Guest User
October 20, 2024
Our recent visit to the property was a repeat trip, having previously been there in 2020. Over the past four years, the maintenance of the resort especially its landscape has significantly deteriorated and was shocking. On more than one occasion, we had to firmly address the senior staff to get the pathways to the bungalows cleaned from weeds and bushes, the lawns mowed, and the bushes next to the windows cleared of possible insects or snakes etc. The well spread resort was nearly empty, with only around 10% occupancy, and the cottages far from the reception area gave a feeling of insecurity. This was exacerbated by many of the pathway lights being non-functional for days together. When we raised this issue for the first two days, a front desk staff member dismissed it, saying such problems are to be expected at a wildlife resort. Remarkably, despite paying the full premium rate of Rs 20,000+ per night for a single-occupancy cottage, we had to accommodate the single guest in my room by adding an extra bed after the second night for better security. The food and the dining staff were, however, very good. An additional comment, it's unfortunate that the resort has failed to capitalize on its adjoining lake as a key attraction. Even after four years, the area leading to the beautiful lake is essentially being used as a dumping ground, with no development at al even after four years. The studio cottages at the extreme end of the resort area, a 10-minute walk from the reception, are truly insecure at night and immediately need permanent security posts to ensure guest safety from both wildlife and possible intruders. Imagine, there is no room to room dialing facility in the resort neither there was any WIFI connectivity in the cottages at all. And as far as telephone networks are concerned, Airtel or Vodafone has no connectivity there at all. Overall, Vanya Vilas at present is not value for money and it is corroborated with the fact that occupancy during my four nights stay was less than 10%. The booking office in Nagpur should improve upon its communication system to alert guests in advance about restricted telephone network in the resort, WIFI non- availability and usage of mobile phones being banned during the safari. These are least expected from the reservation staff to avoid shocks to the first time guests.