OYO 24310 Willow Woods

The place looked nothing like the edited pictures we had booked from. The grass that appeared green in the photos was dark brown or black, and once we arrived we kept finding exaggerations that came as jolts and shocks. We had booked for a family holiday, and it turned into a nightmare as soon as we reached the facility. We had paid an advance for a 2 BHK, but within minutes of arriving we were asked to pay the full amount. That raised concerns, though we paid in the hope we’d be looked after. We weren’t. The rooms were much smaller than they looked in the photos, and the living room was only 6 x 6 ft. It had no curtains even though it was the flat’s main entrance. It was the smallest 2 BHK we’ve ever seen. The place wasn’t clean. The garbage bins were overflowing and stinking. There was only one caretaker, who also had to act as attendant, sweeper, dishwasher, waiter, and so on, so no room cleaning was available. The apartment had limited cutlery, and cleaning it could take hours. We often had to wash it ourselves when we needed it urgently. When we asked for more, we were told they weren’t allowed to bring it out or provide extra. The old microwave couldn’t heat a cup of tea in over five minutes, even though it takes 30 seconds at home. When we complained, the owner Gaurav Chaudhry tried to explain magnetrons to us as if we’d only studied through matriculation. The glass plate didn’t turn, despite the motor-like sound. There was one kettle for the whole 2 BHK, but no milk powder, tea bags, or sugar. The attendants had no idea and told us, “Sirs se baat kar lo,” meaning we should speak to the owners at their mansions. There were no toiletries in the rooms, not even soap or toothpaste. Despite requests, no room heater was provided when the temperature was around 0 degrees in January. At night, the LCD TV wouldn’t show color. We learned the cable company needed to be paid to recharge it. The food tariff looked reasonable until we ordered and found that a full plate of any dish wasn’t enough for even two people. We looked for nearby places that would deliver and paid a delivery charge, since the closest was 2 KM away, which felt far in the dark and fog. We paid 22K for two nights. People staying there, who later became friendly with us, told us the usual price was 5k per night, which was another shock. The young caretaker was cooperative, but the owners operated remotely and didn’t listen to guest complaints. People come all that way for a night or two of vacation and peace, but the operators’ attitude was pathetic. I think guests seldom complain because most stay no more than two or three nights, and Kasauli doesn’t call for longer visits. As a result, the amenities never improve. In hospitality, mindset and attitude can matter more than cost. Toiletries and tea bags cost very little, and they’re the least a hotel or guest house should provide. These people seem focused on making a quick buck without considering the long term. We’re going beyond travel sites and will share formal feedback with the Himachal Pradesh Government.