Dune Barr House - Verandah in the Forest

No value for money : At a cost of *k per night, this place is exorbitant and hugely priced. While other reviews so rightly tell about the heritage looks, no one is talking about how a simple middle class person would see their deal. It's a large property with lots of greens. according to staff, the building is about 150 years old. However, that enables the hotel to keep age old furniture and maintain a rugged look, in turn saving on lots of cost on maintenance. There is rubble and stones all around the garden. The interiors are also vintage types. Metal buckets and Lota in bathroom with wooden stool. See pics. This place is the farthest hotel for entry. Horseman may say it's 6Km inside. I don't think is more than 3km. Horseman would quote >1400 for 2 horses plus a porter for your luggage >400. So almost 2000 additional cost after you have paid for hotel. Anyways it is very close to the view points but you can't walk back from market in dark as most of street lights are not functioning. We had a scare when dogs followed us with wolf like eyes in the night. Won't recommend family or couples to venture in night. The hotel do not offer lunch/dinner package because the food rates are also exorbitant and they know you won't go to market for dinner in the dark night so they can make you pay more money. A simple sandwich would cost 300. one bowl of rice is 200. chicken curry with 4-6 pieces is 400. see pic. To conclude, I am most unhappy with the pricing. A middle class person shouldn't pay such high price for the facilities. The charges here seem to be more towards absence of luxury facilities. There is no intercom, TV, mobile Network, or Wi-Fi. So you can't connect even to staff. The hotel does not offer any pickup or drop to entry point. On facilities provided, we saw some indoor games like chess and old books. I wonder, don't we pay higher prices for hotels with more facilities ??? Please wonder before booking this hotel as I felt the target people for the management is foreigners. They would think that experience of vintage / heritage is worth any amount of money. In fact the only other guest with us was some foreigner couple. All other rooms very empty. At matheran, there are so many other hotels available at a cheaper rates, if you are looking for value for money.

So this was our second visit to Matheran and Neemrana surely made it all the more special. One of our best stays so far in any hotel across India and we travel a lot. Well to start off with the location of this hotel, it can be a minus point for those who do not want to walk the extra km but for us it was absolutely perfect since it was close to major sightseeing points and also had an isolated, quite environment. Those who like heritage hotels this will be a perfect choice. We felt like some royalty here since the rooms , veranda, dinning hall , etc. everywhere you could feel the reminiscence of the history. Room was very spacious if I may add. Extremely comfortable. The staff was very hospitable although there were not many staff but that was not really a problem for us. Food was good but could have been better but the place where its served i.e. the dinning hall with big table makes you feel like some royalty. Amenities were fairly good no complaints there. Neat & clean. We even got complimentary Hi-Tea which was unexpected. Overall if you are looking for an amazing experience in Matheran then Neemrana is your Go to hotel. A well preserved Serene and sublime Verandah in the Forest. Looking forward to staying here again.

It a place of absolute serenity and in the lap of nature. This place is a must while visiting Matheran. Prima facie it might look costly, but it is worth the money. If you are looking to experience absolute nature along with a deep dive into the old British culture....this is the place. Paradise for couples and families and would also be great for a group trip with friends. I am a vivid traveller and this is the best till now. But liquer before you enter, as they do not serve hard liqueur. You would experience as if you are time travelling into the late 1800's in all the way.

Best place to stay if you want peace and away from city noise, this place has no TV, so no botheration you don"t get mobile net work so you have little contact to the outer world, hence you are devoted with your companion either family, you will get world of time to talk and listen to your companion or family, it is really worth the stay and enjoy your family time and the nature's beauty and peace at this place, the food is good the staff is excellant, only they should do away with their dinner buffet or as well start Ala-carte as to the guest requirement..