Question 1

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. This villa  has 7 bedrooms that can be booked.

Question 2

Is parking available onsite or nearby?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available onsite for 3 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 21 people. 
During the day, guests will be allowed to use the washrooms and other amenities at the villa.

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 21 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 5

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

There is no extra driverâ€™s accommodation.

Question 6

Are meals provided onsite? What are the charges?

Accepted Answer

Meals are provided onsite. We offer healthy home-cooked vegetarian meals prepared using locally sourced fresh ingredients. 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 7

What is the type of cuisine served?

Accepted Answer

Savour the taste and essence of Panchgani with authentic home-fresh meals.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Guests are allowed to access the kitchen. However, mothers of infants or small children will have limited access to boil milk or prepare their kids meals. 
Should you choose to order in, the caretaker will be able to help you with menus of nearby restaurants.

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. In case there are other guests on site, please adjust and use the common fridge accordingly.

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

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

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

The kitchen is accessible in self-catered homes, and the cleaning/use of kitchen charges is to be paid to the caretaker on site, in cash. We also have a microwave placed in the villa at your disposal. 

Alternatively, we have a tie up with local food caterer. If informed in advance (at the time of booking or two days before check-in), food can be arranged for an additional cost of Rs. x per person per meal.

Question 14

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. We have speakers with a USB port onsite, so you could attach your phone, pendrive to the music system.

Guests are requested to respect our neighbours and keep the noise level mild and within the villa.

Question 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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, private pool (if any), 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 19

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 20

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: State Transport buses
Train: Mumbai- Pune Express etc. 
Air: The closest airport is Pune.

Question 21

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 22

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 21 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 23

Who manages the villa?

Accepted Answer

There is a caretaker onsite. Our caretakers will make sure you have a memorable stay.

Question 24

Are stag groups allowed to book this home?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 25

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." >  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." > HERE" > 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." > HERE" > 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." >  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." > HERE" > 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 26

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 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

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 29

Can I redeem any offers while booking this home?

Accepted Answer

No. Members cannot redeem their nights, utilise their privileges, or avail any offers while booking this home.

Question 30

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 31

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 32

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 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 facility do you provide for pet hygiene?

Accepted Answer

Pet parents must clean up themselves. We have a water outlet outside each room to wash off any sand or mud from a pet, along with a towel. Guests are requested to carry their own medication for the pets. No bathing facility for pets is provided for pets in our homes.

Question 35

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 36

What flooring do you have in pet-friendly rooms?

Accepted Answer

We have wooden flooring in our pet-friendly rooms for the comfort of the animals and housekeeping staff.

Question 37

How many extra mattresses can be provided?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 38

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

Our bedrooms have lovely king-sized beds. All our mattresses have mattress protectors.

Question 39

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide toiletries like soap, shampoo, toilet paper, etc. To avoid hygiene issues, we do not provide towels.

Question 40

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our bedrooms are air-conditioned.

Question 41

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 42

Do you have a problem with mosquitoes? How do you deal with it to make our stay more comfortable?

Accepted Answer

All of the rooms have been furnished with All-out machines and mosquito nets have been placed over the windows. Guests are advised to shut the windows by 5.30 / 7.30 pm to avoid mosquitoes. If needed, the caretaker has Odomos on site.

Question 43

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 44

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The home is located within a gated complex.

Question 45

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are CCTV cameras installed in the living room, common areas and outside sections. Private bedrooms and bathrooms are not monitored.

Question 46

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 47

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 48

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 49

Is this home child-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our Home is child friendly.

Question 50

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is senior citizen/elderly friendly. 
The villa has seven bedrooms (with ensuite bathrooms) spread over three floors, which are fully furnished and packed with modern amenities:
Entrance level: Living room + kitchen + 2 bedrooms (with ensuite bathrooms)
First level: 3 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms
Second level: 2 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms

Question 51

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not wheelchair accessible.

Question 52

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. Pets are not allowed in the pool.

Question 53

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

Try some delicious Parsi cuisine at the restaurants of Panchgani, located within the city. 
Reach the Bhilar Waterfall Point in just 10 minutes and soak under the cool waters of the waterfall. 
Enjoy the spectacular views of the valley and the hills from Sydney Point, Parsi Point and Table Land, all located 10-minutes from the villa. Thrill-seekers can head to Paragliding Point, situated 10-minutes away, and take in the view of the entire city of Panchgani and its surrounding areas from a spectacular height.

Question 54

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is shared swimming pool within the complex. Pool timings are between 9 am to 7 pm. The water is chlorinated and pool balls have been placed nearby for kids. 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 55

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a nearby attractions like Parsi Point, Sydney Point and the Bhilar Waterfall. It is about 15 minutes drive from our home. It is a tourist spot. The water body is safe but guests are advised to be careful around it.

This home is no longer on our network