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

What is the minimum billing requirement?

Accepted Answer

Guests need to book the entire villa.

Question 3

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, separate accommodation is available. Charges for the same are Rs 750 per person, per night which would include stay and meal.

Question 4

Is there separate accommodation for domestic help?

Accepted Answer

Accommodation for domestic help is available. Charges for the same are Rs 750 per person, per night which includes stay and meal.

Question 5

Is parking available onsite or nearby? Is it chargeable or free?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available for up to 4 cars.

Question 6

Is the villa suitable for a day picnic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the home is available for day picnic. Meals will be provided on site at an additional charge (per person, per meal).

Question 7

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 at the villa, subject to Home Owner's approval. Meals can be arranged at an additional cost (per person, per day).

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 8

Can I reserve your Home for a few weeks for a Film or a Photo or an Advertisement shoot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do allow shoots at the villa, subject to Home Owner's approval. Meals can be arranged at an additional cost (per person, per day).

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 9

Are meals provided onsite?

Accepted Answer

The meal charges for per person, per day is Rs 900. It includes all the meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Fish and mutton preparations shall be charged extra, at actuals. Please inform in advance, to allow our caretaker to procure the same.	
The meal charges will have to be paid in cash to the caretaker on-site.	
Please note that meals are not permitted in the room and that the kitchen shuts at 10 pm every night.

Question 10

What is the type of cuisine served?

Accepted Answer

We offer simple home cooked meals. There is a standard menu available. You can inform the caretaker in advance about your meal preferences (veg/non-veg), specific dietary requirements, etc.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

No, guests are not allowed access to the kitchen and outside food is not allowed on the premises.
Please ask your reservation agent at the time of bookings for further details.

Question 12

Do you allow us to stock things in your fridge?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

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. 
Fish and mutton preparations shall be charged extra, at actuals which is payable in cash to the caretaker onsite. Please inform in advance, to allow our caretaker to procure the same.

Question 14

Is there an adequate drinking water supply? Do we need to carry our own Mineral Water bottles or are these readily available at your villa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a steady water supply. If you wish to consume only sealed bottled water, please inform the caretaker of the same and pay him for the actuals on site, in cash.

Question 15

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

Yes, alcohol consumption is permitted within limits. There is ample ice stocked in the fridge. There are no corkage charges.

Question 16

Do you allow loud music?

Accepted Answer

Yes, loud music is allowed.

Question 17

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. Alcohol consumption is permitted within limits. We do not encourage late night revelry.

Question 18

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 19

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 20

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, 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 neighbors.

Question 21

Weâ€™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.

Question 22

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 taking an auto from Lonavala

Question 23

Who manages the villa?

Accepted Answer

There is a caretaker onsite.

Question 24

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

A guest is entitled to a refund of 50% if he/she cancels the confirmed booking 15 days or more before the start of the reservation.  If the Guest cancels less than 15 days before start of the reservation, he/she is entitled to no refund. Guest Fees paid/ payable to SaffronStays are non-refundable.   A reservation is considered officially 'canceled' ONLY when the guest clicks the cancellation button on the cancellation confirmation page, which they can find under Dashboard > Your Trips > Cancel on our website.  If there is a complaint from either party, notice must be given to SaffronStays within 24 hours of check-in. SaffronStays will mediate when necessary and Guest and Host are required to extend their full co-operation. SaffronStays has the final say in all disputes.

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 at the time of booking/ 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

Do guests have to pay extra for pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests have to pay Rs 500 pet pet, plus extra for meals, if requested.

Question 29

Are pets allowed inside the room?

Accepted Answer

No, pets are not allowed in the rooms. They are to be restricted to the ground floor. Guests must be responsible for their pets and any damage caused to the property shall be deducted from the Security Deposit.

Question 30

Are there any resident pets on the property?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no resident pets on the propert.

Question 31

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 32

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 33

What type of mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

There are cotton mattresses which are 3 inches thick.

Question 34

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide toiletries like soap, shampoo, toilet paper, etc.

Question 35

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Our home is not air conditioned but our home is surrounded by greenery and it is cool throughout the day.

Question 36

Is there Internet/ 3G/ WiFi connection available onsite?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no WiFi available. There is adequate network connectivity for 2G but 3G can be connected in the veranda area.

Question 37

Does the villa face frequent power outages? Are there any invertors or gensets to address this issue?

Accepted Answer

Please note:
Kamshet experiences load shedding by the MSEB every Thursday between 9am - 6pm. There is no power back-up.

Question 38

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 39

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

There is no security guard/watchman present.

Question 40

Can stray dogs enter the premises?

Accepted Answer

Yes, stray dogs can enter the premises. However, you can inform the caretaker and he will address the issue.

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 this home child-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is child friendly.

Question 43

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is senior citizen/elderly friendly. 

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. 

In case of a medical emergency, the caretaker has the numbers for doctor-on-call or ambulance service-on-call.

Question 44

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 ground area. Pet owners need to carry along food and bedding for their pets. In the event that guests cannot carry their own pet food, the caretaker will be available to cook and payment for the actuals will need to done at the property itself. Pets are not allowed in the pool.

Question 45

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Orchard by the River is located on Nane road in Kamshet, Maharashtra, which is 10 minutes away from the Kamshet railway station. From Lonavala, the villa is 14 kms away which takes almost 30 mins.

Question 46

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 paragliding schools & a hot air balloon rental in Kamshet. One may choose to register for a solo flying course or enjoy a tandem joyride. In addition, Camp Water's Edge provides kayaking and other water sports facilities. Numbers for various attractions have been placed with the caretaker. For those who like to shop, there are two local bazaars nearby: Kanhe market on Monday and Talegaon market on Thursday where guests can pick up local souvenirs.

Question 47

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is Indrayani river nearby.

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