We planned a trip to Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu.After lot of search on the net, comparing the reviews received, comparing the pictures available on the websites, we selected Villa Retreat to stay. We made initial enquiries over the phone regarding the difference between their Deluxe Room and Classic Room, food, rates, facilities, etc, Inspite of knowing the fact that their pantry/kitchen is closed for renovation, we selected Villa Retreat due to its location and room type.
Villa Retreat is located adjacent to Coaker’s walk and has close proximity to the lake, bus stand, and Kodai city. We checked in on 18th morning around 11. Room No. 106 was allotted to us, which was a classic room as per their classification. We were thoroughly disappointed when we saw the room. The room was small and most important of all; the scenic view was only partially available. This was contradictory to their description of the classic room. Upon asking the reception, the employee forwarded us to the proprietor who argued that they cannot give rooms with full view to all. That room was a classic room. We asked him what then was the difference between their classic room and deluxe room. He did not like that and talked rather unfriendly and even commented that if we want we can stay free or choose not to stay.
They promised us to give another room the next day. And we were allotted Room No.108 the next day. This room had a scenic view of the valley. The service was also very poor. After ordering for tea, or coffee or continental food, they never turned up on their own to clear the plates and cups. It used to lie their either till the next food was served or till we asked them to clear. The classic room rent during off season is Rs.2813. There was power disruption for 1-2 hours daily, no power backup was provided, Television was disrupted due to power supply regulation, no newspaper was provided, no complimentary food, no welcome gift or drink. Only one small soap and two sachets of shampoo were provided for a stay in their classic room for 3 nights and 4 days. The parking space was very small and at times insufficient for the vehicles. There were lot of mosquitoes in the room which entered the room through the gaps in the doors and windows. Tackling the mosquito menace was our headache. The food was rated slightly on the higher side. We did not find any difference in their masala omlette and our normal omlette. No napkins were provided with the food except for one napkin came wrapped with the toast.
The rooms are not sound proof. Light from outside easily entered the rooms during night, which made the room well lit and made the sleep uncomfortable. Drinking water was made available in the room only after request. This place is not ideal for people who wish to stay with family in Kodai.
A word of caution for those who book hotels viewing the image given in their website: The images provided in the website are usually not current. I even came across some hotel people getting written good reviews and ratings for their hotels by freelancers by paying them.