Lonavala Luxury: Your Private Pool Awaits at Hillcrest's Stunning 3BHK!
Lonavala Luxury: My Private Pool Dream (and the Minor Mishaps) at Hillcrest's 3BHK! - A Review That's Actually Honest
Okay, real talk: I just got back from Hillcrest's 3BHK in Lonavala, and my brain is still swimming in pool water and post-vacation bliss. Or maybe it's the lingering caffeine from the mountain of coffee I consumed. Either way, here's the real tea on the place, the good, the bad, and the… well, let’s just say things got interesting.
First Impressions & The Pool-Induced Daydream:
The moment you pull up, you see it. The pool. Seriously, the website photos don't do it justice. It's all shimmering turquoise, beckoning you like a siren. My first thought? "I'm never leaving." And for the next four days, I almost didn’t. The view from the pool, overlooking the lush hills, is… a postcard come to life. It’s the kind of place that makes you actually want to relax, you know? I mean, I spent a good hour floating, contemplating the universe, and occasionally yelling "Yeehaw!" (Don't judge my inner child. He needed a release).
Accessibility - Ummm… Read the Fine Print Okay:
Okay, so here's where things get a little sticky. I’m generally pretty fit, but I’m definitely no mountain goat. And while Hillcrest promotes itself as luxurious and accessible, let's just say the "accessibility" might be a tad… optimistic for anyone with serious mobility issues. The property is hilly (surprise!), and navigating the pathways and particularly the steps to the lower level amenities could be a challenge for some. There's an elevator, but it isn't convenient for everything.
The Rooms - Modern & Mostly Marvelous (and A Tiny Crisis with the AC):
The 3BHK itself? Spacious. Modern. Clean. Like, really clean. They're clearly invested in the Cleanliness and safety game, which is HUGE brownie points right now (think Anti-viral cleaning products, professional-grade sanitizing services, and rooms sanitized between stays. I'm not sure about Hygiene certification, didn't see any hanging in the lobby.) The rooms sanitized between stays gives you peace of mind, which frankly, is worth the price of admission these days. The Blackout curtains were an absolute godsend for sleeping in (because, pool exhaustion!). The Air conditioning… had a bit of a mind of its own. One night it decided to be a furnace. We called for help and, blessedly, it wasn't a huge problem, but the minor hiccup made me slightly nostalgic for the pre-AC era. The extra long bed was fantastic though, as was the high floor and the views. I'll also say that the complimentary tea and free bottled water were much appreciated.
The Dining & Drinking Scenario - A Bit of a Rollercoaster (But the Coffee… Oh, the Coffee!):
Alright, let's talk food. Restaurants are available, as well as Room service [24-hour], which is crucial when your internal clock is permanently set to "pool time." The Asian cuisine in restaurant was surprisingly good, the A la carte in restaurant offers pretty good choices and the Breakfast [buffet] offered decent options. Coffee/tea in restaurant and coffee shop were LIFE. My morning ritual quickly became: wake up, swim, get my hands on a coffee. I swear, their coffee is practically liquid gold. (Seriously, I may have even smuggled a bit home). The Poolside bar was conveniently located (duh!), and the Happy hour with the beautiful view was a bonus. But, I'm not gonna lie, the Snack bar selection was a little… sparse. I was dying for a decent samosa at one point, and they looked at me blankly. But, honestly, with that coffee, and that pool, I recovered. The various Dining, drinking, and snacking options offered flexibility, even if some options were better than others.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation - Spa Day Bliss (and a Sauna That Smelled…Interesting):
Hillcrest really knows how to do relaxation. The Spa is lovely. I sprung for a massage (pure bliss), and took advantage of the Sauna and Steamroom. The Pool with view is basically the ultimate way to relax from the get go but the Sauna experience… it was slightly… off. Let's just say the scent was a bit reminiscent of… pine cleaner. I did the body scrub and body wrap as well, and those were heavenly. They also have a Fitness center, which I bravely visited once (mostly to prove I could). They also had a foot bath which was just what after a tiring day.
The "Things To Do" (Beyond the Pool - If You Can Pull Yourself Away):
Okay, so, yes, the pool is the star. But there are other things! They have a terrace where you can sit and gaze upon the hills, and they can help you arrange local activities. You could arrange a bike ride. They seemed okay. I wanted to explore Lonavala more, but… the pull of the pool was too strong. Sorry, Lonavala!
