May 20, 2012 12:48 PM
5849 Views
I am absolutely confused about where to start my review – sticky door mats? unclean toilets? non-working aircon? filthy swimming pool? no connectivity? smelly cupboard? discourteous staff? soiled blanket? damp pillows? dirty cutlery? bugs infested refrigerator? or about those stray dogs waiting to pounce on your food at lunch? I would strongly suggest that they rename this resort to something like “Death by Dirt“.
In my several years of holidaying/traveling, I have never come across such a disgustingly sub-standard property managed by people having no trace of humane elements.
I booked a cottage at silent valley resorts through a travel agency. I really wish I had done my bit of research than going with what the agent had to say. I later realized that there was enough warnings posted against this property by many travelers/trusted reviewers in mouthshut and the likes.
I can’t think of any good thing about this resort except is its proximity to Kudremukh and the scenic drive. I would suggest you rather stay in any local “Manjunatha Lodge” at Kalasa, drive up your way to Kudremukh / Horenadu. Save your money, that otherwise these cheaters would hog, and give it off to charity. Trust me, you feel dignified.
Welcome to HORROR VALLEY!: Here is the resort entrance. You may find stray dogs.. no problem.. carry on.. you will soon realize that they are much better than the people who manage this resort. You park your vehicle, walk up to a place what they call as ‘lobby’ that connects to dining and kitchen. Don’t be surprised if you don’t find anyone. You keep tapping the desk for sometime, you may see somebody popping out out of kitchen or elsewhere with a cold stare which more or less translates to “who the hell are you to disturb my sleep“.
I would like to give you a snapshot on what to expect if you still want to go ahead and do the booking. However, if you like to read about the experiences first, skip this section. I would NOT recommend this resort to any level headed person on earth because an hour of stay here could take you off the balance.
First of all, you are totally unplugged inside this property. No mobile network, no intercom, no other communication mode is setup. If you need any assistance, you will have to walk half a kilometer up to that dingy room (the so called reception). When I requested assistance, I was told that a person will be sent.. then I waited in my cottage for half-an-hour, no one turned up. I then had to go all the way up again, raise my voice for a response. Finally one guy, with lot of hesitation, dragged himself to my cottage after an hour. Having failed to fix the aircon, he was murmuring to himself “
8hit“, “crap“, “nonsense” and what not.. He then told me “Saar, a/c is not required saaar.. it may rain saar… cold saar.. this one will not work“.
I took this and other cleanliness issues with the resort manager (Mr. Williams), who downplayed it by arguing that it is not his mistake. He gave me two options – either stay or leave without any refunds. When he realized that I am not gonna give up he started changing colors and tone. I continued my arguments and when the people started gathering, he climbed down a bit and told me that he can cut down the price. I then told him to refund full amount except for the lunch we ate, he refused and added the company policy doesn’t allow him to do that. I was wondering what the f’n policy was he talking about. He gave me a strange number when asked about price for non-a/c cottage.. knowing that he tripped, I asked him to repeat the number, he said 5000… I then asked him to show the tariff card, he tells me they don’t have any. When I asked for a voucher (as documentary evidence) indicating the refund amount which I can claim from the travel agent, he refused that as well. He then argued that he cannot give receipt because the actual price was 5100 where as I paid 5600 to the agent (quoted price was 6000 with 400 discount). I even spoke to Mr. John D’Souza, who claims to be the owner, but no avail. It was very obvious that they don’t expect repeat business.. but they make the most out of the first timers (bakras). My strong recommendation will be to stay away from this place.
Don’t let the discount offers fool you – agents quote the inflated charges that is put up on the hotel’s website. You end up paying more than actuals. You always get a better deal through referral.
Lesson learned: Trust online reviews or word of mouth than blindly going by your friendly travel agent’s suggestions. Unless you are pressed for time or have lot of money to spend, do your research or look for referrals. I am pissed not just because of the money. I postponed a trip to my hometown for a good holiday, relied on travel agent and got royally screwed. Neither a damn refund nor a customary “sorry” can make up for the lost time / bring solace.
One good thing Mr. Williams did was that he showed me the booking accounts in which the amount credited against the cottage I stayed was 5100/- while I was charged 5600/-. At the end of the day the travel agent and resort management had their cake…… and I ended my trip with a feeling of being cheated and dejected. I just cannot pretend everything was alright.
Note: They refunded 1000 INR for the non working aircon through the agent. However that doesn’t make up for the trauma that I had to go through during my stay there. To me, that cottage is worth less than 500 INR.
My Strong recommendation would be to stay away from this place. Its a rotten property by all standards.
