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Ashok Resort Hotel # 480101, fx 481522: A five-star, ITDC or government tourism board-run hotel, the Ashok is not on par with five star hotels elsewhere. However its prices certainly put it in the same league. But the Ashok is the only place really to stay in Kovalam because of its absolutely superb location. Look out of any window of the Ashok and the stunning sweep of white sand, waving palms, and undulating hills descending to sea is the reason to be there. The resort designed by Charles Correa won an award for its sloping design. Another plus point thrown in is the relatively isolated beach. Unlike other resort hotels, the Ashok has its beach fenced off from the public beach and it is patrolled by the hotel staff. The public are allowed to walk across the beach and into the hotel, but if you want to park yourself on the sand and you are not a resident, you must pay Rs 90. For this fee you will be allowed to parking rights as well be able to use the various beach facilities like parasols, changing rooms etc.

There are 150 rooms available with a great sea view in the hotel and 40 cottages. The hotel has all the standard five star facilities like a coffee shop, restaurants, a bar, a bookstore, swimming pool and shops but nothing really more to reccomend itself.

Rockholm Seaside Resort, Lighthouse Road, tel # 480306, fx # 480607: A privately run resort this small, comfy but not exactly luxurious hotel has a splendid view too from the other end of the coastline just above the lighthouse. There are 17 rooms available with attached bath, but don't opt for the hot rooms on the roof. It has a good restauarant and facility for guests to change money.

Surya Samudra Beach Resort, Pulinkudi, Mullar PO, tel # 04723-413, fx 0471-77702 (marked attention Surya Samudra): A bit away from Kovalam beach proper, but located on its own beach, Surya Samudra is a novelty in itself and tranquil place to get away to. Efficiently managed by a German hotelier, the resort has a quaint touches like open air bathrooms located in a garden! The facilities are highly recommended although expensive. Good food. Each comfortable cottage is an old Kerala-style house transplanted at secluded beach side locations. The beach is private. The resort has a health centre that offers yoga and massage. It is heavily booked however from many seasons before to make enquiries well in advance.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort, Mulloor, P O Vizhinjam, Trivandrum. Phones: 0471- 480566, 480668, 343525. Fax: 0471-343349. Email: cocobay@md3.vsnl.net.in: Coconut Bay is located six kilometres away from Kovalam beach on its own beach. Rooms, equipped with telephones and refrigerators, are located in terracotta roof cottages. Facilities: an Ayurvedic centre, snorkelling gear, a library, cultural programmes, golf (can be arranged at Trivandrum Golf Club), backwater boat rides, yoga centre, a sea view open air restaurant serving Kerala, North Indian, tandoori, Chinese and continental food. The hotel offers free airport pickup. The Ayurvedic centre offers a variety of rejuvenation therapy programmes, slimming sessions, beauty care and treatment for specific ailments, as well as general massage.

Their rates till September 30, 1999:

• The tariff for a non-AC single room is US $ 35 per night. Fifteen per cent taxes extra.
• The tariff for a non-AC double room is US $ 45 per night. Fifteen per cent taxes extra.
• The tariff for an AC single room is US $ 47 per night. Fifteen per cent taxes extra.
• The tariff for an AC double room is US $ 57ONG> per night. Fifteen per cent taxes extra.

Children below six, not requiring an extra bed, are free of charge. Twenty per cent extra will be charged for an additional person, with an extra bed. Payments by traveller cheques, Master/Visa/Cancard credit cards, demand drafts, cheques accepted. The hotel offers an off season discount of 30 per cent from May 1, 1999 to September 30, 1999.