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Cheap and Best Places to Stay in Kochi Kerala: Traveller Picks
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is an affordable Indian destination for travelers. Where you stay greatly affects your trip budget.
Finding cheap and good places to stay in Kochi can be daunting for first-timers.
From homestays that cost 1500Rs to 2000Rs, to hotels that start from 2500Rs and hostels under 1500Rs, there are many options for backpackers, budget travelers, and flashpackers like us.
With so many historic and scenic areas, you might even wonder which neighborhood is the cheapest. Plus, Kochi weather is always hot, so opting for an AC room might increase your budget. But it’s inevitable.
After much research and spending four full days in and around Kochi as budget travelers, we now know how to help you choose the cheap and best places to stay in Kochi in the right neighbourhood.
Here are some tips and handpicked budget places to stay in Kochi including hotels, hostels and homestays. We explain why each place suits certain types of travelers.
Homestay in Fort Kochi
Mother’s Inn Homestay
Want to stay in Fort Kochi with locals but save money on accommodation? Then you must pick Mother’s Inn Homestay like we did.
Located in Bishop Garden, a cosy residential neighbourhood 3 km from Jew Town, this homestay has ancient charm with some rooms featuring Portuguese-era wooden flooring.
It is closer to Princess Street, known for cafes and the Kathakali Performance Centre (about 800m), so we could easily walk to the beautiful streets of Kochi from Mother’s Inn Homestay.
We stayed here fo all four nights during our Kochi trip and was the best decision we made.
Excellent part of staying at Mother’s Inn Homestay is the clean rooms, Air conditioning, attached toilet, easy car access, and ample parking space, perfect for those on a road trip.
Their traditional Kerala breakfast is super delicious! The host was extremely good and suggested we visit Malarikkal Water Lily Lake near Kottayam, 65km from Kochi, even providing the most scenic route via Nagarahole.
One thing to keep in mind while booking Mother’s Inn Homestay is that the homestay is located in side lanes accessible by narrow roads ( Which is why the place is very quiet and peaceful).
We didn’t bother to take the car out to roam around Fort Kochi. We either walked the 3 km or took an auto rickshaw.
Book a budget room at the Mother’s Inn Homestay for a budget stay with a friendly host in Fort Kochi
Vasco Home stay
Want to stay in a 500-year-old Portuguese house that was once Vasco Da Gama’s residence? Pick Vasco Homestay on Rose Street in Fort Kochi!
It’s one of the cheapest places to stay in the heart of Kochi.
This family-run B&B has been around for 16 years. The rooms have been restored with wooden flooring, high ceilings, and large windows, just like in Vasco Da Gama’s time. It’s close to all tourist spots.
The only downside is the limited parking space and that’s’ why we didn’t pick this
Book a budget room at Vasco Homestay to sleep in the house where Vasco Da Gama used to live once!
Bastian Homestay
Looking for a cheap and best homestay in Fort Kochi? Pick Bastian Homestay. It’s located in the Chirattapalam neighbourhood, 2 km from Jew Town.
Guests love Bastian Homestay’s clean, comfortable rooms and delicious homemade breakfasts.
The only thing you should know before booking Bastian Homestay is that the rooms are super basic. Not all rooms have AC; some come with only a fan.
So before booking your room, check if you’re okay spending a few more hundred rupees for AC or sticking to your super low budget.
If you’re a traveller seeking the basics and don’t fancy lots of comfort, Bastian Homestay is your best choice.
Book a super budget room at Bastian Homestay for a budget friendly homestay experience with the locals
Budget hotels to stay in Fort Kochi
There are times when you need the comfort of hotels, such as room service, lifts, and a lot of privacy without spending too much, which aren’t possible to get in homestays. In such cases, you must pick budget hotels.
Surely, many people like you are looking for cheap and good hotels to stay in Fort Kochi, and there are plenty of options.
So here is a list of recommended budget hotels you can book in Fort Kochi during your trip, especially with families.
Solo Inn
Solo Inn in Fort Kochi is the first hotel I recommend. Located just 700m from Kochi Beach and Dutch Cemetery Road, it offers an affordable price for its prime location.
