Guruvayur's BEST Soorya Madhavam Flat: Unbeatable Prices & Views!
Soorya Madhavam Flat: Guruvayur Edition - My Honest-to-Goodness Review (Brace Yourselves!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the chai on my experience at Soorya Madhavam Flat in Guruvayur. This isn't your typical polished, AI-generated review. This is me, bleary-eyed, coffee-fueled, and ready to tell you the real story. And yes, I paid my own darn way.
First Impression: The Price & The View (The Good Stuff!)
Okay, let's be honest, the website's "Unbeatable Prices & Views!" isn't entirely exaggerating. Finding a place with decent views in Guruvayur can feel like searching for the Holy Grail. Soorya Madhavam actually delivers. My flat looked out over… well, something green. Trees mostly. But hey, after the frantic drive to the temple and the general Guruvayur hustle, it was a welcome escape. And the price? Seriously, affordable. My wallet did a happy dance.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (with a Sigh)
Now, I need to be upfront. I don't have mobility issues, so I couldn’t fully test the "Facilities for disabled guests" that are listed. They are listed, which is a good sign. But the whole setup felt… a little less thought-out than other aspects of the hotel. The elevator was present (thankfully!), but navigating the hallways felt a bit narrow. Let’s just say, if you’re using a wheelchair, it’s probably best to call ahead and clarify things.
The In-Room Saga: Amenities Galore (But Did I Use Them?)
Here's the breakdown of the flat itself, room by room, and the stuff they jammed in there:
- Air Conditioning: PRAISE THE LORD! Guruvayur heat is no joke. It worked flawlessly.
- Airflow: The windows opened which was great
- Alarm Clock: Yup, there. Did I use it? Nope. I rely on my phone alarm, cuz I'm a creature of habit.
- Bathrobes: Fancy! But I'm a t-shirt and shorts kinda gal, so they mostly gathered dust.
- Bathroom Phone: Okay, that was a bit weird. Who calls from the bathroom?!
- Bathtub: I skipped it. I'm more of a shower person.
- Blackout Curtains: Saved my life. Temple crowds start early!
- Closet: Plentiful! Perfect for all the things you accumulate when you travel.
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Essential! I used it every morning. The complimentary tea was a nice touch.
- Complimentary Tea: Again, a win!
- Daily Housekeeping: Efficient and friendly.
- Desk: For those who actually work on vacation. I just used it to eat my snacks.
- Extra Long Bed: I'm not that tall, but I appreciated the extra space.
- Free Bottled Water: Hydration is key, especially in the heat.
- Hair Dryer: Worked, but my own is better. (I’m picky).
- High Floor: The view! (Mentioned before, but worth repeating!)
- In-room Safe Box: Didn't use it, but good to know it's there.
- Interconnecting Room(s) available: Useful for families, I suppose.
- Internet Access – LAN, Internet Access – Wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: Okay, this is where things got interesting. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Yay!). But… the connection was spotty at times. I'm the kind of gal who needs reliable internet to be able to talk to family across the world.
- Ironing Facilities: Another "nice to have" that I didn't touch.
- Laptop workspace: Again, the desk did just fine for this
- Linens: Clean and comfortable.
- Mini bar: Empty. Perhaps a lost opportunity – a little snack bar would be great
- Mirror: Yes, several!
- Non-smoking: Excellent. I hate the smell of smoke.
- On-demand movies: I was exhausted, so I never got around.
- Private bathroom: Always a plus.
- Reading light: I rarely read books, but it was there!
- Refrigerator: Handy for keeping drinks cold.
- Safety/security feature: I felt safe.
- Satellite/cable channels: Not my priority, but the TV worked.
- Scale: Nope. Too many delicious Indian meals to risk a weigh-in!
- Seating area: Comfy sofa.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Just the shower for me.
- Shower: Perfectly functional.
- Slippers: Nice thought.
- Smoke detector: Thank goodness!
- Socket near the bed: Crucial for phone charging.
- Sofa: Comfy.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good. I wasn't bothered by outside noise.
- Telephone: Never touched it.
- Toiletries: Basic but functional.
- Towels: Plenty of them.
