Akankshit
March 23, 2024
This was more of a last-minute decision for a drive to Coorg and we came across Old Kent via TripAdvisor. Though there were no recent reviews, but we decided to give it a try – away from the usual hotels and resorts we pick up at Coorg. The reservation was smooth, we booked the Jacuzzi cottage directly via phone and got the email confirmation. We followed the maps and reached Old Kent around lunch time. As some reviews have pointed out in different forums, the last 1-1.5km stretch has a bit of narrow and rough roads. But overall, not much of a concern in terms of the approach. The reception and the restaurant are in a separate block near the entrance, which also has a reading room for those who are interested. Post the check in formalities, we walked down via the rocky pathway to the Jacuzzi cottage. The rooms are huge with a comfortable bed and sofa. They have Wi-Fi connectivity, and you can use the smart TV for any programs as well. You will get a cell phone with the numbers of reception, room service etc. saved in contacts. That acts as the mode of contact from both sides – either you want to call or if they have to reach you. The Jacuzzi cottage has a sit out area outside the Jacuzzi which looked great in photos. But we were highly disappointed. The area has dead plants/grass which have not been cleaned since ages. The chairs and table were full of bird droppings, and no one cared to even clean them or replace them as part of room readiness. We did bring this up during check in, but nothing really changed after that. Basically, the main highlight of having an open space as part of this cottage was disappointing as it was just not usable. You can check the photos to understand the state of cleanliness in the room. Even the walls have dirty fingerprints all around, and no one seems to bother. So, for the entire duration we had to sit inside if we are in the room, or just walk around the rocky path. They do have room service for any food orders, but after 3-4 requests to ask for the restaurant menu [which is not available in the room], I gave up and instead called and asked what they have and placed an order. We had our meals in the restaurant itself. Food is average, but you would get most of the things you would look for or on request. They keep alternating between buffet and ala carte breakfast based on the occupancy, I think. Overall, as an experience, I found it to be overpriced considering what is available (at least for the Jacuzzi cottage). The estate may be good and a welcome change from the usual places of stay but needs a lot of maintenance, and is actually Old. Till the maintenance, room cleanliness (at least was not the case for the room in which we stayed) improves, its very difficult to say it’s worth a 5-star rating and the price they charge. The other rooms may be better than what we got, but our experience was just okay.