Popular with both couples and families, Solo inn is a favourite among Indian and foreign travellers both . If you are coming to Kochi by car, they have plenty of parking space.
As you pay a lower price, expect smaller rooms and limited breakfast options. You can’t really expect a lavish breakfast spread when paying so little. But guests say that, it is worth the money.
Book a budget hotel room at Solo Inn for a comfortable and affordable stay in the heart of Fort Kochi
Abad Fort
Abad Hotel in Fort Kochi provides comfort, convenience, and affordability for families with all usual modern amenities like room service and lifts, which appeal to travellers who prefer hotel stays.
It just 1.2 km from Jew Town, it has easy access to major attractions and local culture. Despite its prime location and facilities, Abad Hotel remains budget-friendly.
However, some guests have noted that the property feels a bit dated and could use renovations. Overall, it’s a great choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking convenience.
Book a budget hotel room at Abad Fort for a comfortable and affordable stay in the heart of Fort Kochi
Alfred Place
Alfred Place in Fort Kochi is another great hotel I recommend if you’re willing to spend a bit more than the above options.
With its prime location, just 900m from Vasco Da Gama Square, known for its night street food, it offers affordable rates. Because you pay a bit more, you get access to a pool and a better breakfast spread.
As a new hotel, some guests have mentioned that they had to request daily room cleaning; otherwise, it wasn’t done. Other than that, it is one of the top-rated budget hotels in Fort Kochi for budget travellers.
Book a comfortable hotel room at Alfred Place in the heart of Fort Kochi
Best Backpackers hostels in Fort Kochi
With many art galleries housing artworks from artists all over the world, Fort Kochi attracts long-term travellers looking for a wellness holiday or to spend some quiet time.
Fort Kochi is also a backpacker’s paradise, so the hostel culture here is very evident. These hostels fill up much faster than any other places in Fort Kochi.
Here is a list of best hostels for backpackers and super budget travellers can choose in Fort Kochi
goSTOPS Kochi ?
goStops hostel in Fort Kochi is the best choice for backpackers and backpacking couples – A close friend of mine, who attends the Kochi Biennale every time, stays here and finds it the best place.
goStops Kochi is located on Calvathy Road, just 200m from the Kochi Biennale event place “Aspinwall.”
The hostel has a vibrant appearance with white walls and bright red painted windows and doors. Even the dorm beds are red.
They offer private couple beds with shared bathrooms and also ensuite bathrooms. Of course, there is a dormitory with mixed occupancy. Every room type comes with AC, which is much needed, especially in summer.
Book a private room or a bunk bed at goStops Hostel, conveniently located near Aspinwall in Fort Kochi.
Santa Maria hostel
If you want to stay super close to Vasco Da Gama Square, known for its night food street, and Fort Kochi Ferry Jetty, Santa Maria Hostel is a great choice for backpacking couples and solo travellers.
Santa Maria Hostel offer both private rooms with attached bathrooms suitable for couple backpackers and dorms. They have female only dorms and also mixed dorms.
The coolest part of the hostel is their top floor, where you sleep under a wooden sloped roof with mattresses on the floor. The price is absolutely worth it as breakfast and AC in all rooms, including dorms, are included.
Book a bunk bed or a private room at Santa Maria hostel near the night food street of Fort Kochi now.
Bunk house Fort Kochi
Want to stay in Fort Kochi’s quietest neighbourhood yet be close to famous art galleries and tourist spots? Pick Bunk House Fort Kochi, located on Peter Celli Street, just 500m from David Hall.
Bunk House Fort Kochi is the best place for female backpackers and couples.
The dorms here are exclusively for female travellers, and the private rooms are perfect for couples. Many of my female friends who attend art exhibitions, as well as architectural students on educational trips to Kochi, love staying here.
Book a bunk bed as a female backpacker or a private room as a couple at Bunk House Fort Kochi, located in the quietest neighbourhood of Kochi
Summary
Why Fort Kochi is the best place neighbourhood for tourists to stay?