- Umbrella: It did rain one afternoon, so that came in handy.
- Visual alarm: Not applicable to me.
- Wake-up service: Never used it. My internal alarm clock (aka my stomach) does a better job.
- Window that opens: Fresh air is always welcome!
The On-Site Experience: Food, Relaxation & (Maybe) a Spa…
- Restaurants: They have restaurants – I ate at one. It was… okay. The food was edible, but not necessarily something I'd rave about. The options for breakfast (Asian, Western, etc.) are advertised.
- Pool with view: The pool looked inviting, but I didn't have the time to take a dip!
- Gym/fitness: Did a quick peek. It looked… functional. Not exactly a state-of-the-art facility, but I can't complain.
- Sauna, Spa: The spa was advertised but I didn’t see it - might have been closed.
- Laundry service: Good to have.
- Room service [24-hour]: A definite perk, which I probably would have used if I stayed longer.
- Bar, Coffee shop, Poolside bar, Snack bar: I saw none of these, might be because of covid.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant: All listed, but I opted for the a la carte option.
- Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage: These services are listed, but I did not avail myself.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Foodie Report
- A la carte in restaurant: My go-to option.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: The food was fine.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Good!
- Happy hour: Unsure.
- International cuisine in restaurant: The options for western and Asian food were available.
- Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: All available.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Available.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: These were all there, and useful.
- Daily housekeeping: Efficient.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: I'd have loved to have tried these.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Facilities for disabled guests: See my earlier comments.
- Food delivery, Convenience store: Available, I did not try these.
- Front desk [24-hour]: They were always there and helpful.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Did not see one.
- Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities: Available, I couldn’t test these.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Not relevant to me, but good that they are available.
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID-19 Factor
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol: All the measures I saw seemed decent. I felt relatively safe.
Getting Around: The Logistics
- Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking: All available, although I mainly relied on taxis.
Final Verdict:
So, would I recommend Soorya Madhavam Flat? **Yes, with a few caveats
Unbelievable Tagaytay Villa: 3BR, Private Pool, Highland Views!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-planned itinerary. We're heading to Guruvayur, specifically to Soorya Madhavam Flat (fingers crossed it's as sun-drenched as the name suggests!), and trust me, things are about to get…real.
Guruvayur Grooves & Gut Feelings: A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Oh Dear God, Did I Pack Enough Antacids?
Morning (Err, Attempted Morning): Land in Kochi. The flight? Let's just say I woke up with a crick in my neck and a burning desire for a stiff drink (water, of course, because…hydration). The baggage claim? A glorious free-for-all. Managed to salvage my suitcase, thankfully. But I did see a guy trying to wrestle a particularly stubborn chicken out of a carrier bag. India, you already win.
Mid-Morning/Early Afternoon: Chauffeur arranged (thank the travel gods!), bumpy car ride to Guruvayur. The air immediately felt thicker, a mix of jasmine and something…else. Can't quite put my finger on it. The driver kept muttering about "karma" and "the traffic of the gods." I just hoped he knew the way to Soorya Madhavam. He said it’s flat "number 202".
Afternoon (Soorya Madhavam Arrival & Panic): Soorya Madhavam! Found the flat, unlocked the door (thankfully!), and…oh. It's…functional. Not quite the "sun-drenched paradise" I envisioned, but the air-conditioning works. That’s a win. Dropped my bags. The urge to lie down and watch the ceiling fan become a vortex was almost overpowering. Then, reality smacked me in the face: I forgot the bloody adaptor for my phone charger. The spiral of panic began. How am I going to navigate without Google Maps? How am I going to capture the Instagram-worthy sunset? How am I going to…ah whatever, I'm surviving.
- The Search for Food (And Hope): First mission: find food. I'm pretty sure my stomach is staging a hunger strike. Found a small eatery nearby. Ordered a plate of…something. It looked delicious. And then…the spice hit. My mouth is currently on fire, and I'm pretty sure I'm sweating through my eyebrows. But hey, I survived. At least there was a lassi to douse the flames. (Note to self: order "mild" next time.)
Evening: Trying to figure out the TV. Currently watching some Bollywood film with ridiculously over-the-top dance sequences. Loving it.
