After reading a lot on internet and checking out reviews of different properties in Dhanualti, we finalized to stay in 'Green Forest Resort' which is located on the road connecting Mussourie with Dhanaulti. Dhanualti is just 2 kilometers from this place.
As we reached the resort, we expecting a reception area wherein we will be given the keys of our rooms (we had booked 3 rooms). There is no reception area in this resort, because they have no professional manager or staff to manage that. After getting down from our tempo traveller, two folks came to pick up the stuff and take us to our rooms. All the three rooms were in same cottage and entry to all the rooms was from dining area. So this space may not be appropriate for couples visiting the place, as privacy is major concern.
Note - Even after reading the review, you plan to stay in this resort and you have senior folks in the group, make sure that they book the rooms for you in the cottage which is closest to the road.
As we headed to our rooms, we were surprised to see extremely basic stuff inside the room. There was a basic double-bed with very basic mattresses, 2 chairs & a table. Actually we wanted to order tea and staff told us that tea is not possible as it's lunch time in the kitchen, we wanted to make tea inside the room. But then we realized that electric kettles were not there. btw, we were paying 3600 Rs per room and such basic things are always expected in relatively better hotels/resorts. These basic things disappointed us very badly. As we moved to the bathrooms, we realized that flow of water was such that you need to wait for at least 10 minutes to full the bucket and then go again to take bath :). I am not exaggerating at all. It may need more that 10 mins, but not less. Toilet rolls were missing in the washrooms and when asked they arranged after an hour.
Gradually we faced lot of service related issues during the stay. Food was really bad, which was cooked by young boys who are probably employed during the summer season. None of the staff members was trained and hence very bad service. We ordered tea 6 times during 3 days of stay and every time it was not as hot as you expect your tea-cup to be. I can keep going on services and food, but the basic fact is that - it was one of the worst experience I had.
This property is otherwise located at a very nice location and exteriors are also beautiful, but basic things inside the rooms is completely ignored. Price they quote is way beyond what it deserves. (Another advice - Don't get influenced by photographs :) )
It's poorly maintained property. I could see the reasons as well. There is no professional manager in the property who takes care of it. So don't expect clean lawns and gardens. There is a local guy who takes care of the property and he is again more interested in transactions. If you are booking online, there is someone in Mussourie who does everything related to bookings but would not be accessible as you reach the property.
I would not recommend any family to stay in this resort. And if you are group of boys who would spend most of the time outside the resort, you may choose to stay at 1500 per room, if possible. Beyond that, it's not worth at all.
So it's a big NO from our side. If you want to know more, please do drop a comment and we shall get back.
This is a very well located property, so the owner should really focus on basic facilities, better maintenance, trained staff and professional cook/chef.
This is a very well located property, so the owner should really focus on basic facilities, better maintenance, trained staff and professional cook/chef.
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