We came here for my fiancee's post-birthday, in low-season, expecting the start of the monsoon. The monsoon was a week late, and we stayed here for 6 days as a result. Where to start? First, outdated?!?!? no... can't call it that at all. We stayed in Room 302 and were just elated from beginning to end. If some other room... more

We had initially booked into this hotel for 3 days but the hotel was so good that we extended our stay for another 2 days. The service is first class the staff could not do enough for us. Other reviews have stated the hotel to be a bit dated this is true of the bathrooms which probably would benefit from... more

The number one thing that the Taj Garden Retreat in Varkala has going for it is its fabulous location. Perched on the hillside overlooking the sea from the pool and lobby you are right there, yet the place is quiet and relaxed. A feeling definitely conveyed by the hotels open breezeways and lobby. The hotel itself is tired and worn... more

The Taj Garden retreat, Varkala has received a lot of negative press and I would like to set the record straight. It is clearly the best hotel in Varkala. It will give you a pretty room, a very comfortable bed, a lovely view of coconuts groves and if you're lucky, a glimpse of the beach from your room. If beauty... more

A slightly dated hotel (very 80'ish) but seems to be the best around. Rooms are clean and staff very friendly. Food is great - especially breakfast! Although restaurant is slightly tucked away! Pool area felt very old and did not have enough chairs and slightly murky pool water. 5 minute walk down to the beautiful beach. more

The Taj Garden in Varkala is a walk away from the beach, and this is its only flaw. Not a particularly big one, given that a ride to the beach costs pennies, and the walk is gentle and pretty. Otherwise the rooms are comfortable, the service excellent, and the pool great - attendant is super-attentive, and you can really work... more

The Taj Garden retreat is fine. It's nothing special, but quite frankly, it's about as good as you are going to get in Varkala. It's not cheap, but I found our stay there worth every penny. The hotel is definitely tired and could use some renovations. But I found it to be clean and the staff to be very nice... more

This is an attractive hotel set in beautiful grounds on a hill above the resort. It has a lovely pool, with swim up access to a bar, but no direct access to the beach. Our room and bathroom were large, and clean with a balcony overlooking the grounds and the sea, and were well appointed except for the lack of... more

Whilst there isn't anything particularly wrong with this hotel, I can't think of anything I really liked either. The hotel is OK, the rooms are OK (but a bit shabby and look as though they were decorated in the eighties), quite clean (although someone left the cleaning bucket and a ladder outside our room for the whole time we were... more