Very nice, modern hotel with courteous, professional staff. Chic rooms, comfortable beds and modern bathrooms. Views of the bay and the hotel's beautiful back gardens. Walking distance to shops and restaurants of Ernakulam. The hotel had a lovely restaurant with domed glass ceilings that served a very ample buffet. The price was very reasonable for a hotel of this caliber, and included a sunset boat trip on the bay that left from a dock in the back of their hotel. The staff was very accommodating, and had no problem letting us check into our room early. There is a concierge desk in the lobby that can help you book tours, although there prices are a lot higher than if you go to the tourism center in town. Staying here was a great relief after long travels.

The Taj is a well maintained property, the rooms are a good size and althought there are no balconies, the view is excellent over the water. The restaurant served excellent buffet lunches, however we took a taxi (£12 return and wait) into the centre in the evenings. We didnt get to see the bar as there is no alcohol served in Kerala on the first of the month!
If you ask the security officer on the back gate, he will let you out so you can walk along the promenade, or just sit and watch the boats etc. The hotel also provides a free sunset cruise, which is worth doing as it goes up to where the chinese fisher men are working on their nets ( a good photo opportunity at sunset). The only draw-back to this Taj is its location (30-40 mins) outside the centre, depending on traffic, but its probably mainly used for business rather than tourism. Contrary to the travel books it does have a small pool with an attendant who will provide drinks etc. plus some sun loungers and towels.

i booked this hotel after seeing it's review here on tripadvisor
i booked directly at the taj hotel website as it had an offer which was lunch or dinner free per day.... how could i refuse such an offer?!?! also it was off peak holiday season, which is why they had this offer.

hotel is tucked inside behind the cochin harbour....
so you get to see the ship workers, container trucks, ships and containers on the way to the hotel.....and then at the end of the journey i found it surprising that there was fantastic hotel hidden away.

me and my wife took along our nephew to cochin (who was giving his grandmother a hand time)... the staff really know how to treat children.... it is as if the taj hotel has a training school for its staff on how to treat and handle children.

the hotel food is just amazing. i had no problems in this dept!!! breakfast was great, loads of choice in the buffet, both malayee, north indian and western food. hot and cold food.

the hotel has free activities and events, such as the Kalarippayattu show and the boat trip around the cochin bay. we took the boat trip which was great.

the room was fantastic, loads of choice on the TV, i enjoyed watchin national geographic india.

hotel is far from the shopping areas such as MG road, Ernakulam and the NH. but is a peaceful enclave from the busy streets of cochin/Ernakulam

well worth it!

Taj was great - a classy hotel with great service.

The location - downtown Ernakulum - is not ideal. But it's near the ferry terminal to Fort Cochin, and anything you need is a short ride away.

The service is excellent - staff were always attentive and gracious. Breakfast was good. There is a pool in the hotel, a bit old and worn but perfectly usable. The room was good, and had a sofa as well. Tiny balcony (standing room only). The room was a touch small, and it's a shame there was a shower only - no bath.

Overall - good place to stay in Cochin.