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. Upto 5 cars can be parked.

Question 3

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, driver accommodation is available on request. Charges for the same are Rs. 500 per person, per night.  This does not include meals. Additional charges for meals to be paid to the caretaker onsite, in cash. Up to 1 person can be accommodated.

Question 4

Are meals provided onsite? What are the charges?

Accepted Answer

Meals are provided onsite and can be availed at additional charges. We offer healthy home-cooked meals prepared with fresh ingredients, please refer to the menu for all details. Tea/Coffee will be served during breakfast and high tea time. If you would like tea/coffee at any other time of the day, it can 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 kids' meals.

Question 6

Do you allow us to stock things in your fridge?

Accepted Answer

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

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

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 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

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 and should not be played after 10 p.m.

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

Question 11

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 on the deck or in the garden/lawn area. 
Alcohol consumption is permitted within limits. We do not encourage late night revelry or loud music.

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

Are we allowed to access all areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests are allowed to access all areas except 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 15

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 any time.

Question 16

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: 30 km from Lonavala MSRTC Bus Stop
Train:33 km from Lonavala Railway Station
Air: 59 km from Pune International Airport

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

Who manages the villa?

Accepted Answer

There is a caretaker onsite.

Question 19

Are stag groups allowed to book this home?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

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 21

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 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

Does SaffronStays accept cash payments?

Accepted Answer

No. All payments for booking the villa, including meals (on request), 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

Are there any resident pets on the property?

Accepted Answer

Yes, There are pet dogs on the property - a Doberman and a German Shepherd, but they are only let out near the villa if the guests approve. However, we kindly request that guests refrain from feeding the dogs.

Question 27

How many extra mattresses can be provided?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 28

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

Our bedrooms have lovely king-sized beds.

Question 29

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide toiletries like body wash, shampoo and towels.

Question 30

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our bedrooms are air-conditioned. However, the cool weather all year around is the perfect excuse to not install ACs in the living room, although there are two air-coolers available if required.

Question 31

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 32

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 33

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 34

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are CCTV cameras installed in Pool area, Parking and Kitchen. Private bedrooms and bathrooms are not monitored.

Question 35

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 36

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 37

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 38

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 39

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not have a security guard/watchman. However, we have CCTVs installed in common external areas.

Question 40

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 such as Chess, Chinese checkers, reversi, scrabble, playing cards, scruples. There are outdoor games like badminton and cricket available. 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 41

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is senior citizen/elderly friendly.

All the 3 bedrooms are 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.

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 42

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not wheelchair accessible.

Question 43

Is the place pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

No, this home is not pet-friendly. You can browse other pet-friendly homes on the website.

Question 44

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

Accepted Answer

There are no beaches close to this property.

Question 45

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 12*18 feet. The pool is 4.5 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.

Question 46

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

- With a panoramic view of the Pawna lake from anywhere in the home, you might not want to do anything else! Lounge around on the deck just staring at the beautiful view.
- Take a relaxing swim in the infinity pool.
- The villa offers a range of board games as well as outdoor games for your entertainment.
- Enjoy scrumptious home-made multi-regional cuisine made with locally sourced fresh ingredients. End the night with a delicious barbeque.
- If you have ever wanted to sleep under the stars, this is your chance. The open deck allows for a safe space to lay under the clear, open skies, which are perfect for stargazing.
- There is a giant Smart TV too, if you are in the mood to simply Netflix and chill.
 
Attractions near the home:

- Surrounded by nature on all sides, you can see fireflies and rainbows in season.
- Just 200 meters from the property is a boat club, which guests can visit.
- During the monsoons, there is a waterfall right beside the villa.
- The villa is surrounded by famous forts - Lohagad, Tikona, Visapur, Tungi, and Morgiri - all of which are less than an hour’s drive away.

Question 47

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, Pawna Lake is located near the property, about 5 km away from our home. It is a tourist spot. The water body is safe but guests are advised to be careful around it.