Question 1

Can I book only one or two rooms, or do I need to book the entire Home?

Accepted Answer

Guests can book either of the 2 Forest-View Chalets or choose from the 2 L-Shaped Chalets, 2 Stargazer Chalets or 2 A-Shaped Chalets.

Question 2

Is parking available onsite or nearby?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available onsite for upto 8 cars.

Question 3

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Driver accommodation is not available.

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 28 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

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. Furthermore, all digitally checked-in guests can avail of additional Reward Points and SaffronStays Club Infinitum benefits for pre-paid meals.

Tea/Coffee will be served during breakfast and afternoon tea time. If you would like tea/coffee during the day, this will be arranged at an additional charge.

Question 6

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 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

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 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

Is Alcohol allowed? Are there any corkage charges?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

What are the meal charges for children?

Accepted Answer

Children  up to the age of 6 shall not be charged for meals.
Children in the age group 6-11 shall be charged Rs 1000 per day.

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

No. Guests will only be able to access common areas on the property such as the cafe, 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 neighbours.

Question 17

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 18

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:

By Air : Bhimtal is 295 km from Jolly Grant Airport. There are regular direct and 1-stop flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore including Vistara, SpiceJet, Indigo, etc.
This home is 282 Km away from the airport.

By Rail : This villa is 28 km from Kathgodam Railway Station. There are regular trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore including New Delhi-kathgodam Shatabdi Express, Mumbai-Kathgodam Superfast special, etc.

By Road : Bhimtal is a great getaway from Delhi and Chandigarh, and can be accessed via NH 58 and NH 72. The drive can take 6-7 hours depending on your starting location.

Question 19

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 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 28 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

Yes

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

Can I redeem any offers while booking this home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Members can redeem their nights, utilise their privileges and avail any offers while booking this home.

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

Do guests have to pay extra for pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests have to pay a refundable security deposit of Rs. 3000 per pet per day.

Question 30

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 31

Are there any resident pets on the property?

Accepted Answer

No

Question 32

Do you provide food and water bowls for pets?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not provide food and water bowls for pets.

Question 33

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 34

How many extra mattresses can be provided?

Accepted Answer

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

Our bedrooms have lovely queen-sized beds.

Question 36

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide toiletries like soap, shampoo, shower gel 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

Is the Home air-conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Our home is surrounded by greenery and it is cool throughout the day. Our home is not air-conditioned but all rooms have been furnished with fans and mosquito nets over the windows.

Question 39

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 40

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 41

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The home is located within a gated complex.

Question 42

Are the premises monitored using CCTVs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are CCTV cameras installed in the Sit Outs, Lawns/Garden, Parking, common areas and outside sections. Private bedrooms and bathrooms are not monitored.

Question 43

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 44

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 45

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 46

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 47

Is this home child-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our home is child friendly.

There is 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

Yes, our home is senior citizen/elderly friendly.

All the bedroom have private bathrooms, again easy to access at night without any supervision. All our bathrooms have anti-skid surface.

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. The home is ambulance accessible.

Question 49

Is the villa wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

No, our home is not wheelchair accessible.

Question 50

Is the place pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a pet-friendly villa. A refundable deposit of Rs. 3000 will be applicable per pet per day. 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 51

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

You could take a train to Kathgodam Railway station and drive up to the property for about 28 km. You could also drive for 7.5 Hrs from Delhi via the NH9 route to reach Bhimtal Road or take the bus from Delhi until Haldwani Bus Stand and then a short cab ride of about 17 km till Bhimtal Road. From Bhimtal Road to Sattal road is around 6 km and the property is further down the road of 1.5 km.

Question 52

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a lake nearby. It is about 10 minutes drive from our home. It is a tourist spot. The water body is safe but guests are advised to be careful around it.

Question 53

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

If you are looking for some adventure, you can explore plenty of outdoor activities. There is a jungle track available for short treks (200 m away)
Guests can opt for swimming and boating at Sattal Lake (4 km away).
Visit the beautiful Bhimtal lake (2 km away) for an evening stroll or a quick swim. You could even engage in boating, paragliding and other fun water sports at the lake.
Surrounded by the flourishing forest on all sides, the homes are a haven for bird-watching enthusiasts.

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