When you visit Kochi, Fort Kochi is the focal point of tourist exploration and there are plenty of budget places to stay here. So staying in Fort Kochi is ideal for backpackers, flashpackers and budget family travellers
Many of Kochi’s attractions are located here, including Jew Town, art galleries, Mattancherry Palace, spice markets, café culture, and street food. These make Fort Kochi the best area to stay in for first-timers.
Fort Kochi has excellent connectivity by road, water metro, and ferries. Auto rickshaws, cycling, and two-wheeler rentals are also abundant, making it easy to get around.
Tips to find Affordable accommodations
If you focus on staying in hotspots of Fort Kochi like Vasco da Gama Square or Jew Town, prices of hotels can be expensive. To save money, consider staying a bit further from the main attractions.
For an even more budget-friendly option, go about 3 km from Jew Town to Bishop Garden, where prices drop, and you can enjoy staying in homestays alongside the locals.
For example, Bishop Garden in Fort Kochi, about a kilometre from the centre, offers more affordable options. We stayed in Bishop Garden and found it to be the best decision we made.
Staying in a hostel isn’t just ideal for backpackers but also for couple budget travellers in Fort Kochi. Many hostels in Kochi offer private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms along with dorms.
If you aren’t a hostel person but don’t want hotels, homestays are the best choice in Fort Kochi. Homestays are my first recommendation for accommodation in Fort Kochi to save money.
Other Islands in Kochi for tourists to stay
Cherai Beach Vypin Island
Ideal for mid-range budget travellers and couples who wants to stay in beachfront homestay – Great place for a quiet time on the backwaters and a quick dip in the sea.
Known for its beautiful beaches, Vypin Island is well-connected to the mainland by a series of bridges and Ferries. If you want to stay closer to Cherai Beach, consider one of the homestays or villas on Vypin Island.
Most accommodations on Cherai beach has view of sea on one side and the stunning backwaters on the other.
Best places to stay in Vypin Island
Sagara Beach Villas would be my first choice if you want to stay near the beach at Fort Kochi. You can go fishing with locals in the backwaters or just relax on your room balcony, watching the ocean.
Cherai Onetree Retreat ? – The room patio opens to the beach, so you are literally just a few steps away from the Arabian Sea if you stay at Cherai Onetree Retreat
Kadamakkudy Island
Ideal for budget travellers whoa are seeking staycation in Kochi in secluded place.
Kadamakkudy Island is a group of smaller islands primarily known for its scenic beauty, traditional village life, and kayaking. In fact, it is the most beautiful of all islands in Kochi and is my favourite – I loved kayaking here
The island is connected to the mainland by the Pizhala-Pattupurakkal bridge. Accommodation options on Kadamakkudy Island are limited, mainly consisting of smaller homestays.
Best places to stay in Kadamakkudy
John’s Haven ? – If you want to stay not just near the backwaters but on the water, climb the Chinese fishing nets whenever you want, catch crabs and seafood with the host, and cook it – John’s Haven is the most ideal budget and unique place to stay in Fort Kochi. It’s suitable for travellers seeking a secluded vacation.
Nihara Resort and Spa Cochin ? – If you prefer a secluded island stay in Fort Kochi with amenities like a spa and comfort without going bankrupt, Nihara Resort and Spa on Kadamakkudy Island is your best option.
Willingdon Island
Ideal for Luxury travellers who prefer to stay away from the main tourist areas for a less crowded experience.
Willingdon Island is the largest artificial island in India, created during the British era. It hosts the Kochi Port. So if you are travelling to Kochi by port, you will land in Willingdon island.
Mind that you must take Water Metro to get to all major tourist attractions of Kochi if you stay here – Kochi Water Metro is super cheap and easy to take. Or taking an auto rickshaw via Thoppumpady Old Harbor Bridge is a time consuming option.
Trident Cochin and Casino Hotel is the most famous luxury resorts in Willingdon island.
Did we help you find the cheap and best places to stay in Kochi? Let us know in the comment section below.
