[ampere]

Originally Posted by abirnale

Thanks because I booked it seeing your first post on this thread about Villa Retreat Moreover, I saw their website, at least pictures seem better/ TripAdvisor rating is decent. And now knowing that it was being renovated sometime ago, must be in good shape now. Nevertheless, it should not be an issue even if things are little here and there. We are travellers, love to travel more and crib less

Some aspects :

- Villa Retreat is closer to Coaker's walk.
- Implies it not closer to the lake and you need to walk.
- The lake at the center is a very nice place to hang out during winters (esp evenings)
- I was there last year as well and stayed close to the lake. It was fun walking around the lake during misty evenings with tea and pakodas available in plenty!
- Hence the other thought of staying closer to the lake.
- This also assumes you have time to spare and are not running around sight-seeing.
- Thats the best way to enjoy Kodai.

[luvurride]

Originally Posted by abirnale

Anyone here been to Villa Retreat, Kodaikanal recently? How is their property and service? I see a decent rating on the Tripadvisor but feedback here would any day beat it

Avinash,
In case you are still contemplating, GRT has a brand new property there and this is also quite decent, but is away from the town near Vilpatti, but the location is simply peaceful and you can take walks around with no human/vehicle movement.
If you want to stay bang on the lake, Sterling Lakeside is really good.

[abirnale]

Just catching up on update post my trip. The trip coverage is here.

Villa Retreat is perfect place considering the close proximity with the various places as well as property itself. Lovely small garden overlooking town and evenings you would literally be in the clouds - I mean it If I am going back anytime to Kodaikanal, this would be one place for sure to be booked!

[kozhissery]

I had been to "Elephant Valley Eco Farm Hotel" during April 2016.
We found the hotel to be quite good.

Pros:
1. Natural Surrounding and rooms
2. Large area (40 Acres+)
3. Waterfall near by
4. Play area for kids
5. Mobile network too feeble (no unwanted calls )

Cons:
1. 10Kms from Kodaikanal.
2. Food needs to ordered before hand (vegetables are from their own farm, so depending on the order they get it from there).
3. Warmer compared to Kodai (Note: As we went during April we noticed it)
4. You need to be back before tool late in the night as last 2 Kilometres is not fine and quite dark (They say elephants do wander there - we did not see any till 8pm)
5. Being far from city no other choice of restaurants near by.

[earthian]

Originally Posted by luvurride

Avinash,
In case you are still contemplating, GRT has a brand new property there and this is also quite decent, but is away from the town near Vilpatti,

The property is new. The wooden chalets are very good. The view is good. It is away from the beaten path.
BUT, the service is very poor. Water comes in tankers and they pump it up almost on a 24 hour basis. Hence noise and disturbance and very poor quality of water. Worst, the food is bad. Hygiene is poor.

[ampere]

Originally Posted by earthian

BUT, the service is very poor. Water comes in tankers and they pump it up almost on a 24 hour basis. Hence noise and disturbance and very poor quality of water. Worst, the food is bad. Hygiene is poor.

This is what even I have been hearing about GRT in Kodai. Usually I expect a very good service and quality from this chain. But their Kodai property somehow has throw-up all negative reviews on online media.

[luvurride]

Originally Posted by earthian

BUT, the service is very poor. Water comes in tankers and they pump it up almost on a 24 hour basis. Hence noise and disturbance and very poor quality of water. Worst, the food is bad. Hygiene is poor.

I had a similar opinion as well but then admonished it considering these as teething issues since I went there during their launch phase. Considering how good their other properties in Chennai are standardized, this is quite a shocker that they have not been stabilize yet!!

Originally Posted by kozhissery

I had been to "Elephant Valley Eco Farm Hotel" during April 2016.
We found the hotel to be quite good.

+1 to all that you've said. It is an excellent off beat stay for an urban detox!!

[rajatmakar]

Friends,

We are yet to decide between The Carlton and Valley Retreat in Kodai. We have seen both the properties during our earlier trips to Kodai but haven't stayed in any of them. We once dined in Carlton and liked the place.

Looking forward to hear from you all.

Regards,
Rajat

[ampere]

Originally Posted by rajatmakar

We are yet to decide between The Carlton and Valley Retreat in Kodai. We have seen both the properties during our earlier trips to Kodai but haven't stayed in any of them. We once dined in Carlton and liked the place.

Carlton anyday if you need a more upmarket place.

The best part is its proximity to lake via its back door entrance where you can rent a cycle and go around the lake. That alone makes it a winner. (Plus the access to tea and roadside stalls!)

[Altocumulus]

We opted for AirBnB since we are group of 9 adults and 3 kids for an upcoming trip. Booked an entire villa including option for food and parking. Saw great reviews and the pictures are really tempting. Price very very reasonable. It is a little far from the lake, about 6.5 kms, but since we are big group it's fine I guess.

Will provide feedback after the trip.

Link to the property details

[ranjitp1]

Originally Posted by rajatmakar

Friends,

We are yet to decide between The Carlton and Valley Retreat in Kodai. We have seen both the properties during our earlier trips to Kodai but haven't stayed in any of them. We once dined in Carlton and liked the place.

Looking forward to hear from you all.

Regards,
Rajat

Just to add in a little more of confusion,do check out Fern Creek Kodai. Amazing experience in the midst of pine trees.Having stayed at Carlton and Fern Creek,my vote goes to Fern Creek.

[rajatmakar]

Originally Posted by ampere

Carlton anyday if you need a more upmarket place.
...

Thanks. We are also inclined towards it. Since we plan to visit in mid-Feb, do you feel it makes sense to book now or wait till the holiday season gets over and then book in Jan?

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

Just to add in a little more of confusion,do check out Fern Creek Kodai.

Thanks. The property looks great and will be in our radar for future trip.

Rajat

[ampere]

Originally Posted by rajatmakar

Thanks. We are also inclined towards it. Since we plan to visit in mid-Feb, do you feel it makes sense to book now or wait till the holiday season gets over and then book in Jan?

I would suggest book when available. Rates usually go high around holiday season. Around the flat season I think they remain invariant to when you book.

Here is how the lake was in Dec Last week at noon!

[redcruiser]

Planning to drive to Kodai on 1st November to 4th.
Any suggestions for a good stay. With an infant with me I don't intend to do too much of sightseeing though.

[naveen.raju]

Originally Posted by redcruiser

Planning to drive to Kodai on 1st November to 4th.
Any suggestions for a good stay. With an infant with me I don't intend to do too much of sightseeing though.

Kodai resort hotel:
Excellent service, good food, decent room. Make sure you rent the heater which is needed. It is located right beside coakers walk, opp Bryant park and walk-able from the lake.

Fern Creek:
This was bit expensive but everything was excellent here.

Do check airbnb as they have many beautiful homestays/bungalows for rent. Kurinji Estate is one we almost booked.