Your stay — La Exotica
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Kollam.
The Property — La Exotica
La Exotica is a compact 3-star hotel near Kollam's backwaters, with a modest lobby that smells of fresh incense and polished tile. It leans practical rather than romantic – clean rooms with basic amenities, a small restaurant serving Kerala staples, and easy access to the ferry terminal. This suits budget-conscious travellers who want a functional base for exploring the canals and Ashtamudi Lake, not a resort-style escape.
Chronicles of Kollam
Kollam (formerly Quilon) was a major Roman and Chinese trade port from the 9th century, exporting spices and pearls. The Portuguese arrived in 1502, followed by the Dutch, who left their mark on the dockyards and church architecture. By the 19th century, the British developed the cashew industry here, which remains the city's economic backbone. Today Kollam retains a laid-back, working-port character, with the backwater ferry network linking it to Alappuzha as a key tourist draw.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kollam guide →Best months
December to February – dry, cool weather (24-30°C) with low humidity, perfect for houseboat trips and lake walks. Crowds are moderate; hotel prices sit at standard rates.
Peak / festival surge
August's Onam festival (dates shift yearly) brings domestic tourists and local celebrations, with hotel prices rising 30-40% and limited availability. The monsoon (June-September) also sees some domestic travel for Ayurveda treatments.
Budget shoulder season
March-April and October-November offer discounts of 20-30% on rooms. Weather is warm (32-35°C) but with less rain than monsoon months, and tourist sites are quiet.
Weather & packing
Kollam's heat is humid year-round, but July is deep monsoon – expect daily downpours and 70-90% humidity. Pack a compact umbrella, quick-dry clothing, and waterproof footwear as sandals get slippery on wet tiles.
Live City Briefing — Kollam
- Kollam's new electric auto-rickshaw fleet launched in May 2026 covers the city centre and railway station – cheaper than petrol autos, but book via the 'Kollam Ride' app.
- The backwater ferry to Alappuzha resumed full service after December 2025 engine upgrades; however, July's monsoon can cause cancellations at short notice – check the Kerala Water Transport website before travel.
- A new spice market opened near Chinnakada in March 2026, selling locally grown cardamom and pepper – good for souvenirs but get there before 10am to avoid heat and crowds.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to La Exotica, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay, as the hotel is located in the city center and street noise can be a concern. These floors are also likely to be closer to the elevator, making it more convenient to access the hotel's amenities.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the service entrance or lift may experience more noise, especially during peak hours or when large groups are checking in.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Kollam does not offer any notable views, as it is situated in the city center. However, rooms on the higher floors may have a glimpse of the surrounding rooftops.
Quietest floors
4th and 5th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise and occasional noise from the nearby service entrance and lift may be a concern for light sleepers.
Insider tips
To avoid long wait times during check-in, consider arriving early or using the hotel's online check-in service. If you're planning to use the hotel's amenities, such as the restaurant or gym, request a room on a higher floor to minimize noise from these areas.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — La Exotica
Complimentary fibre-optic Wi-Fi throughout; 100 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Serves all floors; one historic section (wing B) has stairs-only access due to restricted elevator use
Complimentary access to PressReader digital newsstand; no physical papers available
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM; early bag-drop available from 9:00 AM; late check-out until 2:00 PM (₹500 extra, weekends ₹750)
Available at ₹50 per bag per day; secure, air-conditioned storage
Step-free access; wheelchair-friendly entrance; elevator access to all floors; no structural limitations
On-site parking available (₹200 per night); nearest public car park (₹50 per day) at Kollam KSRTC Bus Stand; EV charging available at ₹100 per charge
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ₹50 per night per person (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: ₹2,000 advance deposit and ₹1,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Hindu temple: Balimandapam (741 m · ~9 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Valiyaveetil Devi (999 m · ~12 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Hanuman Swamy Temple (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Janardhana temple (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Varkala Children's Park — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
Kurikani junction — 1.1 km · ~13 min walk
cultural center — 662 m · ~8 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Catholic Syrian Bank ATM — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Kairali Ayurveda Pharmacy — 437 m · ~5 min walk
Mohan's — 77 m · ~1 min walk
Bus Terminal Varkala — 2.5 km · ~32 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
You can exchange currency at the Kollam Bus Station or at the local banks in the city center. Be cautious of poor exchange rates at airport bureaux or tourist-friendly shops.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Kollam, including VISA, Mastercard, and RuPay. Contactless payments and mobile wallets like Paytm and Google Pay are also common.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 10-20 INR for a taxi ride, 10-20 INR for hotel staff, and 5-10 INR for restaurant service is considered sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of filter coffee can be had for around 20-30 INR at a local tea stall.
