Question 1

Can I book only one or two rooms, or do I need to book the entire Home?

Accepted Answer

You would need to book at least 4 rooms.

Question 2

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Driver accommodation is available. 
Up to 6 domestic helps can be accommodated within 2 separate rooms.
Additional charges for regular staff meals and accommodation in staff quarters will be Rs.2000 per head.

Question 3

Is parking available onsite or nearby?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available onsite for upto 6 cars.

Question 4

Is the villa suitable for a day picnic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the home has a garden/lawn area within the premises that could be used for outdoor picnic activities. Meals will be provided on site at an additional charge (per person, per meal). Please note that the maximum capacity for an overnight stay is 16 people. 

During the day, guests will be allowed to use the washrooms and other amenities at the villa. The home is also stocked with indoor games like Carrom, card table, Ludo etc.

Question 5

Can I reserve your place for special functions such as engagement ceremony, a small wedding ceremony or a birthday party, etc?

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 16 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 6

What is the type of cuisine served?

Accepted Answer

The cook at the home prepares simple food such as bhindi subzi, baingan subzi, pav bhaji, chaat etc. He can also prepare Punjabi cuisine and Gujarati cuisine. You can inform the caretaker in advance about your meal preferences, specific dietary requirements, etc.

Question 7

Are meals provided onsite? What are the charges?

Accepted Answer

This is a veg only villa. Meals will be charged at an additional cost and to be paid directly onsite. 

We provide healthy home-cooked meals prepared using locally grown organic ingredients. We recommend trying out our local cook's veg specialty like bhindi subzi, baingan subzi, Gujrati food and authentic local cuisine.

Tea/Coffee will be served during breakfast and evening tea time. If you would like tea/coffee at any other time of the day, it can be arranged at an additional charge.

Question 8

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. 

No, outside meals are not allowed in the villa.

Question 9

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, Aquaguard is available.

Question 10

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

Yes, alcohol consumption is permitted within limits. Guests can buy their own alcohol and any permissions required for the same needs to be obtained by them. There is a wine shop nearby in the Village Takwe Budruk.

Question 11

Is smoking / alcohol consumption permitted?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol consumption is permitted within limits. We do not encourage late night revelry or loud music. No, smoking is strictly not allowed within the property.

Question 12

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 1 pm and check-out time is 10 am. Please note that check-out timings are strict as we need to ready the rooms for our next booking. Guests are requested to respect the timing of other guests as well. In case you wish to check in a little early or check out a little late, do inform us at the time of booking. Additional charges will be applied. Late check-out charges includes meals (lunch).

Question 13

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 14

Do you allow loud music?

Accepted Answer

Given the location of our home, playing loud music is allowed within limit and during specific time/hours.

Guests are requested to respect our neighbors and keep the noise level mild and within the villa.

Question 15

Are we allowed to access all areas?

Accepted Answer

The floor above the game room is for the personal use of the home owner, thus guests will not have access to that room.

After 7 pm, treading into certain areas of the estate is not advisable. All such areas are marked with signboards.

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 neighbors.

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

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 18

How do we reach your villa by public transport?

Accepted Answer

One may board the inter-city trains starting from Dadar or CST, Mumbai and heading towards Pune, alighting at Kanhe station. Alternatively, buses are available till Lonavala. One may hire a local taxi thereafter. Kamshet is 105 kms or approximately 2.5 hours from Mumbai.

Question 19

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 16 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 20

Who manages the villa?

Accepted Answer

There is a caretaker onsite.

Question 21

Are stag groups allowed to book this home?

Accepted Answer

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

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 of Rs. 30,000 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

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 27

How many extra mattresses can be provided?

Accepted Answer

Our home has 2 extra beds and 2 extra mattresses.

Question 28

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

All our bedrooms have double beds. We also provide mattresses for extra accommodation.

Question 29

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide bath towels and toiletries like soap, shampoo, toilet paper, etc.

Question 30

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our bedrooms are air-conditioned.

Question 31

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, WiFi is available. While Jio has good coverage, Vodafone does not have good network coverage.

Question 32

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

Accepted Answer

Please note: - Kamshet experiences load shedding by the MSEB on Thursdays between 9am - 6pm. The home is in a rural area of Maharashtra, powered by MSEB. - In case of disruption of power due to fluctuation, we have gensets for use.

Question 33

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

Accepted Answer

All of the rooms have been furnished with mosquito nets. If required, the caretaker has mosquito coils to keep the mosquitos away. Guests are advised to shut the windows by 5.30 / 7.30 pm to avoid mosquitoes.

Question 34

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The home has a security guard.

Question 35

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are CCTV cameras installed in all the outdoor spaces. Private bedrooms and bathrooms are not monitored.

Question 36

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home has a fencing around the premises.

Question 37

Is there First-aid kit available at your Home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do have a first-aid kit onsite.

Question 38

Is the villa and its surroundings well lit up?

Accepted Answer

The villa has well lit up pathways for walks after dark. Any area of the estate to be avoided after 7 pm is marked with signboards.

Question 39

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 40

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

After taking the exit of Lonavla you have to take the Old Mumbai Pune Highway - NH 4 towards Pune, after crossing Kamshet you will reach Kanhe Phata from there you have to take a left , cross the railway crossing, Indrayani River Bridge which will lead to Village Takwe Budruk. After reaching Village Takwe Budruk going further you will have to take a right turn and in less than 50 meters you will see a big gate on the right side where you have to enter and you will find the Farm Gate after 700 meters.

The drive from the Mumbai airport to the home is approx. 120 kms (drive time of approx. 2 hours 45 mins) and from Pune airport to the home  is approx. 60 kms (drive time of approx. 1 hour 45 mins).

Question 41

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.  Since SaffronStays believes that holidays are about families bonding, we have just 1 TV in the dining area. The home has instead been stocked with board games such as Carrom, card games, Ludo etc. 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 42

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is elderly friendly. 

The home has 6 bedrooms on the ground floor with a small set of steps that can be comfortably climbed. All the bedroom have private bathrooms, again easy to access at night without any supervision.

Question 43

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is wheelchair accessible and has a temporary ramp which can be placed wherever required.

Question 44

Is the place pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

No, this is not a pet-friendly villa. 

 Pets are not allowed in the pool.

Question 45

What can we do for fun in and around the property?

Accepted Answer

Camp Water's Edge offers kayaking and other exciting water sports activities for adventure seekers. For those who enjoy shopping, the nearby Kanhe Market (Monday) and Talegaon Market (Thursday) are great spots to pick up local souvenirs. You can also explore Tikona Fort or visit the seasonal waterfalls around the home for a scenic experience.

Inside the home, guests can enjoy a variety of indoor games, including carrom, ludo, and a dedicated card table. Gather around the poker table for a fun game with friends and family, or showcase your billiards skills on the pool table for some friendly competition.

Question 46

Is there a pool and what's the depth/ length of the pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a private pool swimming pool within the estate. As there is no lifeguard on hand, guests are advised to be cautious (especially around kids) and to refrain from swimming late at night. 

However, we recommend keeping alcohol, food and glass bottles away from the pool to avoid accidents. Pool timings are 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The depth of the pool is 4 feet.