Question 1

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, accommodation for drivers and house-help is available. In-house help/maids/attendants will be considered as part of the guest count. The charge of accommodation for driver is Rs. 1000 per night (that include meals for 3 times) . Meals are not included. Additional charges for meals should be paid to the caretaker onsite in cash. .

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Question 2

Is parking available onsite or nearby?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available onsite for upto 2 cars.

Question 3

Is there an aquaguard for drinking water supply? Do we need to carry our own Mineral Water bottles or are these readily available at your villa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a steady supply of filtered drinking water.

Question 4

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

Yes, alcohol consumption is permitted within limits. There are no corkage charges.

Question 5

Can I pay the caretaker some extra money and request the Cook to prepare fish or mutton dishes for us?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In case you would like the caretaker to cook a special dish, you can pay him for the actuals and cooking, cleaning fee on site, in cash. Please note that this will be subject to availability of ingredients.

Question 6

Do you allow us to stock things in your fridge?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use the common fridge to store food/beverages.

Question 7

Is outside food allowed? Are we allowed to cook ourselves?

Accepted Answer

Guests are not allowed to access the kitchen. However, mothers of infants or small children will have limited access to boil milk or prepare their kids meals. 

Should you choose to order in, the caretaker will be able to help you with menus of nearby restaurants.

Question 8

What is the type of cuisine served?

Accepted Answer

We offer authentic, home-fresh meals. We have a standard menu and our Care Team rep will help you craft the perfect combination once you have booked your stay. Please do share your meal preferences and dietary requirements, if any, when the team reaches out to you.

Question 9

Are meals provided onsite? What are the charges?

Accepted Answer

Meals are provided onsite and can be availed at additional charges.  We levy an on-site cash handling charge (500) and request you to pay for all meals before check-in to avoid this inconvenience. Furthermore, all digitally checked-in guests can avail of additional Reward Points and SaffronStays Club Infinitum benefits for pre-paid meals.

Tea/Coffee will be served during breakfast and afternoon tea time. If you would like tea/coffee during the day, this will be arranged at an additional charge.

Question 10

What are the meal charges for children?

Accepted Answer

Children  up to the age of 6 shall not be charged for meals.
Children in the age group 6-11 shall be charged Rs 1000 per day.

Question 11

Do you allow loud music?

Accepted Answer

Given the location of our home, playing loud music is allowed within limit, not beyond 10 pm inside the villa.

Whereas, loud Music is not permitted in open area.

Question 12

Is smoking / alcohol consumption permitted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, smoking is allowed but strictly not inside the home. If you wish to smoke, please do so outside in the garden/lawn area. 
Alcohol consumption is permitted within limits. We do not encourage late night revelry or loud music.

Question 13

What are the Check-in & Check-out timings? May I request for late check-outs or an early check-in?

Accepted Answer

Check-in time at 2 pm and check-out time is 11 am. Please note that check-out timings are strict as we need to ready the rooms for our next booking.

Question 14

What formalities are needed during check-in and check-out?

Accepted Answer

As required by law, all adults have to provide their government-approved Photo IDs (that clearly show their residential address) at the time of Check-in. Your co-operation is of utmost importance to us.

Question 15

Are we allowed to access all areas?

Accepted Answer

The stunning suite is within the same premises as the luxurious 4-bedroom homestay, Ekam. Guests are requested to respect the privacy of the guests staying in the villa (if any). Guests will only be able to access common areas on the property such as the living room, garden, lawn, etc.
Guests are strictly prohibited from crossing into neighboring properties under any circumstances. We request our guests to respect the privacy and personal space of our neighbours.

Question 16

We're planning to drive down. Are the roads good? Any specific things we need to know?

Accepted Answer

While roads connecting to the property are good, guests are advised to check the road and weather conditions before leaving for a road trip. 

Our home is cool and breezy round the year, so you could visit at anytime.

Question 17

How do we reach your villa by public transport?

Accepted Answer

The best way to reach our home is by a private car/ taxi. If you would like to travel by public transport, the best route would be:

Bus: If you are using a bus, expect a 5-7 hour journey, depending on traffic & your starting location.

Train: Kalka Railway Station is just 1 km from Mall Road. This home is 81 km from the station.

Flight: The closest airport is Shimla, at a distance of 62 km from the airport.

Question 18

If I'm driving, will there be any toll fees applicable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please note that toll charges are subject to change, depending on the authorities and the type of vehicle. Guests are requested to carry sufficient cash to cover the toll charge.

Question 19

Are stag groups allowed to book this home?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not allow stag groups to book this home.

Question 20

Who manages the villa?

Accepted Answer

There is a caretaker onsite.

Question 21

Can I reserve your Home for a Film/ Photo/ Advertisement shoot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do allow events/shoots at the villa, subject to Home Owner's approval. Meals can be arranged at an additional cost (per person, per day). Please note that a maximum of 18 people can be accommodated in the villa for an overnight stay.

Access to the pool will be subject to home owner's approval. Depending on the event and its requirements, a refundable deposit and additional charges may be applied. Please note that loud music (if needed for your function) will only be permitted during certain hours. Any other permissions required for photo shoot/functions will need to be taken by the guests themselves.

