Onella The Villa

The villa had mesmerizing views and a wonderful pool, with fun things to do like a bonfire. The staff were very accommodating. A perfect spot for a group getaway!

We loved the pool, smart TV, and indoor play area, and the rooms were big with a clean washroom. Our group had a barbecue together at night, then enjoyed a bonfire on the second night. Everything else was really good, and we’ll probably come back with our group next time we’re in Mahabaleshwar. One issue: the light pink flower-like plants smelled really bad. Someone in our group accidentally smelled one and coughed a lot. I’d suggest adding a turf-like area to the entry garden.

We paid for all the guests, including the children, and settled the bill. We never refused or tried to avoid paying for our driver's food. If it had been clearly listed, we would have paid it without a problem. The issue was the extra charge for mutton and fish. During booking and meal-plan discussions, these dishes were presented as part of the menu. We only learned at checkout that they would cost extra, which had not been clearly explained earlier. We’re attaching the menu we were given, where all mutton and fish recipes are listed as part of the menu. The claim that we asked staff to hide details or take a bribe is entirely false. It seems intended to shift attention from the additional charges that came up at checkout. We also chose not to raise other problems during the stay, including cleanliness and a lack of basic kitchen utensils, because we tried to cooperate and adjust. Checkout felt like pressure to pay extra for charges that hadn’t been transparently communicated. Instead of acknowledging that, false accusations are now being made. Guests expect honest, clear pricing, not last-minute billing surprises or misleading statements. We hope future guests get the full pricing and practices before booking so they can make an informed choice.

There are six bedrooms, so this villa is a great fit for a big family. The caretaker was well mannered and helped us with everything we asked for. It’s also in a prime location with easy access to all the tourist spots, and the property is so well maintained that it felt worth every bit as soon as we walked in. Thanks Oneilla, we’ll visit again.