- The Early Night: I think I'll pass out, then Tomorrow is the temple.
Day 2: Temple Troubles, Tastebuds Triumph & Oh That Laundry!
Morning (The Temple Pilgrimage, aka "How Many Cows Did I Nearly Trip Over?"): Woke up early, determined to see the Guruvayur Temple. (Maybe I should have researched the dress code…) The temple itself was something else. The air was thick with the scent of incense and chants. The sheer number of people was overwhelming. Didn't manage to get that close to the idol, but the experience was…intense. Let us say, I don't do well in crowds.
- My Observation: The cows. Oh, the cows! They are EVERYWHERE. Wandering the streets. Sleeping in the middle of the road. Eating…everything. I almost tripped over one, which would be a pretty good headline for a funny news site back home.
Mid-morning: The "prasad" (offering) was… interesting. Sweet, sickly sweet with a weird aftertaste. Grateful for the experience, but I think I'll stick to the lassi for my refreshment.
Lunch (Restaurant Roundup): Found a better restaurant, a little further from the temple. The food? Spectacular. Vindaloo. Full flavor. Yes, the spice level again. Lesson learned - you can never really get enough warning for the spice in India.
Afternoon (The Laundry Incident): Decided to do some laundry. Because, you know, living the glamorous life. After a lot of fumbling about, I managed to figure out the washing machine. The clothes? Now a lovely shade of…pink. Turns out, I accidentally threw a red t-shirt in with everything else. Another victory!
Evening (Watching the sunset): Walked to the beach, saw the sunset. Amazing I have the charger now, Instagram posts are a success.
Day 3: The Grand Finale: Food, Friends, and Farewell
Morning (Breakfast Bliss): Found a lovely little place for breakfast. Idli and sambar. The perfect start to the day.
Afternoon (The Chat with the Local): Made friends with a shopowner. He was so generous and offered me tea. I learned about the local culture.
Evening (Packing & Pretentious Thoughts): Trying to sort my clothes. It will take a miracle for me to fit everything back in. So much for minimalism.
- Farewell feast: I'm going to find that restaurant from yesterday and eat all the vindaloo I possibly can.
Night (Departure): Taxi to the airport. Goodbye, Guruvayur. It's been…memorable. I'm exhausted, slightly sunburnt, and my tastebuds are still recovering. But I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it. India…you win again.
Important Notes & Rambling Thoughts:
- Hygiene: Drink bottled water. Seriously.
- Traffic: Brace yourself. It's a thing. Like a very chaotic, noisy, and honking thing.
- The People: So friendly and welcoming. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
- My Emotional State: A rollercoaster. Joy, frustration, amazement, fear (of the spice), all intertwined.
- Overall Rating: Probably a 7/10. Would come back. But maybe with a suitcase full of antacids and some earplugs.
- Most Unexpected Observation: The sheer number of squirrels. They are everywhere. And they are bold.
This, my friends, is a slightly messy, honest, and absolutely human travelogue. Enjoy! And if you're ever in Guruvayur, feel free to email if you need some advice. Or just want to commiserate about the spice. Cheers, and safe travels!
Luxury Reading Apartment: Queens Terrace Perfection!
Soorya Madhavam Flats - Guruvayur: Seriously, You Got Questions? I've Got Rambling Answers!
Okay, so "Unbeatable Prices & Views"? Sounds too good. What's the catch?! Is it a shoebox with a picture of a beach?
Alright, alright, deep breaths. I hear ya. "Unbeatable Prices & Views" – yeah, it sounds like realtor fluff, right? Honestly? My first thought was, "Here we go again, another place promising paradise and delivering… a damp closet." But, and this is a BIG but, Soorya Madhavam actually surprised me. The views? Stunning. Seriously, the sunsets are… wow. I'm talking "grab your camera, lose your mind" kind of wow. And the prices? Still seems unreal, but they're… well, they're doable. Not "buy a yacht and live in luxury" doable, but definitely "finally escape the rental hellhole and own something slightly above a cardboard box" doable.
