Around My Kochi!: 2014

Marriott, Kochi

Lt Col D Purushothaman Pillay (Retd)

Kochi now boasts of the newest-born Marriott on the planet.

This modern 5 star asset is a majestic, tall, elegant brown structure in contemporary design, adjacent to the centrally located Lulu Mall at Edapally. It is just 30 minutes away from the Airport and houses 274 luxurious rooms including 27 stately suites, pandering to the discerning tastes of both the business and leisure traveler. The facilities include an attractive swimming pool, a lavish Quan spa and an ultra-modern fitness centre. The 21st floor houses the ‘Marriott Executive Lounge’ which offers breathtaking views of the Kochi geography. It also serves as a perfect setting to host social events and corporate meetings, having multiple choices of halls, each equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual gear along with excellent catering options.

In this blog, I am presenting a quick glimpse of their plush and expansive entry area which imbued the joyous spirit of Yuletide to the hilt with the imposing presence of that central Christmas tree and all other tasteful Noel embellishments that were handpicked to create the Yule environment. There are also a few snaps that offer a quick peek into the sumptuous Breakfast offering at their elegant lobby-level All Day Diner "Kochi Kitchen," that we all so enjoyed on Christmas morning.

The suave and scholarly GM Vineet Mishra, with his sharp intellect and power of observation seems to have demystified what the present-day hospitality is in need of locally. Over the protracted evolution of this gem of a hotel that he has carefully conceived, constructed and presented to us, he has developed a profound understanding of the local milieu and what makes both Kerala and the intrepid exploratory Malayali who inhabits it, tick. This charismatic leader has also ensured that each and every member on his team serves from their heart, I therefore sense a palpable happy soul residing in this marvelous place that was painstakingly created by him, with his utmost devotion.

This advent of an opulent Marriott has induced just the right fillip to the flagging spirits of the local tourism sector. It is a very welcome and exciting addition, indeed, to the vibrant Kerala hospitality scene, which had become stagnant lately due to political paralysis and policy uncertainties and therefore was starved of any fresh luxurious offerings off late.

Sunday, 21 December 2014 will henceforth be remembered as a day Kerala redefined hospitality. Thanks to the visionary entrepreneur Shri M A Yousuf Ali and his ever expanding EMKE Lulu Group, Kochi now boasts of Kerala's first signature Marriott Hotel. It will now rank as the "Grandest" 5 star hotel in the state.

In the days to come, I am positive Marriott will become an integral part of innumerable happy memories and heartwarming celebrations that many will delightfully create in their care. Wishing each and every member of the new Team Marriott A Merry Christmas & A Very Happy New Year!!!