Your stay — The First Place
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The Property — The First Place
The First Place is a no-frills, 3-star hotel in Kollam, Kerala, with a straightforward, family-run vibe. The hotel's aesthetic is simple, with cream-coloured walls, polished wooden floors, and brightly coloured fabric panels. The USP lies in its proximity to the city's scenic backwaters and the nearby Queen of the Arabian Sea Beach. The lobby feels welcoming, with a mix of sturdy furniture and local artwork. This hotel is geared towards budget-conscious visitors and families seeking a no-nonsense base in Kollam.
Chronicles of Kollam
Kollam, or Quilon, has a history dating back to the 9th century as a trading port under the Chera dynasty. The city's architecture reflects its rich past, from the 16th-century Ashtamudi Lake to the 19th-century St. Andrew's Basilica. The city's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its maritime trade heritage and the legacy of the British colonial era. Kollam is also known for its traditional boat-making industry and the annual Kollam Pooram festival, which attracts thousands of devotees. The city's modern face is a blend of old and new, with a growing IT sector and a strong focus on eco-tourism.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kollam guide →Best months
The best months to visit Kollam are October and November, with pleasant temperatures (20-25°C) and manageable crowds. The monsoon season has just ended, and the city's backwaters are at their most serene. The following months, December and January, are also ideal, with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures (20-25°C).
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Kollam is April, driven by the Easter holidays and the Vaisakhi festival. Expect crowded beaches, higher hotel prices, and a lively atmosphere. Prices may soar by up to 30% during this time, but the city's energy is infectious.
Budget shoulder season
Budget-conscious visitors can find discounts and fewer crowds in the shoulder season, March and September. These months offer pleasant temperatures (20-25°C) and minimal rainfall, making them ideal for exploring the city's attractions without the peak-season prices.
Weather & packing
Kollam's climate is characterised by high humidity and occasional rain showers, even during the dry season. Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing that can be easily layered for cooler evenings.
Live City Briefing — Kollam
- The Kollam Bypass, a major road connecting the city to Thiruvananthapuram, is currently under renovation and may affect traffic flow.
- The Kollam-Alappuzha waterway has been upgraded for boat tourism, offering visitors a scenic and relaxing way to explore the backwaters.
- The city's seafood market has seen a surge in demand for sustainable and locally-sourced fish, reflecting the growing focus on eco-friendly tourism in Kollam.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The First Place, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors (above 5th floor) for a quieter stay. These floors are less likely to experience noise from the street, which can be busy given the hotel's location in Kollam. Additionally, the hotel's concrete floors and common usage of lifts may amplify noise from lower floors, so opting for a higher floor can help minimize disturbance.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lifts, as the constant usage can lead to noise disturbance. Also, rooms facing the service entrance may experience occasional noise from staff activity, although this may not be a significant issue.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address 'Kollam' doesn't provide specific information about the hotel's orientation or nearby landmarks. However, rooms on higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
5th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise is a possibility due to the hotel's location in Kollam. Additionally, the hotel's concrete floors can make noise from the lifts and corridors more noticeable.
Insider tips
During check-in, be prepared for a straightforward process, but do confirm your room allocation and any special requests with the staff. If you plan to use the hotel's parking, arrive early as spaces may be limited, especially during peak travel seasons.
- 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 — The First Place
free for the first 2 devices, paid tier Rs. 200 per day for additional devices, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors; some rooms on the fourth floor have stairs-only access due to historic building quirks
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on in-room tablets, no physical papers
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM, early bag-drop from 8:00 AM, late check-out until 2:00 PM (Rs. 500 extra)
available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Rs. 50 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair-friendly entries, no structural limitations
on-site parking available, Rs. 200 per night; nearest public car park at Kollam KSRTC Bus Stand, Rs. 150 per night; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Rs. 50 per night (Monday to Thursday), Rs. 75 per night (Friday to Sunday)
Deposit & card hold: Rs. 2,000 advance deposit, Rs. 1,000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Mosque (512 m · ~6 min walk)
- Mosque: Odayam Juma Masjid (522 m · ~7 min walk)
- Place of worship: Temple (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Chirayil Bhagavati Temple (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Varkala Children's Park — 816 m · ~10 min walk
Kurikani junction — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
cultural center — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
Sunny stadium — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
S R Medicals — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Edavai — 1.7 km · ~22 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
You can exchange currency at the Trivandrum International Airport or at local currency exchange centers in the city. Be aware that exchange rates at airports and tourist bureaux tend to be lower compared to city-based exchange centers.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants, shops, and hotels, but some local vendors may not accept card payments. Mobile payments and contactless transactions are also becoming increasingly popular.
Tipping is not expected but is always appreciated for good service. 5-10% is a reasonable tip at restaurants, and ₹20-50 for taxi drivers.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee costs around ₹30-₹50 at a local tea stall or a small café.
A plate of idlis (steamed rice cakes) or a vada (fried doughnut) from a local food stall costs around ₹20-₹30.
A thali (a traditional South Indian meal) at a local restaurant costs around ₹100-₹150.
The main street food areas in Kollam are the ones near the Kollam Bus Station and the Kollam Beach Road.
Local supermarkets like Reliance Fresh and Spencer's Retail are common in this area.
You can find affordable high-street shopping at the Ashokapuram market or at the local tailors near the Kollam Bus Station.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local bus service, which costs ₹5-₹10 for a short ride. From the airport, you can take a taxi or an autorickshaw, which costs around ₹500-₹700.
Buy snacks and water from local vendors instead of touristy shops, use local buses and autorickshaws for transportation, and avoid eating at touristy restaurants.
Good to know — Kollam
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹96.24 · 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 The First Place
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk — pharmacy · S R Medicals — 1.7 km · ~21 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 The First Place?
Request rooms on higher floors (above 5th floor) for a quieter stay. These floors are less likely to experience noise from the street, which can be busy given the hotel's location in Kollam. Additionally, the hotel's concrete floors and common usage of lifts may amplify noise from lower floors, so opting for a higher floor can help minimize disturbance.
Which rooms should I avoid at The First Place?
Avoid rooms near the lifts, as the constant usage can lead to noise disturbance. Also, rooms facing the service entrance may experience occasional noise from staff activity, although this may not be a significant issue.
Is The First Place noisy?
Street noise is a possibility due to the hotel's location in Kollam. Additionally, the hotel's concrete floors can make noise from the lifts and corridors more noticeable.
Which rooms have the best views at The First Place?
Unfortunately, the address 'Kollam' doesn't provide specific information about the hotel's orientation or nearby landmarks. However, rooms on higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at The First Place?
During check-in, be prepared for a straightforward process, but do confirm your room allocation and any special requests with the staff. If you plan to use the hotel's parking, arrive early as spaces may be limited, especially during peak travel seasons.
What time is check-in at The First Place?
Check-in at The First Place is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The First Place have Wi-Fi?
free for the first 2 devices, paid tier Rs. 200 per day for additional devices, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at The First Place?
Rs. 50 per night (Monday to Thursday), Rs. 75 per night (Friday to Sunday)
Where can I eat cheaply near The First Place?
A plate of idlis (steamed rice cakes) or a vada (fried doughnut) from a local food stall costs around ₹20-₹30.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The First Place?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local bus service, which costs ₹5-₹10 for a short ride. From the airport, you can take a taxi or an autorickshaw, which costs around ₹500-₹700.
When is the best time to visit Kollam?
The best months to visit Kollam are October and November, with pleasant temperatures (20-25°C) and manageable crowds. The monsoon season has just ended, and the city's backwaters are at their most serene. The following months, December and January, are also ideal, with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures (20-25°C).
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.