If you wish to book our home for functions/shoots, please send a message to the host on our website or send us an email at book@saffronstays.com

Question 22

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

A Guest is entitled to a refund of 75% if he/she cancels the confirmed booking upto 15 days before the Date of Check-In (before 1 PM).
A Guest is entitled to a refund of 50% if he/she cancels the confirmed booking upto 7 days before the Date of Check-In (before 1 PM)
If the Guest cancels within 7 days of the Date of Check-In, he/she is entitled to no refund.

Question 23

Can I pay 50% now and pay the remaining 50% closer to the date?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, there is no option for part payment. Guests are required to pay 100% of the payment before check-in.

Question 24

How can I make a payment?

Accepted Answer

Once you have chosen your dates and your booking has been accepted, you will receive a payment link where the payment can be processed.

In case you're unable to make an online payment through the link, you could also deposit the cash in our bank account directly. We also offer other options like PayTM, NEFT/IMPS or UPI.

Question 25

How and when do I pay for the Security Deposit and how and when is it returned to me?

Accepted Answer

Security deposit is to be paid two days prior to check-in. If no damages are observed, the deposit will be returned during check-out itself or by NEFT within 5 business days after check-out.

Question 26

Can I redeem any offers while booking this home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Members can redeem their nights, utilise their privileges and avail any offers while booking this home.

Question 27

Does SaffronStays accept cash payments?

Accepted Answer

No. All payments for booking the villa, including meals, will have to be pre-paid prior to check-in. Security Deposit collected during booking will be returned during check-out or by NEFT within 5 business days after check-out, provided no damages are observed. To avoid inconvenience, we will not be accepting cash onsite for any reasons henceforth.

Please note: The Security Deposit is subject to change depending upon the number of nights and the group size. Please check with your holiday advisor at the time of booking.

Question 28

Are there any resident pets on the property?

Accepted Answer

No

Question 29

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

Our bedrooms have lovely queen-sized beds.

Question 30

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide toiletries like soap, shampoo, hair conditioner and towels.

Question 31

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Our home is surrounded by greenery and it is cool throughout the day. Our home is not air-conditioned but all rooms have been furnished with fans and mosquito nets over the windows.

Question 32

Is there Internet/ 3G/ WiFi connection available onsite?

Accepted Answer

Yes/No, the villa has/does not have WiFi connection. There is adequate network connectivity, if not 3G then 2G.

Question 33

Does the villa face frequent power outages? Are there any invertors or gensets to address this issue?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a backup inverter in case of rare occasions of power failure.

Question 34

Do you have a problem with mosquitoes? How do you deal with it to make our stay more comfortable?

Accepted Answer

All rooms have mosquito repellents. Guests are advised to shut the windows between 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm to avoid mosquitoes and insects from entering the home.

Question 35

Is the villa and its surroundings well lit up?

Accepted Answer

The villa is well lit up. There is enough lighting even in the surrounding areas i.e lawns, grounds.

Question 36

Is there First-aid kit available at your Home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do have a first-aid kid onsite, stocked with Dettol, band-aids and over-the-counter medicines like Metacin, Crocin etc.

Question 37

Is the property properly fenced? Is there a boundary wall?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home has a stone wall surrounding the premises.

Question 38

Can stray dogs enter the premises?

Accepted Answer

No, the home is within a fenced area. However, should a stray dog enter, inform the caretaker and he will address the issue.

Question 39

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are CCTV cameras installed in the Verandah/Sit Outs, Lawns/Garden, Parking, Estate Entrance, Backyard/Storage Area. Private bedrooms and bathrooms are not monitored.

Question 40

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The home is located within a gated complex.

Question 41

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

From the Shimla airport, take the Shimla road towards Chandigarh Highway to reach kandaghat. After which, take a left turn towards Chail and continue the path for 12 km. 
On the left side of the home, you'll see a sign that leads to the property.

Question 42

Is this home child-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is child friendly.

There is plenty of space to run around and many indoor activities that will keep your children occupied.  The home has been stocked with board games such as Life, Monopoly, Chess, Carrom, Table Tennis and Darts. There is also a basic first-aid kit, stocked with Dettol, band-aids, etc., for minor injuries. Parents are advised to be cautious when allowing kids to run around.

Question 43

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is senior citizen/elderly friendly.

1 bedroom is located on the ground floor of the house with a queen bed and an ensuite bathroom that accommodates up to 2 people. The attic space above the living room has a bed space with a queen bed that comfortably accommodates up to 2 people.

Upon special request, our caretakers can prepare Low Salt/ Low Spice/ Low Fat/ Low Sugar for senior citizens. These requests should be informed at the time of booking.

In case of a medical emergency, the caretaker has the numbers for doctor-on-call or ambulance service-on-call. The home is ambulance accessible.

Question 44

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not wheelchair accessible.

Question 45

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

Wake up to a beautiful sunrise, head outdoors for a stroll, indulge in some fun outdoor games or cow petting and wrap your day with delicious meals and bonfire
Take a short trek to the Cheda waterfall, located 4 kilometres from the home.
Wildlife lovers can head to the Chail sanctuary, that’s just a short drive away from the home.