Services & Conveniences - A Mixed Bag (but helpful staff):
The Services and conveniences were pretty standard, and the staff? Mostly great. They were attentive, friendly, and eager to help with anything. I appreciated the 24-hour Front desk. The Concierge was helpful with arranging transport and providing local tips. They even offer Cash withdrawal services which came in handy, which is a relief. The Dry cleaning and Laundry service were convenient, but maybe a little pricey.
For the Kids (and the Grown-Ups Who Are Secretly Kids):
They have Family/child friendly offerings and a Babysitting service, but I didn't have to use it (thank god).
Safety & Security - Feeling Secure (and seeing the CCTV):
They are clearly serious about Safety/security features. I saw plenty of CCTV in common areas and outside the property, the Security [24-hour] was clearly visible, and my room had a smoke detector and fire extinguisher. I felt safe and secure throughout my stay.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy (Mostly):
Car park [free of charge] was a blessing. They also offer Airport transfer and Taxi service, which would have been useful if I’d arrived by plane (which I didn't). Navigating Lonavala is relatively straightforward.
My Verdict: Worth It (With a Few Caveats)
Look, if you're seeking a luxurious escape with a breathtaking private pool experience, Hillcrest's 3BHK is absolutely worth the splurge. Just be prepared for the hills (and maybe pack your own samosas. It's worth it!), If you're looking for the perfect getaway, a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, then Lonavala Luxury at Hillcrest Hotel is a winner. My stay was not without its little hiccups, but the overall experience was positive. I would highly recommend it. Would I go again? In a heartbeat. Probably with extra coffee. And maybe a backup AC unit. But those pools, man… pure magic.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your meticulously planned, bullet-pointed itinerary. This is a vibe. This is… my attempt at a chaotic, hopefully hilarious, and deeply imperfect trip to HAVE HILLCREST 3BHK PVT POOL, LONAVALA GOLD VALLEY, India. Prepare for tangents, questionable decisions, and probably a whole lotta sunburn.
The HAVEN: Hillcrest, Here We Come! (And Pray We Find It)
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Departure From Reality (aka Mumbai). Okay, first hiccup already. Google Maps promised a breezy 2-hour drive. "Breezy." HA! Realistically, it's going to be battle of the human will against Mumbai traffic. Pray for me, I’ll need it. I've packed snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. Specifically, those weird, inexplicably delicious lime-flavored chips that only exist in Indian grocery stores. Priorities, people.
- Anecdote: Last time I tried to drive this route, I swore a cow was giving me the side-eye. I’m not sure cows are judgmental, but something about that bovine stare felt profoundly disapproving of my driving skills (or lack thereof).
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: The Great Highway Hustle. Traffic is a thing. Construction is also a thing. And my bladder is definitely a thing. Expect multiple pit stops disguised as "quick stretches" to avoid awkward highway bathroom situations, which always end up as something else.
- Imperfection Alert: I will probably spill coffee on my pristine white linen shirt. This is practically a guarantee. I'm embracing the mess.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch & Laughs (Hopefully). We're aiming for a roadside dhaba. The goal: amazing aloo parathas and a serious dose of cultural immersion. The reality: potentially questionable hygiene and a language barrier I seem to never fully navigate.
- Quirky Observation: I always find the way the chai wallahs pour the tea mesmerising It's like a mini performance art piece. The chai will definitely be too sweet (as usual), but I'll drink it anyway because I’m a glutton for punishment and deliciousness.
Arrival at Hillcrest: The Dream (and Its Potential Nightmares)
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: The Quest for the Villa. Pray the directions are actual directions and not a series of cryptic riddles. I have a vague feeling this "Gold Valley" situation might be a bit… remote. Fingers crossed for decent Wi-Fi. I need to Instagram everything.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated excitement mixed with a tiny sliver of crippling fear of getting terribly lost amongst the hills.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Unpacking & Initial Assessment. Unpack the essentials. Bathing suit? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Emergency bottle opener? Absolutely vital. Then the GRAND TOUR of the villa. Inspecting the pool with a critical eye. Is it clean? Is it actually private? (These are crucial questions).
- Opinionated Language: If that pool isn’t sparkling, I’m going to throw a fit. I paid for a private oasis, dammit! And that’s what I expect!
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Pool Immersion (or Panic?!). Finally! The moment of truth. Plunge! Or… tentatively dip a toe in. Maybe test the water with one arm first. Indian pools can be… unpredictable. Expect a full report, including water temperature and the presence of any unwanted aquatic wildlife.
