Every week, we get the same question on our WhatsApp. Someone has been planning a Kerala trip for months, they’ve booked their flights and figured out Munnar and Kochi with resort stay and then they land on the houseboat part and git stuck.
“What’s the difference between deluxe and luxury? Is premium worth the extra money? Will I regret not going luxury?”
Honestly, it’s a fair question. Names sound similar, photos on most booking sites look almost same, and nobody clearly explains what you’re actually getting for the price difference.
So here’s a straight answer from people who have been running alleppey houseboats for over 16 years.
Quick Note About Alleppey Houseboats in General
Before we get into the tiers, it helps to understand what you’re signing up for regardless of which category you pick.
An Alleppey houseboat called as a Kettuvallam moves slowly through the backwaters of Kerala. You get a bedroom (or more, depending on what you book), a small living area, a kitchen, an upper deck to sit on, and a crew of two or three: a captain who steers the boat and a cook who makes your meals and a helper.
Cruise takes you through narrow canals lined with coconut trees, paddy fields, small villages which you won’t see anywhere else. In the evenings, boat usually park by the bank. Mornings are quiet, almost unreal.
Deluxe Alleppey Houseboats: Honest Truth
Deluxe is the base one, and there’s nothing wrong with it. If someone tells you a deluxe houseboat is a bad experience, they’re either comparing it unfairly to a five-star hotel or they booked with the wrong operator.
A good deluxe houseboat is clean, food will be delicious kerala meals, and the backwater views are exactly the same as what you’d see from a luxury boat. The key things to know:
- AC runs only in the bedroom, and only from 9 PM to 6 AM, not all day
- The interiors are simple, clean, but not decorated with any real attention to design
- The upper deck seating is basic, you’ll have chairs but don’t expect anything high
- All meals are included and the food is usually the best part
Who should book this? If you’re travelling solo, doing a quick overnight trip, or just want to check off the backwater experience without spending a lot, deluxe works perfectly. Students, budget travellers, and people who know they’ll spend most of their time on the upper deck watching the water anyway will be completely happy here.
Premium Alleppey Houseboats: Sweet Spot
This is where most families and couples end up, and for good reason. Premium houseboats sit comfortably between affordable and comfortable.
The real difference from deluxe shows up in two places: the AC and the interiors.
- AC runs all day in the bedroom from check-in to checkout, a big deal if you’re visiting between March and June
- The furnishings are noticeably better, proper bedding, better upholstery, more thought put into the look of the space
- The upper deck usually has more comfortable seating, sometimes with cushioned chairs
- Meals are the same, all included, freshly cooked
Who should book this? Families travelling with kids or older parents who need to rest comfortably during the day. Couples who want a nicer setting without going full luxury. Groups of friends who want a good experience and plan to split the cost. Premium is the most versatile category, it suits a wide range of travellers without feeling like a compromise.
Luxury Houseboats in Alleppey: What You’re Actually Paying For
Let’s be honest about something: a luxury houseboat is not a different backwater, the sunset hits the water the same colour. What you’re paying for is everything around that experience.
On a well-run luxury houseboat, the difference is felt immediately when you step on board. The bedroom feels like a proper hotel room, real mattresses, quality linen, thought-out décor. The food is a step above, with the cook putting care into each meal rather than just hitting the expected items. And the AC runs across all lower areas, not just the bedroom.
- Full-time AC in the bedroom, lobby, and all living areas
- Premium interiors, quality furniture, proper lighting, décor that feels intentional
- Spacious upper lounge deck, often with sun loungers or proper outdoor furniture
- Gourmet Kerala cooking, traditional dishes with better options and more care
- Crew that is more attentive and experienced in handling guests with higher expectations
- Available from 1 bedroom all the way up to 10 bedrooms for large groups
Who should book this? Couples on honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary. Families who want everything taken care of and don’t want to think about comfort. International travellers for whom this backwater trip is a highlight of their India visit. Anyone who knows that when they travel, the quality of where they sleep and what they eat matters to them.
A Few Things Nobody Tells You Before Booking
After 16 years of running houseboats in Alleppey, here are some things we genuinely wish more travellers knew before they booked:
The food is often the highlight – fresh fish curry, karimeen, appam coconut-based gravies made on a moving boat with local ingredients is something most guests say they remember more than the scenery.
The monsoon is genuinely good. Most people assume June to September is bad for houseboats. It isn’t. Rain on the backwaters is a completely different and beautiful experience. And you’ll almost certainly get a better price.
Book direct, not through an agent. Agents take commission and often misrepresent what you’re getting. When you book directly with the houseboat owner, you know exactly what to expect, and you have someone accountable if anything goes wrong.
One night is enough to experience it, two nights is better. If you can manage a 3 days 2 nights package, you will see a different side of the backwaters, deeper canals, quieter villages, the early morning light on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best houseboat in Alleppey for honeymoon?
For a honeymoon, we’d always recommend a 1-bedroom luxury houseboat. It’s not just about the room , it’s the private deck in the evenings, the attentive service, the quality of the food. It’s the kind of experience couples talk about years later.
Is the price difference between deluxe and luxury worth it?
Depends on what matters to you. If you’re spending most of your time outside watching the backwaters, a deluxe boat will be perfectly fine. If how you sleep, what you eat, and the ambience around you affects how much you enjoy a trip, then yes, luxury is worth the difference.
How many people can stay on an Alleppey houseboat?
Our houseboats go from 1 bedroom (perfect for 2 guests) up to 10 bedrooms for large groups and corporate retreats. Each bedroom comfortably fits 2 people.
What time is check-in and check-out?
For overnight packages, check-in is at noon and check-out is at 9 AM the next morning. Day cruise packages run from 11 AM to 5 PM. We recommend confirming your timing when booking so there’s no confusion on the day.
Ready to Book? Here’s How to Reach Us
We’re Alleppey Houseboats | Alleppey Boat House – Waves and Dales Alleppey Houseboat direct owners and operators of Alleppey houseboats for over 16 years. No agents, no surprises. You talk to us, you book with us, and we’re the ones responsible for making sure your trip is good.
Call or WhatsApp us with your travel dates, group size, and budget and we’ll tell you honestly which boat suits you best.
📞 +91 8714198338 💬 WhatsApp: +91 6235902729 🌐 www.wavesanddales.com