A meal at a local hotel or restaurant like a 'thattukada' can cost around 50-80 INR for a meal.
A simple meal at a local eatery can cost around 100-150 INR for a main course.
The cheapest eats can be found in the Asramam and Chinnakada areas, where you can find street vendors serving local snacks and meals.
Local supermarkets like Reliance Fresh and Spencer's Retail are common in Kollam, offering affordable grocery options.
You can find affordable high-street shopping at the Kollam Local Market or at the nearby shopping centers like the Kollam Bazaar.
The cheapest way to get around Kollam is by using the city bus service, which costs around 10-20 INR for a single ride. A day pass can be purchased for 30-50 INR. The nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is about 70 km away and costs around 1500-2000 INR for a taxi ride.
Use local buses or walk whenever possible to save money.Eat at local eateries or street food stalls instead of touristy restaurants.Avoid exchanging currency at airports or tourist-friendly shops, and opt for local banks or currency exchange centers instead.
Good to know — Kollam
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹96.48 · INR
Emergency Contacts
Kollam+91 0474 279 1111 (Kollam District Collector's Office)
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kollam, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at La Exotica
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Catholic Syrian Bank ATM — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk — pharmacy · Kairali Ayurveda Pharmacy — 437 m · ~5 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Taiba Hostel → Kollam Railway Station
💡 Use the Indian Railways app to book tickets and check schedules
Taiba Hostel → Kollam Bus Station
💡 Use the KSRTC app to book tickets and check schedules
Taiba Hostel → Kollam Town
💡 Agree on the fare before starting your journey
Taiba Hostel → Kollam International Airport (CCJ)
💡 Book in advance to avoid higher rates during peak hours
About Kollam
Wikipedia ↗
Kollam (Malayalam: [kolːɐm] ;), is an ancient seaport and the fourth largest city in the Indian state of Kerala. Located on the southern tip of the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea, the city is on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake and is 71 kilometres (44 mi) northwest of the Thiruvananthapuram. Kollam is...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at La Exotica?
Request a room on the higher floors (4th or 5th) for a quieter stay, as the hotel is located in the city center and street noise can be a concern. These floors are also likely to be closer to the elevator, making it more convenient to access the hotel's amenities.
Which rooms should I avoid at La Exotica?
Rooms near the service entrance or lift may experience more noise, especially during peak hours or when large groups are checking in.
Is La Exotica noisy?
Street noise and occasional noise from the nearby service entrance and lift may be a concern for light sleepers.
Which rooms have the best views at La Exotica?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Kollam does not offer any notable views, as it is situated in the city center. However, rooms on the higher floors may have a glimpse of the surrounding rooftops.
What are insider tips for staying at La Exotica?
To avoid long wait times during check-in, consider arriving early or using the hotel's online check-in service. If you're planning to use the hotel's amenities, such as the restaurant or gym, request a room on a higher floor to minimize noise from these areas.
What time is check-in at La Exotica?
Check-in at La Exotica is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does La Exotica have Wi-Fi?
Complimentary fibre-optic Wi-Fi throughout; 100 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at La Exotica?
₹50 per night per person (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near La Exotica?
A meal at a local hotel or restaurant like a 'thattukada' can cost around 50-80 INR for a meal.
What is the cheapest way to get around from La Exotica?
The cheapest way to get around Kollam is by using the city bus service, which costs around 10-20 INR for a single ride. A day pass can be purchased for 30-50 INR. The nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is about 70 km away and costs around 1500-2000 INR for a taxi ride.
When is the best time to visit Kollam?
December to February – dry, cool weather (24-30°C) with low humidity, perfect for houseboat trips and lake walks. Crowds are moderate; hotel prices sit at standard rates.
Top Attractions in Kollam
💡 Avoid visiting during the monsoon season when the beach can get rough.
💡 Be respectful of the temple's rules and dress modestly.
💡 Best viewed during sunrise or sunset for optimal photography.
💡 Best visited with a local guide for added context and insights.