- Messy Structure & Rambles: Oh god, what if I forget my sunglasses?! The sun will be brutal. I should apply the sunscreen. What lotion for the mosquito repellent? The ones in India are strong, and I'm allergic to Citronella. Maybe some ginger ale in the mini-fridge. Where is the mini-fridge? And is the water clear? Will there be floaties? This is all so much to process!
Adventures and Shenanigans (Potentially Involving Food)
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Adventure Time! Exploring the local area. The plan? Either a hike to a viewpoint (if I’m feeling ambitious and haven’t eaten too many parathas) or a lazy wander around the town (more likely). I'm envisioning buying some bangles (I love bangles), and maybe some local spices.
- Doubling Down:* I am determined to find the perfect chai. Like, the perfect chai. The chai that makes you weep with joy. I'm dedicating this trip to my search. I will ask everyone. I will haunt the tea stalls. I will become the Chai Whisperer.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Sunset Sips. I'm thinking a sunset view with some local beer (Kingfisher, obvs). Or maybe a cocktail. Whatever the drink, the point is to be slightly tipsy and dramatically watching the sun set.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: This is the best part of every trip. I am so ready to exhale, let go, and just be. The world is beautiful. And I am drinking something delicious.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner Dilemma. The eternal vacation question. Do we cook? Do we order in? Do we brave a local restaurant? The possibilities are overwhelming. I am leaning toward a restaurant. I’m particularly craving some chicken tikka masala I am already dreaming of that rich creamy spicy sauce.
- Rambles:. Ooooh, what about street food?? I really shouldn’t, given my sensitive stomach, but… momos? Samosas? Chole bhature? Decisions, decisions… the struggle is real.
9:00 PM - Late: Star Gazing and Villa Vibes. Assuming we're not too full of food (and wine), we'll end the night on the balcony, looking up at the stars. And making plans for tomorrow. Also, maybe starting a game of something stupid like charades.
- Honest Observation: I'll probably be asleep by 10:00 PM. This is my usual vacation MO. I'm a world-class snoozer.
Day 2: (Potentially) More Adventures, (Definitely) More Chai
Morning: Repeat most of the above. Possibly with less enthusiasm, and more sunblock.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Okay, this is where things get really loose. We might try a waterfall. We might visit a local market. We might just stay in the pool all day. The beauty of vacation is that no plan is really a plan.
- Opinionated Language: Whatever happens, the day must include more chai. It’s practically a religious obligation.
Return to Mumbai:
- Traffic: Again, another long drive.
- Reflection: Probably feel slightly depressed about returning to real life.
- Future: Plan next trip to India. It is a never-ending story.
Final Thoughts:
This isn't a guide. It’s a confession. I'm an imperfect traveler. I get lost. I eat too much. I make bad decisions. But I also laugh a lot. And find beauty in the chaos. Wish me luck. And maybe send extra sunscreen. And a good book. And definitely, DEFINITELY, some more lime chips.
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Lonavala Luxury: Your Private Pool Awaits (and So Does My Sanity!) at Hillcrest's 3BHK... Or So They Say!
Okay, spill the beans. Is this place *really* as good as the Insta pics suggest? Specifically, that pool... is it real life or a filter-fueled fantasy?
Alright, let's be real. The Instagram is a carefully curated highlight reel, yeah? But... the pool? The pool is pretty darn spectacular. I mean, it's *there*. It's blue. It's... private! No sharing with screaming kids or overly enthusiastic water aerobics instructors (thank God). I spent a solid two hours on the first day just floating, occasionally doing a dramatic breaststroke just to flex my inner Olympian. The water temperature was… pretty perfect. It wasn't like, ice-bath-inducing, and it wasn't lukewarm, which is my personal hell. So, yes, the pool gets a solid thumbs up. Except... (and here's where it gets messy) the *path* to the pool… well, let's just say it’s not exactly paved with rose petals. More like… slightly overgrown concrete. I nearly tripped over a rogue paving stone on the way down, which, let’s be honest, would have been MORTIFYING in my new, barely-used swimsuit. (More on that later... the swimsuit's story is a saga.)
What's the deal with the 3BHK? Is it actually spacious enough for a group, or are we going to be tripping over each other?
