Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot book just one room. You would need to book the entire home.

Question 2

Is parking available onsite or nearby?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available onsite. Up to 4 cars can be parked.

Question 3

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

No, driver and house-help accommodation is not available.

Question 4

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 of INR 500 and request you 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.

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 5

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

Accepted Answer

Outside food is not allowed. 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 kid's meals.

Should you choose to order in, the caretaker will be able to help you with the menus of nearby restaurants.

Question 6

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 7

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Do you allow us to stock things in your fridge?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

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 11

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 neighbours and keep the noise level mild and within the villa.

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 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 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

No. Guests will only be able to access common areas on the property such as the living room, verandah, private pool, etc. Guests are strictly prohibited from crossing into neighboring properties under any circumstances. We request our guests 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 by train: To Lonavala railway station and then a taxi to the villa.

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

Who manages the villa?

Accepted Answer

There is a caretaker onsite.

Question 20

Are stag groups allowed to book this home?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 21

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 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

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 26

Can I redeem any offers while booking this home?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 27

Do guests have to pay extra for pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests have to pay Rs 500 per pet, plus extra for meals, if requested.

Question 28

Are pets allowed inside the room?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pets are allowed in the bedroom, but not inside the bathroom. Guests must be responsible for their pets and any damage caused to the property shall be deducted from the Security Deposit.

Question 29

Are there any resident pets on the property?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no resident pets on the property.

Question 30

Do you provide food and water bowls for pets?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not provide food and water bowls for pets.

Question 31

What facility do you provide for pet hygiene?

Accepted Answer

Pet parents must clean up themselves. Guests are requested to carry their own medication for their pets. No bathing facility for pets is provided for pets in the home.

Question 32

What are the meal options for pets?

Accepted Answer

We offer boiled chicken, rice, fish, vegetables, or chappati for lunch and dinner at a cost of Rs 250 per meal, per pet. Please inform our caretaker of your pet's food habits 2 days prior to Check-In. We do not store or serve packaged food for the pets.

Question 33

How many extra mattresses can be provided?

Accepted Answer

5 extra mattresses can be arranged onsite. Our home has adequate bed sheets, blankets, and pillows for extra bedding.

Question 34

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

Our bedrooms have lovely queen-sized beds.

Question 35

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 36

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our bedrooms are air-conditioned. The living room also has an AC.

Question 37

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, the villa has a WiFi connection. There is adequate network connectivity, if not 4G then 3G.

Question 38

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a backup Genset in case of rare occasions of power failure. Guests are requested to switch off the ACs during power outages as it consumes more power.

Question 39

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 nets. Guests are advised to shut the windows between 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm to avoid mosquitoes and insects from entering the home.

Question 40

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The home is located within a gated complex.

Question 41

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no CCTV cameras installed on the premises.

Question 42

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 43

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 44

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 45

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 46

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

From Pune: Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, follow NH48 and Bengaluru-Mumbai Highway and then take Jalvaayu Marg and Lonavala Rd/Lonavala Aamby Valley Rd to your destination.
From Mumbai: Take the Mumbai-Pune Highway (for up to 80 km) then take Jalvaayu Marg and Lonavala Rd/Lonavala Aamby Valley Rd to your destination.

Question 47

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. There is a cricket set. 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 48

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is senior citizen/elderly-friendly.

The home has 3 bedrooms on the ground floor with a small set of steps that can be comfortably climbed. The other 2 rooms are on the first floor. All the bedrooms have private bathrooms, again easy to access at night without any supervision.

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.

Question 49

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not wheelchair accessible.

Question 50

Is the place pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a pet-friendly villa. Pets will be charged at an additional cost of Rs. 500 per pet. A refundable deposit may also be applied. Pets are not allowed on any of the furniture and will be restricted to the verandah area. Pet owners need to carry along food and bedding for their pets.

OR 

No, this home is not pet-friendly. You can browse other pet-friendly homes on the website. Pets are not allowed in the pool.

Question 51

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a 4.5 ft deep private pool within the complex. Pool timings are between 9 am to 7 pm. The water is chlorinated. As there is no lifeguard on hand, guests are advised to be cautious (especially around kids) and to refrain from swimming late at night.

Our pool is available for poolside parties. However, we recommend keeping alcohol, food, and glass bottles away from the pool to avoid accidents.

Question 52

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

Tiger Point is 2 km from the home.
There are several tourist spots in Lonavala that one can visit like Bushy Dam, Lion's Point, and Aamby Valley.

Question 53

Are there water bodies nearby (such as a pond/ river/ lake etc)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Bushy Dam is nearby. It is about a 4 km drive from the home. It is a tourist spot. The water body is safe but guests are advised to be careful around it.