

We spent one night at Valiyavila Family Estate. The room was neat and very nice. The staff and the owner Joseph were very helpful and friendly. We had breakfast on the terrace in front of our room, just next to the lake, it was very pleasant. This hotel has a great value for money, definitely go there!