Frequently Asked Questions
What time is check-in and check-out?
Our standard check-in time is 12:00 PM. Overnight houseboat checkout is at 9:00 AM, and day cruise checkout is at 5:00 PM.
Do you collect ID proof before check-in?
Yes, we collect photo ID proofs for all passengers in advance to avoid delay during check-in.
What documents are required for check-in?
Please share a valid photo ID proof for every guest before arrival. For smooth processing, keep all passenger details ready.
Is the houseboat safe for kids and elderly guests?
Yes, Kerala houseboats are generally suitable for families when proper safety rules are followed, including life jackets, calm-water cruising and attentive crew support.
Are life jackets available on board?
Yes, safety equipment such as life jackets is part of the standard safety setup for guest comfort and security.
Can foreign tourists book a houseboat?
Yes, foreign guests are welcome, and many first-time visitors choose Kerala houseboats for a calm and comfortable backwater experience.
What is included in the houseboat package?
This depends on the package, but common inclusions may be meals, stay, crew service and the planned backwater route.
Can package rates change during holidays or festive seasons?
Yes, rates can change during festive seasons and public holidays.
What happens if there is a mechanical issue with the boat?
Your vendor policy should clearly state that an alternative arrangement or compensation must be provided if a mechanical issue affects service.
Can guests drink alcohol on the houseboat?
Alcohol on houseboats depends on Kerala liquor rules and the specific boat policy, so guests should always confirm before booking.
Is the houseboat suitable for first-time India travellers?
Yes, Kerala houseboats are often recommended for first-time travellers because the experience is calm, private and easy to enjoy.
What food is served on the houseboat?
Food depends on the package, but Kerala-style meals are commonly part of the experience, and menu customization can be offered for special guests.
What should guests bring?
Guests should bring ID proofs, medicines, personal essentials and comfortable clothes. A small bag is easier than a large suitcase.
How much does a houseboat in Alleppey cost?
The cost of a houseboat in Alleppey depends on the boat category, number of bedrooms, travel date, meal plan, cruise duration, and number of guests. Lake Queen Houseboats offers Deluxe, Premium, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury houseboats, ranging from one-bedroom boats for couples to larger houseboats for families, groups, conferences, and special events. Contact Lake Queen for the latest date-specific price and package inclusions
What is the cost of a shared houseboat per Couple?
Lake Queen Houseboats offers shared houseboat trips in the Deluxe and Premiumcategories. The approximate cost is:
The final rate may vary depending on the travel season, weekends, holidays, availability, meal plan, and applicable taxes. Please contact Lake Queen Houseboats for the latest per-person rate and booking availability.
How many people can a houseboat accommodate?
Lake Queen Houseboats offers individual houseboats with 1 bedroom to 16 bedrooms, providing options for couples, families, and large groups. The suitable capacity depends on the number of bedrooms, boat layout, and whether guests require overnight accommodation or an event setup.
For conferences and group functions, Lake Queen Houseboats can accommodate up to 250 guests, depending on the selected boat and event arrangement. The houseboats are suitable for:
Please note that the maximum event capacity may differ from the overnight sleeping capacity. Contact Lake Queen Houseboats with your group size and event requirements to select the right boat.
How many extra persons can be accommodated beyond the standard occupancy?
Extra-person accommodation depends on the boat’s approved capacity, bedroom layout, safety regulations, and availability of additional mattresses. Some larger houseboats allow additional guests for an extra charge. For example, selected seven-bedroom boats may accommodate up to 21 guests and eight-bedroom boats up to 24 guests with additional arrangements. Confirmation is required before booking.
What is the minimum number of nights or hours required for a houseboat booking?
The standard overnight package is usually one night and two days. Check-in is at 12:00 PM, cruising continues until approximately 5:30 PM, and the boat resumes its morning cruise before check-out at 9:00 AM. Lake Queen also offers day cruises for guests who do not require an overnight stay.
Can I book a houseboat for one day or just a few hours?
Yes. Lake Queen Houseboats offers day cruises in addition to overnight houseboat stays. A standard day cruise generally operates from approximately 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Shorter cruises or special arrangements may be possible depending on the boat, route, date, and operating conditions
What is the minimum age to book a houseboat?
