Question 1

Is parking available onsite or nearby?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available onsite. Up to 10 cars can be parked.

Question 2

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 per person, per night.  This does not include meals. Additional charges for meals to be paid to the caretaker onsite, in cash. Up to 3 drivers and 2 house helpers can be accommodated.

Question 3

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 4 bedrooms that can be booked.
For large groups, guests can also book SaffronStays The Elements~Fire Cottage and SaffronStays The Elements~Water which are on the same premises.

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. 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 12 people. For large groups, guests can also book SaffronStays The Elements~Fire Cottage and SaffronStays The Elements~Water which are on the same premises.

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 Jenga, Chess, Carrom, Badminton and Volleyball,  etc.

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

Question 5

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 12 people can be accommodated in the villa for an overnight stay.  For large groups, guests can also book SaffronStays The Elements~Fire Cottage and SaffronStays The Elements~Water which are on the same premises.
 
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 6

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 7

Do you allow us to stock things in your fridge?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

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 9

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

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

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

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 high tea time. If you would like tea/coffee at any other time of the day, it can be arranged at an additional charge.

Guests have to pay a meal cover charge of INR 700 per person. Food can be ordered from the 'À la carte" menu on the website. Meal charges will be deducted from the cover charge paid at the time of checkout and the food bill will be adjusted accordingly. Paying the meal cover charge is mandatory while booking this homestay.

Question 12

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 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.

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 of the villa except the kitchen area. However, guests are strictly prohibited from crossing into neighbouring properties under any circumstances. We request our guests respect the privacy and personal space of our neighbours.

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

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: 10 km from Bhunter Bus Stand 
Train: 210 km from Kalka Railway Station 
Air: 14 km from Bhunter Airport

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 12 people can be accommodated in the villa for an overnight stay. For large groups, guests can also book SaffronStays The Elements~Fire Cottage and SaffronStays The Elements~Water which are on the same premises.

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 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 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

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 30

Are there any resident pets on the property?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is 1 resident dog onsite.

Question 31

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

Our bedrooms have lovely king-sized beds.

Question 32

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide toiletries like soap, shampoo and towels.

Question 33

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 34

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not air-conditioned. Our home is surrounded by greenery and it is cool throughout the day. All rooms have been furnished with fans.

Question 35

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, the villa has a WiFi dongle connection. Due to its unique location, network connectivity is weak here. Jio and Airtel work fairly well.

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 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 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. 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

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

No. However, the caretaker lives onsite.

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

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are CCTV cameras are installed in the veranda, sit-outs, lawns, garden, parking area, kitchen, backyard, and storage area. Private bedrooms and bathrooms are not monitored.

Question 41

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home has a stone wall surrounding 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 and over-the-counter medicines like Metacin, Crocin etc.

Question 43

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 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 board games such as Jenga, Chess, Carrom, Badminton and Volleyball. 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/elderly friendly.

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

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

Question 48

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

25-minute drive (10 km) from Bhuntar Airport
1-hour drive (50 km) from Manali

Question 49

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

Accepted Answer

There is no swimming pool onsite.

Question 50

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

Accepted Answer

There is no beach nearby.

Question 51

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a small river adjacent to the property. The water body is safe but guests are advised to be careful around it.

Question 52

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

- Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains and unwind in the verandah area and delight in the splendid views.
- The enchanting Beas River runs adjacent to the orchard, granting direct access to the property.
- This remarkable destination offers a scenic drive and an exhilarating hike, rewarding you with magnificent views of the Kulu Valley and the majestic Great Himalayan Range.
- Enjoy a memorable day trip to the magnificent Atal Tunnel 2 hours (77.7 km), allowing you to explore its wonders and return within a day.
- Explore an immersive journey through a local village brimming with exquisite handcrafted bamboo creations.
- Relive your childhood memories with games like Gilli danda, Gutte, Hopscotch, Badminton, and more.
- Immerse yourself in the local culture by experiencing the beautiful art of rock and leaf paintings guided by the homeowner or caretaker. Please note that the availability of this activity depends on the presence of the homeowner or caretaker.
- Embark on a unique Lingri (a local fruit) picking adventure, where you'll trek through scenic landscapes and handpick fresh Lingris. Immerse yourself in creating a flavorful pickle or turning them into a delicious vegetable dish, transforming your harvest into a culinary masterpiece. Please note that this experience is available only during specific seasons.
- Engage in the delightful task of hand-selecting the finest apples and witness the beauty of nature's harvest. To enhance your experience, indulge in the refreshing taste of freshly squeezed apple juice, providing a truly satisfying conclusion to this unforgettable adventure. Please note that this experience is available only during specific seasons.
- Indulge in an unforgettable experience at a trout fish farm (100 m) walk, where you can engage in hands-on activities and witness the fascinating process of raising and harvesting these prized fish. Please note that this experience will depend on the guide's availability
- Step into the realm of chilly mountain evenings at the estate, where you can enjoy a dedicated bonfire area. Immerse yourself in the mesmerising ambience, surrounded by the crackling flames and the crisp mountain air. It's an experience you won't want to miss.

The Elements~Earth Cottage

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