Antu Cottage

The atmosphere was pleasant, and the seven of us, longtime friends from Kolkata (India), didn’t mind sharing one four-bed room when we arrived without a booking on the busy local holiday of Friday, 28th November, 2025. We’d agreed to make do for the night because rooms were scarce. What upset us was the way we were treated. We weren’t given drinking water, soap, towels, or other toiletries. The bathroom water ran so low that we couldn’t shower the next morning. We got one mattress but no blanket. After a heated exchange with the owner, he brought one, but it wasn’t usable. Even the simple roti and sabzi dinner we ordered was disappointing. The owner said we had apparently stayed there “zabardasti karke reh gaye,” as if we’d forced our way in. That felt insulting. We were paying guests. The owner’s behavior was deeply disappointing, and I wouldn’t recommend the property.

We ended up paying for a nearby room as well, even though we’d already paid rent here. We had booked five rooms over the phone but were given only three. The rooms, beds, and toilets were very dirty, and there were no fresh sheets, towels, soap, or toilet paper. The power was out for three hours on the day we arrived, despite repeated requests for help, and the helpers were drunk. I was travelling with family and friends on 13th December 2025, and the whole experience spoiled the trip.

The cozy, authentic cottage fit right into the quiet surroundings, and the staff welcomed us warmly. We also enjoyed delicious local food. It’s a great base for seeing Ilam’s tea gardens and the famous sunrise, and waking up to the mountain air and view was the best part of our trip. A lovely find in Shree Antu for anyone who enjoys nature.

We had booked three cottages and all of us ran into similar problems. We’d planned to stay an extra night, but couldn’t face another day there. The bedding felt unclean and untidy, and towels and blankets weren’t provided until we asked. Even then, what arrived was in terrible hygienic condition. There were no basic items like a toothpaste and brush set either. The food was a letdown, especially for the price. I ordered chilli, a chicken or chilli dish, and it came with burnt onions and a sweetish taste. Staff blamed the chef and said “an Indian chef prepared it.” The chicken tass we ordered was served as what seemed like plain roast. If they can’t make the dish, I wonder why it’s on the menu. The menu was overpriced too. We paid rs 2500 per night, but the stay didn’t match what we’d been led to expect. Before we arrived, the owner used sugar-coated words to promise a warm, comfortable stay, then acted sweet to us while pressuring staff behind the scenes. Tea was said to be included, but in the morning the explanation was “We don’t have milk.” It all felt manipulative and unprofessional. One small credit: after asking rs 1000 for a fire, which we refused, the owner did light one himself for the group. But the lack of amenities, hygiene, food, and management made this a stay we regret. Think twice before booking.