Peace & Love Hostel, Kochi

Peace & Love Boutique Hostel has a good-sounding name, but it has no reason to call itself boutique. It is not different in any aspect from other backpackers' around, and in some aspects it is even of a lower standard. For the price, it definitely offers too little.

The Location

The hostel is located in the northern part of Fort Cochin. Not many people realise that Fort Cochin is actually on an island, which can only be accessed by ferry or through a bridge that is really out of the way from Ernakulam where the train and long distance buses stop. Therefore, if you have made your booking, make sure to check the ferry time table if you don't want to be stuck without a place to sleep for the night. As Fort Cochin is small, it does not really make a difference where you are staying, but Peace & Love Hostel is on the further end from the ferry dock, close to the beach and the Dutch Cemetery.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The hostel is tiny and has only two rooms -- a female dorm and a mixed dorm. The rooms are small, only cooled with a fan, and have no windows or lockers; they are in fact rather crammed. Blankets are only provided upon request, but towels are already on your bed when you arrive. The bedside electronic sockets are really hard to use, as all the plugs keep falling out of them all the time. The biggest problem with this place is that the beds and pillows are incredibly hard and uncomfortable, it is like spending the night on a wooden plank. If, upon the receptionist's question of how you liked your stay, you mention this aspect, he will tell you that you should not expect more from a budget accommodation. There is an en suite bathroom but it is without hot water. Another thing that is quite problematic is that the rooms are easy to walk into from the street, and the receptionist often leaves the property unattended.

Common Spaces

As the property is small, there are not too many areas to socialise. There is a smoking area just in front of the rooms. This is not great, as often only the mosquito-net door is the only thing closed to keep the room ventilated, so the smoke comes right into the rooms. There are a few chairs along the side, and guests are welcome to sit in the tiny cafe on the side of the hostel even if it gets a bit awkward when paying customers enter. Don't eat here though -- it is extremely overpriced!

Summary

Peace & Love Boutique Hostel is really not that great. The bed is uncomfortable, there is not enough personal space inside the rooms, and there is no hot water. Moreover, there is very little space to socialise and if you are not a smoker, you might feel annoyed with the smoking area being right in the middle of everything.