We stayed, in Fort Cochin, a little out of town, and although the Hotel Abad was sited direct onto the pavement next to a small roundabout it was surprisingly quiet. Externally it wasn’t the most welcoming of hotels looking run down and uncared for but amazingly the reception hall was attractive and thankfully at variance with the outside. The marbled reception was light and airy and the staff beamingly helpful. The single “compact” lift took us slowly to the second floor (we could have walked quicker) and our simple bedroom door was opened for us by the porter.

The furniture comprised of two single beds, a couple of easy chairs and a large television and all in all it was comfortable enough for a night’s stay. I don’t think I would have wanted to spend many more nights here: the windows had horizontal bars, the view was fairly uninspiring over tiled and corrugated rooftops, and a whole section of the window was held together with masking tape. However, efforts had been made to create a homely feel with a couple of bird prints tastefully framed and hung over the beds.

This was the only time I suffered “Dehli Belly” and so we ordered room service. I was well off my food so opted for a bowl of tomato soup and a bread roll whilst my wife went for a couple of spicy dishes and pitta bread. My soup was good enough and with a couple of litres of cola (bought from the shop next door) I was fit as a butcher’s dog the following day. My wife didn’t rave about the dinner but viewed it as “adequate”.

I slept well on a firm but comfortable bed and we, for the first time on our holiday, watched a film on the TV (Hobo channel!). There are loads of channels to choose from, and channel hopping could entertain you for most of the night!

Breakfast the next day was somewhat chaotic. We just fancied cereal, toast and coffee. The coffee arrived promptly – hot but with an unfamiliar edge to the taste – but there was considerable delay for the food. After about 15 minutes the waiter detected our agitation and came across to the table and said, “I’m afraid the cereal that we have is old and is not fit to serve. If you want we can send out for more cereal”. As the grocery was only next-door we opted for that. Within 5 minutes, cereal was placed before us, quickly followed by portions of hot toast and a good supply of confiture.

The Abad hotel was clean and friendly but does need a "wee bit of sprucing up". There is a large ground floor dining room, it has no natural light but looked welcoming. Breakfast is taken in a separate coffee bar area with an interesting view of a small but very well-kept garden.

Friendly, welcoming, but not one to rave about!