Talwalkars Serene Cottages by FabHotels

I had a great two-day stay and would recommend the place to friends. It sits between Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, and Mapro garden is only 1.5 km away, an easy walk. The rooms and washroom were clean, and hot water was available from 7 to 10 am. We had dinner once and the food was delicious. They offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, but prepare it only after you order, so you need to order well in advance. Even though I ordered at 5:30, dinner didn’t arrive until around 9:30.

Fab hotel service was good, and there’s parking and online payment. The staff were good, and the rooms were decent and clean. It’s slightly off the roads but has a lovely valley view, and Mapro garden is just 2 km away. The downsides are limited breakfast choices and hot water only in the morning. Also, despite the name, it isn’t a resort.

This is a basic budget lodging with hardly any amenities, and I wouldn’t pay more than 2k per night. The cottages seem understaffed, lack basic etiquette, and parking is insufficient. Staff were prompt but unprofessional and not dressed properly. The beds were very hard and uncomfortable. Hot water was available for just two hours in the morning, and it was hard water. They didn’t even provide drinking water, and I didn’t want to risk drinking the local water. Food from the outsourced restaurant was okay, but poorly presented.

Talwalkars cottages were a lovely, rejuvenating place to stay. The setting is beautiful and quiet, away from the noisy city, and the property is well maintained. Our room was neat and clean, and room service was prompt. The in-house restaurant served awesome breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Thanks to Mr and Mrs Talwalkar for making us comfortable.