Two of the Taj hotels in Kerala, namely Taj Malabar in the Willingdon Island, Kochi, and Taj Residency on Marine Drive, Ernakulam, have been adjudged the 'Best Five Star Deluxe Hotel' and 'Best Five Star Hotel' in the state respectively, by the government of Kerala.

The history of the Taj Malabar hotel dates back to 1934, when it was constructed as a hostel for mariners, by the Madras Presidency. Sir Robert Bristow, engineer-in-charge, and the brain behind the carving of Willingdon Island from the bottom of the sea, was put in charge of constructing the hostel. Later the hostel became a hotel, which was taken over by the Taj group in 1986. The Taj Malabar Hotel has a heritage wing with thirty-three rooms, and a tower wing with sixty-three rooms. Accelerating the pace of renovation, the entire heritage wing of the hotel was renovated a year ago to add the most contemporary facilities. The hotel has an ayurvedic spa, which has recently got the state government's 'Green Leaf' certification. The hotel also owns a luxury yacht. The hotel's infinity pool is unique in south India. Prime minister, AB Vajpayee will be staying at Taj Malabar on his visit to Kerala on January 17 and 18, 2003.

Taj Residency is conveniently located on Marine Drive, Cochin's busy commercial hub. The hotel opened to guests on the 14 of September 1994. Modern business facilities combined with the legendary Taj tradition of the finest hospitality and service make it the ideal businessman's choice. Taj Residency has 108 rooms with mini conference facilities etc. The high point of Taj Residency is its Bubble Café, a unique restaurant with a serene ambience, that is set in a bubble like topcover.