The person making the reservation should be an adult who can provide valid contact and identification details. Children may stay on the houseboat with their parents or legal guardians, subject to the applicable child policy and safety requirements.
What payment methods are accepted? Is online payment available?
Lake Queen Houseboats accepts booking payments through approved payment channels shared by the reservations team. Online payment options may be available, depending on the booking method and guest location. The reservation team will provide the official payment details along with the booking quotation.
How much advance payment is required to confirm a booking?
An advance payment is required to guarantee and confirm a reservation. The exact amount may vary according to the booking value, travel date, houseboat category, and applicable terms. Guests should make payment only through the official payment details provided by Lake Queen Houseboats.
Is GST included in the displayed price, or charged separately?
GST and other applicable taxes depend on the quotation and package selected. Before making payment, guests should check whether the displayed or quoted price includes GST. The final invoice will show the applicable tax details separately or as part of the total amount.
Can international tourists pay in foreign currency?
International guests can enquire about available payment options for overseas bookings. Payment may need to be completed through an approved international payment channel or converted into the applicable Indian Rupee amount. Currency conversion charges, bank fees, and payment conditions should be confirmed before completing the reservation.
What is the cancellation policy and refund process?
Lake Queen Houseboats follows a date-based cancellation policy. Cancellation requests should be submitted through the official reservation channel, preferably in writing. Any eligible refund is processed after deducting the applicable cancellation charges and payment-processing fees, if applicable
What are the cancellation charges based on how many days before arrival? The published cancellation schedule is:
Cancellation timing before check-in | Cancellation charge |
14 days or more | No cancellation charge |
Between 14 and 7 days | 25% of the room rate |
Between 7 and 3 days | 50% of the room rate |
Less than 3 days | 100% of the room rate |
No-shows and cancellations of guaranteed reservations may be charged for the entire stay.
How long does it take to receive a refund after cancellation?
The refund processing time depends on the payment method, bank, payment gateway, and internal verification process. Once the cancellation is approved, Lake Queen will advise the expected refund timeline. Guests should retain the cancellation confirmation and payment receipt until the refund is completed.
Can I amend or reschedule my reservation, and until when?
Reservation amendments or rescheduling requests should be made as early as possible and before the applicable cancellation deadline. Changes depend on boat availability, revised pricing, seasonality, and the original booking terms. A booking is not considered rescheduled until Lake Queen provides written confirmation.
What happens in case of a strike, natural calamity, or COVID-19-related cancellation
If a cruise is affected by a government restriction, strike, severe weather, natural calamity, public-health order, or another situation beyond the operator’s control, Lake Queen will review the booking according to the applicable government directions and reservation terms. Guests may be offered rescheduling, credit, or refund options where applicable. The final solution depends on the circumstances and supplier or government restrictions.
Is Wi-Fi or mobile network available on board?
Mobile network availability can vary along the Alleppey backwaters and may be weaker in remote areas. Wi-Fi availability should be confirmed for the specific houseboat before booking, as it may not be available on every boat or throughout the entire route. Guests should download important travel information in advance.
Is hot water available in the attached bathrooms for all houseboat categories?
Most Lake Queen houseboats provide attached bathrooms, but hot-water facilities may vary according to the boat category and model. Guests should confirm hot-water availability for their selected houseboat before payment, especially when travelling with children, senior citizens, or during cooler months.
Is there a generator backup in case of a power cut?
Houseboat facilities normally depend on the boat’s generator and electrical systems. Generator backup and the operating hours of air conditioning may vary by category. Ask the reservation team to confirm the backup arrangements for the specific houseboat selected.
What happens if the AC breaks down during the stay?
If an air-conditioning problem occurs, guests should immediately inform the captain or crew. The team will inspect the issue and attempt to restore the service as quickly as possible. Any compensation, alternative arrangement, or refund is considered according to the nature of the fault, repair availability, and booking terms.
Is the houseboat safe for pregnant women?
Houseboat travel may be suitable for some pregnant guests, but this depends on the stage of pregnancy, medical condition, cruise route, and doctor’s advice. Pregnant travellers should consult their doctor before booking and inform Lake Queen about any special requirements. Guests should also consider access to medical facilities and the movement of the boat.
Can guests swim or fish from the houseboat?
