Question 1

Is Driver accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, driver accommodation is available. Additional charges for meals to be paid to the caretaker onsite, in cash. One extra person can be accommodated in the same room as the driver on a mattress.

Question 2

Is parking available onsite or nearby?

Accepted Answer

Free parking for 6 cars is available onsite.

Question 3

Is the villa suitable for a day picnic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the home has a 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 15 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 as well.

Question 4

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 15 people can be accommodated in the villa for an overnight stay. 

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 5

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

Accepted Answer

You cannot book just one room. A minimum of 3 rooms is required, with a maximum of five rooms allowed.

Question 6

Are meals provided onsite? What are the charges?

Accepted Answer

Meals to be paid online 2 days prior to the check-in. The chef on-site shall provide, home-cooked meals to the guests for the stay. Meals are provided at an additional cost. The menu for this home will be pre-fixed.

Question 7

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.

Question 8

Do you allow us to stock things in your fridge?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

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 10

If it is a self-catering villa, would you be able to arrange for a cook? What kind of cooking facilities are available?

Accepted Answer

No, this is not a self-catering villa.

Question 11

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 12

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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, garden, 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 17

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 18

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 19

How do we reach your villa by public transport?

Accepted Answer

The property has road access only - About 250 kms from Bombay and 120 kms from Pune. There is a bus service from Bombay, Pune and Gujarat amongst other states.

Question 20

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 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 15 people can be accommodated in the villa for an overnight stay. 

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

Who manages the villa?

Accepted Answer

There is a caretaker onsite.

Question 23

Are stag groups allowed to book this home?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 24

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 25

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 26

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 27

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. 25,000 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 28

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 29

Are pets allowed inside the room?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 30

Are there any resident pets on the property?

Accepted Answer

No

Question 31

What are the meal options for pets?

Accepted Answer

We do not store or serve packaged food for the pets.

Question 32

Do you provide food and water bowls for pets?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 33

Do guests have to pay extra for pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests have to pay Rs 1000 per pet, plus extra for meals, if requested.

Question 34

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

Our bedrooms have lovely old Parsi 4 poster double beds.

Question 35

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 36

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our bedrooms are air-conditioned.

Question 37

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, the villa has WiFi connection. There is adequate network connectivity, if not 3G then 2G.

Question 38

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

Accepted Answer

The area faces load shedding on Tuesday mornings. There is an inverter available.

Question 39

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

No. The home only has a caretaker

Question 40

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no CCTVs on the premises.

Question 41

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home has been fenced around the premises.

Question 42

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 etc..

Question 43

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Once you enter Mahableshwar and pass the Venna Lake, look out for the Hirda Naka Bus stop within one km of the lake and turn up the road at the Naka. Then follow the road until the T junction, make a left at the T, then left again down the road, follow the road for 25 mts and arrive at the Villa.

Question 44

Is this home child-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our Home is child friendly.  

There is plenty of space to run around and many indoor board games that will keep your children occupied.  Since SaffronStays believes that holidays are about families bonding, we have only one TV in our Home. 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 45

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is senior citizen friendly. 

The home has 3 bedrooms on the ground floor. All the bedroom have private bathrooms, again easy to access at night without any supervision.

Question 46

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not wheelchair accessible.

Question 47

Is the place pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a pet-friendly villa. 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. Pets are not allowed in the pool.

Question 48

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

Located at only a 10-minute walk from the home is the Mahableshwar market where you can window shop some souvenirs and local footwear or spend some time gaming.
Enjoy an evening, boating or horse riding at the Venna Lake which is only 1 km away from this home.
Buy some fresh jams and berries (if in season) at the Mapro Garden, at a 30-minute drive from the home.
Indulge in an afternoon of cheese and slush tasting at the Pure Gold Cheese Factory at a drive time of 30 minutes.

Question 49

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, Venna Lake is located only 1 km from this home. It is about 4-5 minutes drive from our home.  It is a tourist spot. You can opt for boating on the lake. The water body is safe but guests are advised to be careful around it.