Hi Friends.
Since past year me n my wife was planning to go to Manas Resorts once, but kept on postponing as except rainy season, Igatpuri has nothing to offer.
Oops, I want to clarify that this review is about MANAS LIFESTYLE RESORTS, the first one after crossing kasara ghats.
We were impressed by photos on website, nice ads, etc. So finally decided to visit there in this 2006 christmas vacation, a couple of days away from regular mumbai stressful life.
As it was peak season, we got 2 days package on high rates, Rs.10, 500 for 2 nights incl of food credit of Rs.2500/-, Free gift vou of Rs.250 of high priced gift shop, 1 free steam bath n massage each for couple(Website mentions Full Body Massage, here it is either back or feet or head).We were ok with this as thru ads, this seemed a high profile resort.
After crossing kasara ghats, We entered manas resorts, just 8-10 cars could be parked in shade, rest cars have to be parked under sun.never a good sign of complete care taking resort.
Entrance and Reception area was impressive, We booked in Deluxe Room, however we showed wish to look at cottages first which was curtly denied without normal communication manners.
Finally we checked in our room, which was well appointed but way too small to pay Rs.5250/- per night. We latter checked that all rooms were small n not worth it cos outside mumbai, on non-picnic spots like igatpuri, similar rooms cost Rs.1000/-.
There was a Bed, 2 Sofa chairs, mini fridge n old AC - both noisy. A 20inch old tv with no hyperband n a Bang Me First Remote whos batteries used to jump out. A Clean toilet with bath tub.
There was a mini bar(They call it), 4 60ml pegs of gin, vodka, whiskey etc n 2 KF Small Beers, Pegs Charged at Rs.150/- each n Pint Beer for Rs.100 each.2 double priced Lays, Kurkures, Dairy Milk Bars.Did u see bandits in room?
Outside there was a Tiniest garden for Children with less games, a Swimming Pool.good one and an Excellent Sprots Room with good attendent. A pathetic discotheque, size of my bedroom terrace.
Poolside bar offers nothing except Soft Drinks n Beers, takes half hour to set table by only one waiter. Website mentions 4 mouthwatering resturants, beware, there are just 2, one veg n one both.
Veg Offers Buffet Breakfast(125), Lunch(225), Evening Snacks(75) n Dinner(225) which though overpriced, still its worth for variety n quality they offer. Ordering single items is not advisible, Rs.45 for Shevpuri, rs.50 for missel is pure looting n these prices are to ensure that ppl stick to Buffet as its more profit making for hotel. But food is good.
NonVeg restur. also serves good food n Rs.100 for mild beer is ok, service is slow, u can see captains running here n there but u have to call 3-4 times n then your order is taken.
Now we will turn to other offerings, Ambiance is good mainly cos of high prices, massage is nominal n those who know how real massage is will know this is cheating. Parlour is not up to mark - verdict my wife who is fashion designer, Sports room is well appointed with 2 badminton nets n lots of extra rackets n cocks, 2 carrom boards, 2 table tennis tables, 2 pool tables(Pool is Charged Rs.50 for 30mins), 3 Jumping boards for children n good attendent who is prompt in giving u what u want.
Housekeeping not good, they do nominal cleaning n dont even sweep or refill toiletories unless told. 1 night at 3am power gone n backup somehow was not active, phone dead, so I went to reception n called housekeeping n informed abt it, the guy, navnath asked me "To main kya karu?"
I got so frustrated that I abused him there on phone n also took left-right of all staff. This is special Manas Hospitality I think
Backside there is nice valley view n fun for children to watch trains specially on bridge.
We Inquired at Orignal Manas Resort next to this one about their rates n rooms, Rooms were good, A Living Room n a Bed Room n Bathroom with personal Jacuzzi. There was a 16 - 9 wide flat tv with set-top box in living room n both rooms were fully carpetted. Rates around Rs.4250/- per night with sum 1100 food credit, rest same as here.
Overall Manas Lifestyle has big name but is worth only Rs.3000/- all inclusive for 2 nights. Avoid if possible. Thankyou for reading.