Swimming is generally not permitted because of water depth, currents, boat movement, and safety risks. Fishing may be available as an optional activity or after the houseboat is anchored, subject to local conditions and crew instructions. Guests must follow all safety directions and should not enter the water without explicit approval
Is photography allowed on the houseboat?
Yes. Guests are welcome to take photographs and videos of the houseboat, backwaters, landscapes, food, and travel experience for personal use. Please respect the privacy of local residents, other guests, crew members, and restricted areas.
Is smoking allowed on the houseboat?
Smoking should not be permitted inside bedrooms, dining areas, or enclosed indoor spaces. If smoking is allowed, it should be limited to a designated outdoor area and must follow the crew’s safety instructions. Guests must never smoke near fuel, cooking equipment, or other fire-sensitive areas.
Are pets allowed on the houseboat?
Pet access depends on the individual boat, safety requirements, crew availability, and the nature of the pet. Guests must request approval before booking. If pets are accepted, owners are responsible for cleanliness, behaviour, damage, food, and any additional charges.
Is cooking allowed on board by guests?
Guests are generally not permitted to use the onboard kitchen or cooking equipment because of safety, hygiene, and crew-operation requirements. Lake Queen provides onboard meals, and food preferences or Jain, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian requirements may be arranged when informed in advance.
Do foreign tourists need to submit passport details for booking?
Yes. Foreign guests may be required to provide passport and visa details for booking, guest registration, and legal reporting requirements. The exact documents required should be confirmed with the reservation team before arrival.
Is travel insurance provided by the operator?
Travel insurance is not automatically included unless it is specifically mentioned in the written quotation or package terms. Guests are advised to arrange suitable travel insurance covering medical treatment, trip cancellation, baggage, and personal accidents before travelling.
What is the child policy?
Children below five years can stay free of charge when accompanying their parents, subject to the booking conditions. Children above five and below ten years are chargeable at the applicable rate when travelling without an extra mattress. Children above ten years are treated as extra adults and charged accordingly.
Are children charged, and is there an age limit for free stay?
Yes. Children below five years are complimentary under the published child policy. Children aged five to below ten years may be charged according to the applicable rate, while children above ten years are treated as extra adults. Guests should mention the exact age of every child while requesting a quotation.
Can I get a written booking confirmation or invoice before travel?
Yes. After the booking details and payment are verified, guests should request a written booking confirmation showing the houseboat category, number of bedrooms, check-in and check-out times, guest details, inclusions, payment status, cancellation policy, and balance amount, if any. An invoice or receipt can also be requested according to the booking terms.
What is the difference between Lake Queen Houseboats and other houseboat operators?
Lake Queen Houseboats is part of LEDD Hotels and Resorts and offers a range of houseboats for different budgets, occasions, and travel styles. Its fleet combines traditional Kerala kettuvallam design with modern facilities, onboard meals, professional crew support, and 24/7 guest service. Options are available for honeymooners, families, groups, corporate meetings, parties, and special occasions.
What types of houseboats are available with Lake Queen?
Lake Queen offers Deluxe, Premium, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury houseboats with 1 to 16 bedrooms, suitable for couples, families, groups, corporate events, weddings, and other functions.
How can I book a houseboat with Lake Queen?
To book a Lake Queen houseboat:
The standard overnight schedule is check-in at 12:00 PM and check-out at 9:00 AM. Day cruises may also be available
What is the difference between Deluxe, Premium, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury houseboats?
The main differences are the interior design, size, facilities, air-conditioning arrangement, dining experience, privacy, and level of service. Exact facilities can vary between individual boats.
Category | Suitable for | |
Category | Suitable for | Typical features |
Deluxe | Budget-conscious travellers and families | Comfortable rooms, attached bathrooms, standard facilities, and scheduled AC on selected boats |
Premium | Guests seeking extra comfort | Improved interiors, better furnishings, and enhanced facilities |
Luxury | Guests wanting a more refined experience | Larger spaces, upgraded interiors, private comfort, and premium service |
Ultra Luxury | Honeymoons, celebrations, corporate groups, and luxury holidays | 5-star-style interiors, full-time AC on selected boats, premium food, spacious living areas, upper decks, and enhanced guest services |
For the most accurate comparison, request the current boat photographs, inclusions, AC timings, meal details, occupancy, and final price before booking.