Question 1

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, driver and house-help accommodation is available. Charges for the same are Rs. 1500 +GST per person, per night. Including basic staff meals. Up to 2 people can be accommodated.

Question 2

Is parking available onsite or nearby?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available onsite upto 4 cars.

Question 3

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 4 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.

Depending on the event, you are allowed to erect a small stage, stall or tent for your event purpose.

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 4 people can be accommodated in the cottage for an overnight stay. SaffronStays Aranya Vilas is on the same same premises. Guests can book both properties together for larger groups.

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 5

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

Accepted Answer

You can either book one room or the entire home, depending upon the number of people travelling with you. The private estate also has a 3-bedroom villa SaffronStays Aranya Vilas on the same same premises. Guests can book both properties together for larger groups or special events like parties and get-togethers. 
Up to 15 guests can be accommodated together for an overnight stay.

Question 6

Are meals provided onsite? What are the charges?

Accepted Answer

We offer healthy home-cooked meals prepared using locally sourced fresh ingredients. 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 7

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 8

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 kids meals.

Question 9

Do you allow us to stock things in your fridge?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

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 11

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

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

This is not a self-catering villa.

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

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 15

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 16

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 17

Are we allowed to access all areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, guests can access all areas except the Aranya Vilas villa, which is on the same premises, and kitchen area.
 Please note that all the other spaces in the property are common for all guests.

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 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, the last 400 meter road is bumpy 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 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: Lonavala Bus Depot (24.5 km)
Air: Pune International Airport (90 km)
Train: Lonavala Railway Station (25 km)

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

Who manages the villa?

Accepted Answer

There is a caretaker onsite.

Question 22

Are stag groups allowed to book this home?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 23

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 6 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 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 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 27

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 28

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 29

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 30

Do guests have to pay extra for pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests have to pay Rs 1500 per pet per day, plus extra for meals, if requested. We can provide a basic pet meal, including chapati, milk, boiled eggs, and chicken.

Question 31

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 32

Are there any resident pets on the property?

Accepted Answer

There are no resident pets on the property.

Question 33

Do you provide food and water bowls for pets?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 34

What are the meal options for pets?

Accepted Answer

We offer boiled chicken, rice, milk, vegetables, or chapati for lunch and dinner at a cost based on actual expenses 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 35

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

Our bedrooms have lovely king-sized beds.

Question 36

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide toiletries like shower gel, shampoo and towels.

Question 37

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our bedrooms are air-conditioned.

Question 38

Is there Internet/ 4G/ WiFi connection available onsite?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the villa has WiFi connection. Due to its unique location, network connectivity is weak here. Jio & Airtel works fairly well.

Question 39

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. Guests are requested to switch off the ACs during power outages as it consumes more power.

Question 40

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 41

How many extra mattresses can be provided?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 42

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 43

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 44

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 45

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 46

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 47

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

No. However the caretaker lives onsite throughout.

Question 48

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 instead been stocked with board games like Snakes and Ladders, Ludo, chess, playing cards, UNO, darts, and swings. Outdoor games include volleyball, basketball, cricket, badminton and football. There is ziplining for kids, climbing net, as well as archery for kids and adults. There is a 2 feet baby pool attached to the infinity pool. 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 49

Is the place pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a pet-friendly villa. Pets will be charged at an additional cost of Rs. 1000 per pet per day. 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.

Question 50

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not senior citizen friendly.

Question 51

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not wheelchair accessible.

Question 52

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

Accepted Answer

The swimming pool, entry gate, backyard, lawns, gazebo, and other outdoor games and adventure activities are common areas. They will be accessible and shared by other guests during their stay.

Question 53

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

Accepted Answer

During monsoons, there is a private waterfall within the property with a natural pool. It is safe but guests are advised to be careful around it.

Question 54

Is there a beach close by and is it clean and safe?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no beach close by.

Question 55

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

The villa is equipped with a range of activities to keep you occupied. The infinity swing will offer you a 360-degree view of the mountains and valleys around.
Gather around the bonfire and catch up with your loved ones as your gorge on some delicious barbeque.
Spend some quality time with your family and friends playing games like volleyball, basketball, archery, climbing net, and darts. If you prefer the indoors, the villa is stocked with board games such as Snakes and Ladders, Ludo, chess, carrom, playing cards and UNO.
There is also ziplining specially for kids!
A private waterfall with a natural pool is formed at the backside of the villa during monsoons - have the time of your life splashing around in this natural wonder!
If you are the adventurous type, the Morgiri trek is just 10 minutes (3.5 km) away from the villa, while the Tung fort is 12 minutes (5.4 km) away.