Question 1

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 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. 

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 2

Is Driver and/or House-Help accommodation available?

Accepted Answer

Accommodation for driver or domestic help is available. Charges for the same are Rs 750 per person, per night. This does not include meals. Rs 350 will be charged for 3 meals that will have to be paid.

Question 3

Is there separate accommodation for domestic help?

Accepted Answer

Accommodation for domestic help is available. Charges for the same are Rs 250 per person, per night.  This does not include meals. Rs 400 will be charged for 3 meals that will have to be paid.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Free parking for up to 4 cars is available onsite.

Question 5

Is the villa suitable for a day picnic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the home is suitable for day picnics. 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. 

During the day, guests will be allowed to use the washrooms and other amenities at the villa.

Question 6

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 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 reservations for special functions, subject to Home Owner's approval.

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

What is the minimum intimation period prior to Check-In?

Accepted Answer

For groups consisting more than 10 guests, we would require a notice at least 8 days prior to Check-In.For groups upto 8 guests, a 2-day notice period should suffice.

Question 9

Are meals provided onsite?

Accepted Answer

Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are available at Rs 1800 (veg) and per person, per day and for children are Rs 900 (veg) per child, per day. The meal charges are payable in cash to the caretaker at site.
Non-vegetarian meals can be availed at an additional cost.
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 10

What is the type of cuisine served?

Accepted Answer

We offer a mix of Indian and Continental cuisine. You can inform the caretaker in advance about your meal preferences, specific dietary requirements, etc.

Question 11

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 12

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 13

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.

Question 14

Do you allow loud music?

Accepted Answer

No, loud music is not allowed.

Question 15

Is smoking / alcohol consumption permitted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, smoking is allowed.
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. In case there are no back to back bookings, the check-out time can be flexible and no additional charges will be applied.
In case you wish to check in a little early or check out a little late, do inform us at the time of booking. 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 neighbors.

Question 19

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 except for a few patches where the roads might be bumpy. 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 as the public transport i.e the state buses drop off at the neighboring village.

Question 21

Who manages the villa?

Accepted Answer

There is a caretaker onsite.

Question 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

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 26

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 27

Do you provide toiletries and bath towels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide toiletries like soap, shampoo, toilet paper and towels. SaffronStays being an eco-friendly module, we provide a change of bath & bed linen after 2 days. Guests are requested to reuse their towels.

Question 28

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 the bedrooms have been furnished with fans.

Question 29

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

Accepted Answer

No, there is no WiFi available. There is adequate network connectivity, if not 3G then 2G.

Question 30

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

Accepted Answer

In case of rare occasions of power failure, call the caretaker.

Question 31

What type of mattresses do you have?

Accepted Answer

There are two types of mattresses - cotton mattresses and a mix of coir and foam mattresses.

Question 32

How many extra mattresses can be provided?

Accepted Answer

1extra mattress per room can be arranged onsite. Our home has adequate bed sheets, blankets and pillows for extra bedding.

Question 33

Is there a security guard / watchman?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a security guard.

Question 34

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 35

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

You can take the Pune expressway and get off at the first Khandala-Lonavala exit. Head towards bushy dam and Aamby valley. After a scenic 21 km and just 2.5 km before Aamby valley (there is a milestone on the left) take a right turn. It is a broad road which soon narrows. There is a signboard on the right with Saltar Bhambarde Nive etc., written on it. After 6.5 km you reach Saltar, keep to the left and after 100 mtrs. down the road you reach a fork. Take the road on the right.

Question 36

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.  Since SaffronStays believes that holidays are about families bonding, we do not have any TV or WiFi in our Homes. 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. 

Kid-friendly menus (pastas, cornflakes, Bournvita milk, etc) are also available. These would need to requested in advance, preferably at the time of booking. In the case of infants, mothers will be permitted to use the kitchen to prepare their meals.

Question 37

Is this home senior citizen friendly?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 38

Is the place pet-friendly?

Accepted Answer

No, this is not a pet-friendly villa.  Pets are not allowed in the pool.

Question 39

What can we do for fun around the property?

Accepted Answer

The guests can swim in the lake nearby and can even go for trekking. They can even play table tennis, badminton and throwball or if they wish to stay indoors, they can take advantage of the board games that have been stocked in the home.

Question 40

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a lake 200m away. It is a tourist spot. The water body is safe.

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