Okay, three bedrooms. That sounds promising, right? And, yes, technically, it *is* spacious. You're not crammed into a shoebox. We had six of us (including my perpetually hungry brother, bless his heart), and we didn't end up in a full-blown Lord of the Flies situation. Each bedroom has its own bathroom, which is a HUGE win, trust me. The living room is decently sized, with enough seating for everyone… eventually. It took a while to figure out the seating arrangement. My friend, bless him, decided to plonk himself on the largest sofa, and then proceeded to sprawl. I think he thought he was auditioning for a furniture commercial. So, yes, spacious-ish. Just… expect to do some internal negotiating about who gets the comfiest spot on the sofa. And bring extra pillows. You'll need them.
Food! Can we cook? Is there a kitchen stocked reasonably, or do we HAVE to order in? (I hate room service.)
Oh, the kitchen. Ah, yes. The kitchen. They *say* it's fully equipped. And, to be fair, it *does* have a fridge, a stove, and a microwave. But "fully equipped" is… a strong word. It's more like “minimally functional.” We managed to make breakfast – basic stuff, scrambled eggs, toast… nothing fancy. My friend, who fancies himself a chef, tried to whip up some spaghetti carbonara. Let’s just say, the end result was… *rustic*. The pan was slightly… warped. And we were missing a vital ingredient. Pancetta. He forgot the pancetta. The horror! So, yes, you *can* cook. But pack your own spices, and maybe a really good chef's knife, unless you like chopping onions with a butter knife. Plan for contingencies (like the missing pancetta). And, for the love of all that is holy, bring some decent coffee. Instant just doesn't cut it when you're trying to recover from a night of questionable decisions. (We won't go into detail about the karaoke machine…)
The location: Is it convenient? Are we going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere?
It's...well, it's in Lonavala. So, convenience is a relative term, especially when you're dealing with Mumbai traffic. You're not exactly in the dead center of everything, but you're also not completely isolated. You'll need a car (or a reliable driver, which we had, thank GOD). There are a few restaurants and shops nearby, but don't expect a bustling nightlife. It's more about a relaxed getaway. There's a lovely view from the balcony, assuming you can find a moment to actually enjoy it. We spent a good chunk of our time navigating the local road (I'm not sure it deserves the title of road) and the somewhat unpredictable navigation of Google Maps. Prepare for a few detours. And embrace the slightly chaotic charm of it all. Because, honestly, that's part of the fun, right? (Mostly.)
Let's talk downsides. What should we *really* watch out for? What's the catch?
Okay, the catch. The catch is… reality rarely matches the Instagram. You're not going to wake up perfectly refreshed with perfectly tousled hair. There might be a few… imperfections. Like, the water pressure in the shower wasn't always top-notch (which is a first-world problem, yes, but still…!). The Wi-Fi was a bit… temperamental. And, as I mentioned before, the path to the pool could be a tad treacherous. The biggest downside for me? The constant fear of someone spilling red wine on the pristine white sofa. I spent most of my time mentally calculating the cost of dry cleaning. (That's probably just me. I'm a stress case, what can I say?). Also, the mosquitoes. THEY ARE SAVAGE. Bring the repellent. Like, industrial-strength repellent. Trust me on this one. Otherwise, it's a pretty sweet deal, all things considered. But be prepared for a little bit of *real* life mixed in with the luxury.
Okay, the swimsuit. You teased this. Dish.
Alright, fine. The swimsuit. I bought this glorious, expensive, slightly-too-small swimsuit specifically for this trip. Picture it: a vibrant, eye-catching colour, a flattering cut... I felt like a Bond girl (on a budget, obviously). I imagined myself gracefully emerging from the pool, dripping with glamour. The reality? My swimsuit became a source of constant anxiety. Every time I moved, there was a nagging sensation of "is it... is it staying in place?" I spent more time adjusting my swimsuit than actually swimming. More time worrying about potential wardrobe malfunctions than enjoying my surroundings. And then, on the very last day, disaster struck. A rogue wave (okay, it was more like a gentle ripple) and… let's just say I flashed a bit more than I intended. Mortification doesn't even begin to cover it. So, the moral of the story? Buy a swimsuit that actually *fits*. And maybe invest in some industrial-strength confidence. You'll need it.
Would you go back? Honestly.
Hmm... You know, despite the slightly wonky kitchen, the mosquito onslaught, the swimsuit drama, and the occasional existential crisis, I *would*. Because, the pool. The view. The escape from the everyday grind. The chance to reconnect withBest Stay Blogspot
