I have always felt guilty for only using MS to check the reviews but never providing a feedback and hence I the first thing after my holidays was to post my feedback about Vythiri resorts which we visited last weekend (4 to 6th June).
I initially short listed few of the popular resorts in Waynad ie Vythiri Resorts, Blue Ginger, Vythiri Village, and after a thorough internet search and feedback with a few of my friends decided on Vythiri Resorts. We (two families) then booked through SR holidays and had to pay 100% advance for confirmed accommodation. Since there were no option , I had to opt for Vythiri Haven (premium class ). We took the BLR Mysore Gundalepet route since the roads are in good condition. We left early morning to beat the BLR Mys traffic and managed to reach Mysore in just 1:45 mins. After a good breakfast at Dasapraskash Hotel at Mysore, we continued our journey.
The route from Gundlapet to Sulthan Bathery is simply awesome and eyes capturing. This is all the more so because there is a stretch of around 10 to 20 KM which runs thru the national park . We were lucky to get view of a wild herd of elephants around a waterhole and a few deers popping around. Though the roads are good till Vythiri , the last stretch after we exit NH212 which is around 5-6 KM (board says only 3.5 KM) is terrible. I wonder how guest who own vehicle other than a Scorpio/Innova/Jeeps can really reach there. It is for sure bound to touch the base at several places. (fortunately I own a scorpio) we literally took aroun 20-25 mins to maneuver this stretch. Finally, we managed to reach the place by around 12:30 PM. This place is exactly 307 KM from JP Nagar (bangalore) . We were served with a welcome drink and the front office started to completed the booking formalities. They did keep murmuring in Malayalam which created a bad impression. As one would expect in Monsoon at Waynad, we were welcomed with a big shower as soon as we landed .
The check-in experience was not at par with a five star property but of acceptable standards. It took around 20-30 mins before we actually could go to our room which is actually bad. The hotel has just one baggi (battery car) and since on weekend there are many check in around the same time, we would need to wait for our turn.
We were in a bit of surprise to find that two of being given different room i.e one called wooden Haven and other Cottage Haven. While Normal cottage haven is superbly spacious and has big kingsize bed, the wooden haven has very small rooms and a mini queen size bed. As one would expect, we immdly called up the reception and also SR holidays agent to inform of this grave mistake . They arrogantly told us that nothing could be done as all rooms were occupied. They promised that they would move us to a Cottage Haven the next morning. I still insisted that a family of three can not sleep on such a small bed, for which they said they would attach the sofa cum bed . to avoid ruining the mood of everybody, I had to accept this.
The restaurant is around 300 mts and for those in Haven we need to also pass through a slippery slope (when wet). There is also a hanging bridge (very well constructed). The landscaping , and layout design of this resort are admirable and kudos to the architect of this property. Here is the list of likes and dislikes about this property :
Likes :
Located at a very nice location, good roads all they way (except the last stretch)
Food is quite good and has a tinge of malayali taste (which I like) . However due to humid and damp condition, the food is often found to be cold. They should take adequate care to monitor the heating.
Streams are full of water and gives a good sound affect from natures point of view
The forest surrounding the rooms are lush green and make you feel you are in a forest.
The Haven category of rooms are comes with Jacuzzi . Most of family long for a private moments (with a glass of beer in hand)
Dislikes :
The intercom facility is switch off the moment there is slight rain As a result you cannot communicated with the hotel staff . You would need to walk around 300 mtrs each time you need some thing . We found that 50 % of the time the intercom is not working. The reason given is lightening risk. I wonder if they have.