After staying at an underwhelming hotel in Fort Cochin for a night, we met a couple that were staying at Green Woods Bethlehem that were raving about their homestay. We went to have a look and went to get our bags straight away. Sheeba and Ashley, the hosts welcomed us with open arms (literally) and in the end, we didn't want to leave. Here's what you need to know if you are thinking about staying here.

THE PROS

1. The hosts. Wonderful! You will not receive a warmer welcome anywhere else. The comments in the lonely planet about Sheeba being ready to sign your adoption papers when you walk through the door are justified! Sheeba rang around to get us discounts at our next destination, organised an ayurvedic massage for us and couldn't have been more helpful. She fed us cake when we arrived and kept us topped up with tea/water at every available opportunity.

2. The rooms are excellent. We looked at quite a few before deciding on the one that we wanted. There is a fun banana leaf shack on the roof (very romantic), a room with a 4 poster bed on the ground floor and several newly renovated rooms as well. We picked a triple room which was really nice, very clean and exactly what we needed.

3. The roof top terrace. This is where you can find hot drinks all through the day and eat breakfast every morning. It's fantastic to be sitting up in the tree canopy and watch the bird/wildlife carrying on around you.

THE CONS

4. Just a "heads up", but Green Wood Bethlehem is a little bit out of the way. Fort Cochin is quite a compact place and if you don't mind a 15/20 minute walk, this won't bother you at all. It was perfect for us, as we really enjoyed being in residential areas and seeing the "real" India.

5. Leaving. You won't want to...

This is the cheapest place that we stayed during our 3 weeks in India but in my view, the best. If you decide to stay there, you will get a wonderful welcome, tasty food and fantastic value for money. You won't be disappointed, I promise!

My wife and I stayed in Greenwoods Bethlehem for three nights in October, and it was just wonderful. Set among a beautiful garden off the street in a quiet but easily accessible neighbourhood, it was a tranquil and relaxing from the start. Sheeba and Ashley greeted us so warmly, and then showed us to our room, which had just been completed to a very high standard (nicest one we stayed in in Kerala). We'd recommend anyone who goes to Fort Cochin to stay with them.

Matt and Steph

This is an absolute stunner of a homestay. Sheeba and Ashley are quite possibly the most friendly and welcoming hosts you could wish for. You will be greated with tea, cake and a hug on arrival. The rooms were good, clean and homely. Each morning you'll get a different breakfast up in the dining area on the rooftop. Only inconveniance is that it is a little out of town, a good 15 minute walk but who cares when you get a warm welcome on returning!

I cannot say enough about my memorable stay at Green Woods Bethlehem. Ashley and Sheeba welcomed both my friend and I with open arms when we wandered into their homestay late one night looking for accomodation. We stayed for three nights and enjoyed every minute of it... savouring every bite of the included breakfast on the roof top dining area and being very grateful for all the advice on local attractions.

Thank you Sheeba and Ashley for such a magnificant stay, it was a highlight of my trip to India and I hope many others can experience your unmatched hospitality. I look forward to meeting your family back in Edmonton, Canada.