SaffronStays Gardens on the Lake, Bhimtal - Pet-Friendly Garden Villa by the Lake

The home chef was a highlight, serving fresh, delicious meals that made our time together even more relaxing. Everything was spotless and well cared for, and the villa’s thoughtful design made it feel like home. We had peaceful surroundings and beautiful views, just right for unwinding with family. A perfect family getaway, and highly recommended for comfort, privacy and a memorable stay.

The location and views were the only things I liked. I booked two nights after seeing the company’s attractive online photos, but once I’d paid for the non-refundable booking, I was sent a list of very restrictive, impractical house rules: outside food wasn’t allowed, and guests couldn’t cook in the cottage kitchen. I had looked into booking meals, but that nearly doubled the cost. I’ve never seen food cost as much as the room, even in a 7-star property, and they didn’t disclose a per-person, per-meal breakdown during booking. We had to look for places to eat nearby. If we’d known about the restrictions beforehand, we might not have booked. In my view, they should have been disclosed before booking. The biggest problem came when the caretakers said they’d enter the house twice a day to cook their own meals, whether or not we asked them to cook for us, because they had no other kitchen. That was ridiculous. I wasn’t paying through my nose to have my privacy interrupted. After a lot of protesting, they dropped the demand and made other arrangements. It left me feeling the property cared little about guests’ comfort or needs and just wanted to make a quick buck. Other shortcomings: the bathroom amenities were two shampoo pouches, a 12-gram Rs. 3/= bathing soap and a bottle of hand wash. There was an electric kettle, but no tea bags or milk powder sachets. The towels were worn out at first and changed only after we complained. The hall between the bedrooms had no power point for a heater and no AC. In one bedroom, the bottom wardrobe rack was so low that a hanging shirt touched the floor, and the glass shelves elsewhere in the wardrobe couldn’t take much weight. Completely avoidable for me. This was my first and last booking at any Saffron Stays property.

The food was good and the hospitality top-notch. I loved staying here. It’s easy to find, the views are stunning and the property is lovely. 💫

The water cools down too quickly, so larger geysers would help. I’d also like the kitchen to have a separate entrance and some screening for privacy, especially when men are working there for a long time and women and daughters are around. Nothing wrong has happened. When we go out, the cupboards don’t have locks I’d trust with our belongings, while the kitchen staff are usually working on the next meal.