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 4 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. Meals can be arranged at an additional cost (per person, per day). Please note that a maximum of 15 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. 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 15 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.

Question 5

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, driver and house-help accommodation is available. Charges for driver accommodation are Rs. 2000 +GST per person, per night including basic meals. Up to 2 drivers can be accommodated.

Question 6

Are meals provided onsite? What are the charges?

Accepted Answer

Meals are provided onsite and can be availed at additional charges. We levy an on-site cash handling charge (₹500) and request you to pay for all meals before check-in to avoid this inconvenience. The caretaker is also present on-site to assist you at all times. We offer healthy home-cooked meals prepared, 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 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

What is the type of cuisine served?

Accepted Answer

From our specially curated Signature menu, we provide healthy home-cooked meals prepared using locally sourced fresh ingredients. Veg and non-veg barbecue will be offered only with prior intimation (additional charges). 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 11

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

Accepted Answer

No, 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.

Should you choose to order in, the caretaker will be able to help you with menus of nearby restaurants.

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/hours.

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. Late check-out charges includes meals (lunch).

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 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

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

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 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 is 4 km from home.
Train: Lonavala Railway Station is 5 km from home.
Air: The closest airport is Mumbai which is 143 km.

Question 20

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 15 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 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

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 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 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 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

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

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 29

Do guests have to pay extra for pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests have to pay Rs 1500 +GST per pet per day, this does not include meals.

Question 30

Are there any resident pets on the property?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no pets onsite.

Question 31

Are pets allowed inside the room?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pets are allowed inside the room. Guests must be responsible for their pets and any damage caused to the property shall be deducted from the Security Deposit.

Question 32

What facility do you provide for pet hygiene?

Accepted Answer

Dear guests, we request that you clean up after your furry friends during your stay with us. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask our staff.

We also recommend that you bring any necessary medication for your pets with you. In case of emergency, we can provide basic first aid, but we do not have a stocked supply of pet medication on hand.

If you would like to give your pet a bath during their stay, you are welcome to use the bathroom in the villa or request a hose to use outside the villa. Please let us know if you need any assistance with this.

Question 33

What are the meal options for pets?

Accepted Answer

We are pleased to offer basic veg and non-veg meal options for your pets during their stay with us. Our non-veg meal consists of boiled chicken and rice, and our veg meal consists of boiled and mashed vegetables and rice. We can also provide curd rice upon request. Each meal item is priced at Rs 250 per pet.

Please inform our caretaker of your pet's food habits and any allergies or special requests at least 2 days prior to check-in. We do not serve packaged food for pets, so all meals are prepared fresh on the same day.

We request guests to exercise caution with regards to travel and meals if their pet tends to get motion sick.

Question 34

How many extra mattresses can be provided?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 35

What type of beds, mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

All 5 bedrooms have king-sized beds.

Question 36

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 37

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 38

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 39

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 40

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our bedrooms are air-conditioned. The living room also has an 2 AC's.

Question 41

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are CCTV cameras installed in Living Room, Verandah/Sit Outs, Lawns/Garden, Parking, Estate Entrance. Private bedrooms and bathrooms are not monitored.

Question 42

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 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 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 45

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

No. The caretaker lives onsite throughout.

Question 46

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is properly fenced.

Question 47

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. 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 48

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

No, this home is not senior citizen/elderly friendly.

Question 49

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not wheelchair accessible.

Question 50

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Drive for 2 hours from Mumbai Airport by taking the Bengaluru-Mumbai Highway and connect to the Mumbai-Pandharpur road. Finally, take the Mumbai-Pune Highway. The exact address and travel route would be shared after booking.

Question 51

Is the place pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this home is pet-friendly.

Question 52

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a private, indoor heated pool. The dimensions of the pool are 10*20 feet. The pool is 4 feet deep. Pool timings are between 9 am to 7 pm. The temperature of the indoor pool can be regulated. In case guests wish to heat up the pool, the facility can be availed at an additional cost of INR 3000 per day 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 53

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, Khandala Lake is 6 km from the home.

Question 54

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

Chill and thrill are part and parcel of vacationing in Lonavala. For thrill-maniacs, Kamshet Paragliding, just a 40-minute drive away, is the best place to hit up for a glorious view of the city.

You can never go without completing a trek in the lush mountains surrounding Tiger’s Leap. Revel in the panoramic green escapes just a 25-minute drive away.

If an old-school picnic day is your scene, then visit Bhushi Dam for a serene outing, merely 15 minutes away.

The delightful experience of a hot-air balloon safari is up for grabs! Watch the Sahyadri ranges across the misty clouds, a couple of hours’ drive away.