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 3 cars can be parked.

Question 3

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. Please note that a maximum of 12 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 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. Please note that the maximum capacity for an overnight stay is 12 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 Monopoly, Chess, Abdone, Twister, Housie, Pictureka, Cards, Uno.

Question 5

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Driver and house-help accommodation is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Charges for the same are INR 1000 + GST per person, per night. Meals can be provided on actuals.

Question 6

Are meals provided onsite? What are the charges?

Accepted Answer

We provide healthy home-cooked meals made from freshly sourced local ingredients. Guests are requested to inform the same in advance so that our caretakers can procure the ingredients. 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 7

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

Accepted Answer

No, outside food is not allowed.

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 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 10

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

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 12

Do you allow loud music?

Accepted Answer

Given the location of our home, playing loud music is allowed within limit and during specific time and should not be played after 10 pm.

Guests are requested to respect our neighbours and keep the noise level mild and within the villa.

Question 13

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 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.

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

Yes, guests are allowed to access all areas except for one bedroom and the kitchen area. 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

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 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

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: 2.7 km from Lonavala bus stand
Train: 2.4 km from Khandala railway station
Air: The closest airport is Pune International Airport (73 km)

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

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

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 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 or 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

Do guests have to pay extra for pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests have to pay Rs 800 per pet, per day.

Question 29

Are pets allowed inside the room?

Accepted Answer

No, pets are not allowed inside the room.

Question 30

Are there any resident pets on the property?

Accepted Answer

No

Question 31

How many extra mattresses can be provided?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 32

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

Three of our bedrooms have lovely king-sized beds, while one bedroom has 2 single beds.

Question 33

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 34

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our bedrooms are air-conditioned, except for bedroom 4. However, the cool weather all year around is the perfect excuse to not install ACs in the living room.

Question 35

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 36

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 37

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 and 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 38

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are CCTV cameras installed near the sit-outs, pool, lawn, and parking. Private bedrooms and bathrooms are not monitored.

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

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 41

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not have a security guard or watchman. However, the caretaker lives on-site, and we have CCTVs installed in common external areas.

Question 42

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home has a brick wall compound surrounding the premises.

Question 43

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 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 activities that will keep your children occupied.  The home has instead been stocked with games such as Monopoly, Chess, Abdone, Twister, Housie, Pictureka, Cards, Uno. 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 the place pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a pet-friendly villa. Pets will be charged at an additional cost of Rs. 800 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 46

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is senior citizen/elderly friendly.

There is a small set of steps at the entrance that can be comfortably climbed. The home has 1 bedroom with an ensuite bathroom on the ground floor. The other 3 rooms are on the first floor. All the bedrooms have private bathrooms, again easy to access at night without any supervision.

Question 47

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not wheelchair accessible.

Question 48

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

Relax by the pool, take in the breathtaking views from the rooftop gazebo or simply watch the stars twinkle at night in the open skies.
During monsoons, the hills around are covered with thick fog and mist, truly a sight to behold!
For those who enjoy a touch of nature, there are fruit trees like apples, bananas, litchi and guavas that guests can indulge in.
Take your pick from carrom, table tennis and a variety of board games for an entertaining time.
Nearby tourist attractions include Rajmachi fort garden and trek (4.5 kms), Mapro Garden (5km), Della adventure park (5.7km), old Bhor Ghat (6 kms away), Duke's Nose (7 km), Wax Museum (12km), and Tiger Point (12.5km).

Question 49

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a private pool. Dimensions of the pool are 20*15 feet. The pool is 4 feet deep. 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.