The main reason for writing this review is that I wanted everyone to know some good places to stay at Lonavla. I will not be waxing eloquent (it has been done already) on the weather etc. Lonavala is great if you stay away from the town. The town is very crowded on weekends with lots of rowdy youths (drunk) coming from Mumbai and Pune to visit Bushi dam etc.
Hence, all sensible people should stay away from town and away from the road leading to Bushi dam.
There is a great place 8 kms from Bushi dam. The road leading up to Bushi dam goes up a hill. It is near a navy base. Dont miss this place. There are lovely green plateaus up there all covered with mist. Lovely. The view (when the mist subsides for a few seconds intermittently) is lovely.
If you stay away from the crowds, let me tell you that you cannot beat Lonavla in the rains. Its cool and green. It’s a treat to go for long walks, get wet in the rains (with your spouse or special friend). You can then cozy up in the hotel room over some hot soup. Nothing like it. Or you can enjoy the swimming pool....its fun swimming in the rain.
I recommend MTDC Karla or Valvan Village Resort. Both are away from the city and are quite affordable. For MTDC, make sure you book in advance. MTDC has a great ambience and super cottages. Very clean and neatly maintained. Only thing is that they do not have room service, but I think that if you pay them extra, they do it :)
MTDC also has some excellent water rides and pools. Check it out.
Valvan village resort and rainbow retreat hotels are also good hotels, away from the city. They have swimming pools but no water sports.
I went twice to Lonavala in the last 2 weeks and it has been great. Weather is just great and due to the expressway you reach in 2-3 hours.