Varkala Marine Palace is a one star property at Papanasam Beach, on the coast at Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district, South Kerala. It offers a long list of facilities, from a swimming pool and spa to a restaurant and free WiFi. The guest score of 4.1 out of 5 from 558 reviews suggests most people are satisfied. The deciding factor is whether you want a simple base close to the beach and the cliff, with the town centre 2.2 km away, about 25 minutes on foot.
What the property provides
Varkala Marine Palace lists a wide range of facilities for a one star property. There is air conditioning, a balcony, a patio and a terrace, plus a garden and a picnic area. Inside, you get a kitchen or kitchenette, a refrigerator, a cafe and a restaurant, with room service and special diet menus. The spa and massage services, along with a swimming pool and a playground, make it easy to spend a day without leaving the grounds. Free WiFi and free parking are included.
For active guests, the property arranges badminton, canoeing, fishing, water sports and yoga. Bicycle and car hire are available, and a shuttle service runs. Practical matters are covered by 24 hour security, a currency exchange, laundry, luggage storage and babysitting. Express check in helps on arrival, and family rooms and non smoking rooms are available. Pets are allowed. The guest score of 4.1 out of 5 from 558 reviews indicates a generally positive reception.
Where it sits
Varkala Marine Palace is at Papanasam Beach, Varkala, in Thiruvananthapuram district, South Kerala. The town is a tourism hub, and the property is on the coast, by the sea. The centre of Varkala is 2.2 km away, about 25 minutes on foot. Varkala itself is a red laterite cliff standing straight out of the Arabian Sea, with a temple town and a pilgrimage tank at the bottom. It is the only cliff on this coast, and geologically the reason the beach exists.
Papanasam beach below the cliff is a pilgrimage site as well as a swimming beach, so dress accordingly. The cliff path is a walk with the sea two hundred metres below you the whole way. Trains from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam stop in town, so no car is needed. The property's shuttle service and car hire offer further options for getting around.
Who it suits
This property suits travellers who want a straightforward, well equipped base near the beach and the cliff, and who value a broad set of facilities over star rating polish. It is a good fit for families, given the playground, family rooms and babysitting, and for those who want to mix beach time with yoga, water sports or a spa visit. It does not suit anyone expecting a luxury hotel or a quiet retreat. The beach is a pilgrimage site, and the cliff path can be busy, so if you want seclusion, look elsewhere.
Planning a stay
The best time to come is November to March. Outside those months, cliff erosion work closes stretches of the path in the wet months, which may affect walks along the cliff. The property's shuttle service and car hire can help you reach the town centre, which is about 25 minutes on foot. With a pool, restaurant and spa on site, you can plan days that do not depend on the weather or the path being open.
What the property lists
Where it is
About 2.2 km from the centre of varkala, roughly 27 minutes on foot at 4.8 km/h, in Thiruvananthapuram district. The listed address is Varkala Marine Palace Pvt Ltd Papanasam Beach Varkala Kerala.
Questions people ask
Does Varkala Marine Palace have a swimming pool?
Yes, a swimming pool is among the listed facilities. There is also a spa, a garden and a terrace for relaxing. The property is one star, so expect simple rather than elaborate surroundings, but the pool is a clear plus for a beach stay.
How far is the property from the centre of Varkala?
Varkala Marine Palace is 2.2 km from the centre of Varkala, about 25 minutes on foot. The property also lists a shuttle service and car hire, which can be useful if you prefer not to walk. The beach at Papanasam is immediately by the property.
What is the guest score for Varkala Marine Palace?
The guest score is 4.1 out of 5 from 558 reviews. That suggests a majority of guests have a positive experience. No further breakdown of the score is on file, so it is best to treat it as a general indicator rather than a detailed rating.
Is the property suitable for families with children?
Yes, family rooms, a playground and babysitting are listed. The beach is a pilgrimage site, so dress modestly. The cliff path and water sports may suit older children, while the pool and garden offer safer play. The property allows pets, which can be a factor for some families.
The name, category, guest score, review count, photographs and listed facilities come from the IMPT hotel inventory. Live rates, room types and cancellation terms are shown on IMPT for the dates chosen; this page quotes none of them.