Janani Niwas Matheran

The greenery and wide hill views make Janani Niwas a lovely choice if you enjoy being close to nature. It has an old colonial feel, but the stay itself was peaceful and comfortable. Our room was spacious, clean, and well kept, and the staff were very polite and helpful. They were welcoming to families, and the homely food was freshly made and delicious. It's quiet enough to relax, while still being close to the Matheran market and major view points. For a budget stay with heritage charm and good hospitality, Janani Niwas is a great pick. I'd recommend it for families, couples, or solo travelers.

A few practical things first: Janani Niwas is in the hillside zone, so expect a bit of walking from the transport or horse stand, or from parking. If that could be difficult, choose your room with that in mind. Some rooms may have more basic amenities than others, so check ahead if you need AC, a view, or a balcony. Our room was clean and comfortable, with fresh-feeling linen, a hygienic washroom, and the basic amenities. The family-run place gave us warm, personal attention, and the owner and staff made us feel at home as soon as we arrived. We had both vegetarian and non-veg thali, and the home-cooked meals were a real highlight. The host was happy to handle special requests. It's tucked in a quiet location, a short walk from the market and Myra Point. The valley view was lovely, especially in the early morning mist and fresh air. Given the location, view, cleanliness, and service, I felt it was good value. One review described the rooms and washroom as very clean and the view as striking, while another called it a cozy, affordable stay with attentive hospitality.

We paid 1800 for a Mini Deluxe Room that felt worth no more than 1000. It was tiny, with barely enough space beyond the bed, and the toilet was small too. The rooms weren't ready even though we arrived after check-in time, and we waited another half hour. The place didn't seem well maintained, and hot water wasn't working, so I had to bathe in another room. The window opened onto the corridor, with a bed right in front of it. The curtains were somewhat sheer, so you could see people moving past. There was no privacy, and I can't see how people would be comfortable sleeping there. The photos are misleading. A total waste of money, and I wouldn't recommend it. There are much better places at the same price.

The food was simple, fresh, homely, and absolutely delicious, and the hosts and staff were always polite and ready to help with a smile. Our rooms were comfortable, clean, and well kept, with a calm feel that made it easy to relax. Janani Niwas has a quiet, old-world charm that fits Matheran's peaceful surroundings. We were welcomed warmly and felt at home from the moment we arrived. The lush, quiet setting made a nice escape from city life. It would suit families, couples, or anyone after a calm, authentic stay close to nature. We'd love to come back.