But the "catch"? Listen, there's always a catch. Maybe the lifts are a bit… slow. And parking? Let's just say you'll become intimately familiar with your car's horn. And I have some issues with it, so I'm not giving it a perfect score, but its price is affordable. It's far from perfect – like, I still grumble about noise from the construction. But, overall, I'm pleasantly surprised by how awesome it is.
What kind of views are we talking about here? Ocean? Temple? Cows? (I really like cows...)
Okay, cow enthusiast! You're in luck. You *might* see some cows, casually grazing in the distance. Guruvayur is that kind of place. But the *main* event? The views! Depending on the specific flat, you could be looking at:
- Temple views: If you're lucky, you can see the famed Guruvayur Temple from your balcony. Imagine waking up to the sound of temple bells… assuming you're not a light sleeper.
- Greenery: Loads of it! Lush, vibrant green everywhere. It's a visual feast.
- The occasional fireworks: Especially during festivals. Watching those from your flat is pure magic (unless you have a dog... then it's panic).
- My secret spot: I'm not telling! 😉
My personal experience? We got the sunset view. And let me tell you, after a long day, there's nothing like plopping down with a cuppa chai and watching the sky explode with colors. It's almost too beautiful. Almost.
How's the build quality? I'm not a fan of walls that crumble when I sneeze.
Ah, the million-dollar question! Build quality. Okay, I'm not an engineer, nor do I pretend to be one. But from what I've seen, it's not falling apart. It's solid. Sturdy. Your sneeze *shouldn't* cause a structural collapse. I've done a few, uh, *tests* (cough, accidentally dropped my phone, cough) and it's held up. The materials are decent, and the finish is… acceptable. Look, it's not a palace, but neither is it a shack. More like a slightly-above-average-quality flat, and that's okay, right?
I've noticed a slightly uneven tile here, a minor paint smudge there… but hey, nobody's perfect. And, honestly, for the price, it's really good.
What about the amenities? Gym? Swimming pool? (I need a place to pretend to be healthy.)
Amenity-wise... let's say it's a work in progress. There is a gym. I, personally, have not worked out there, so I can't honestly speak about it. I walked in once. It looked clean and relatively well-kitted out. The pool? I've seen it, it exists, from afar... I imagine it's great, but once again, I haven't gotten in it either, I don't really like swimming. There will likely be an issue with the use of both, but I don't know what they are.
Now, the real amenities? Being near the temple, delicious food stalls (parotta, anyone?), and the general Guruvayur vibe – it's priceless. So, while it might not have all the bells and whistles, it makes up for it with location, location, location.
Is it noisy? I need peace and quiet. (Or at least, not constant construction noise.)
Okay, noise levels are… variable. It's Guruvayur. It's a bustling place, especially around the temple. You will hear the occasional:
- Temple bells.
- Traffic.
- Chatter (especially during peak season).
- If you are on the same level as me, noise from my neighbors
Construction noise is a potential issue, but it depends on which section. You might get lucky, get unlucky, it's a lottery of earplugs. The noise is not constant, or at least it wasn't for us. Personally, I can deal with any noise. I have my own methods of "blocking" them out. But the sound of the ocean is lovely, though your ears may want a break from that.
How's the community? Are there other expats? Friendly neighbors? People who like to share their appams?
The community vibe is pretty good! Loads of people. I ran into a few other expats. Many are locals, so getting to know them... is kinda hard, but the ones I met were very friendly. And yeah, the general vibe is welcoming. I haven't been offered any appams yet (*hint hint, neighbors*), but I'm optimistic. People seem to be mostly friendly and easygoing in general. Hopefully, the experience will improve soon!
What about the location? Is it walkable to the temple? Or will I need a rickshaw and a strong stomach?
Location! Location! Location! It's a major selling point.
Walking to the temple is *doable*. It's not right on the doorstep, but you can walk there. There are a few options:
- Walking: You can actually walk to the temple without too much hassle. Maybe a 15-20 minute walk depending on your speed.
- Rickshaw: Rickshaws are plentiful. Be prepared to bargain a bit.
- Car: Driving is easy and parking is available
The temple itself is central. There are many shops, restaurants, and everything else nearby. It's very convenient.Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hôtel Le Mont-Blanc, Flumet, France!
