Roomer

Olive Tree Resort

Lonavala, India
$40-60/ night

Book this if You need a budget-friendly pitstop with a pool near Karla Caves and don't mind highway noise.

Why People Love It

  • Affordable rates for large groups
  • Walking distance to Wet N Joy Water Park
  • Mr. Yogesh (GM) is frequently praised for helpful service

Quick Take: A highway-side transit hotel masquerading as a resort—bring earplugs and lower your expectations.

Reviewed by @wanderwithpooja: I escaped to Lonavala for the monsoon and this place was such a cozy find. Waking up to that green view from my balcony was refreshing, and I loved that I could bring my pet along. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and the high tea on the machan was the highlight of my stay.

Guest Who Stayed Here Said

The hype

Decent for a quick crash pad if you're visiting the water park, but don't expect 'resort' luxury.

Reality check

Guests consistently complain about the 'bad smell' near the pool area and the lack of basic toiletries like towels and soap upon arrival.

  • You are a group of friends on a tight budget
  • You plan to spend all day at Wet N Joy Water Park
  • You just need a bed to crash in after a late drive

Cleanliness & Maintenance

6
  • Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Guests often have to ask for basic items like towels and soap upon arrival.
  • Bathroom hygiene: Functional but dated. Reports of broken toilet seats and missing toiletries are common.
  • Maintenance: Needs work. Broken fan regulators, peeling paint, and damp patches are frequently cited.
  • Linens & towels: Often reported as stained or worn. Bring your own if you are particular.
  • Odors & scents: Musty smells in ground floor rooms and a sewage-like odor near the pool area.

Sleepability™

4.5MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
  • Old Mumbai-Pune Highway traffic
  • Diesel generator during power outages
  • Noisy corridors due to lack of soundproofing

Before you book

Good to know

  • Strict 25% minimum cancellation fee applies to all bookings.
  • Couples are welcome but valid government ID is strictly enforced.
  • Hot water is generally available 24/7, a rare plus for this price point.

What to pack

  • Earplugs (essential for highway noise)
  • Your own toiletries (soap/shampoo often missing)
  • Pool towel (hotel towels are often reported as stained or unavailable)

Room Genie

Best picks

  • Family Room (most spacious option for groups)
  • Back-facing rooms (slightly less highway noise, though view is of a wall)

Rooms to avoid

  • Rooms facing the highway (relentless traffic noise)
  • Ground floor rooms near the pool (complaints of dampness and bad smells)

Room Request Genie – copy & paste

“I would like to request a top-floor room facing away from the highway and the pool area to minimize noise and odors. Please ensure the AC and fan regulator are fully functional before check-in.”

FAQ & Hidden tips

Everything you actually want to know before you book.

Is there really a hill view?

Technically yes, but they are far in the distance. Your immediate view is likely the parking lot or the highway.

Is the pool clean?

Hit or miss. Recent reviews mention it can be dirty or have a 'bad smell' in the surrounding area.

Is it good for families?

It's passable for a budget stay, but the lack of an elevator and open staircases might be tricky for toddlers or elderly guests.

How far is it from the main market?

It is about 8-9 km from the main Lonavala market. You will need a car to get to the city center.

Is there a lift?

No, there is no elevator. Be prepared to use the stairs.

Does the hotel serve alcohol?

The restaurant serves food, but it's best to check current local licensing for alcohol; many guests bring their own for in-room consumption.

Insider Tips

  • ✨

    The 'Yoga Retreat' mentioned online is not a daily amenity; it's an occasional event package.

  • ✨

    Ask for 'extra bed' costs upfront; they charge significantly (approx. ₹1000) for an extra mattress.

  • ✨

    The approach road from the highway can be easy to miss; look for the 'Durga Parmeshwar Mandir' landmark.

5 things to know before you go

  • 💡The 'bad smell' near the pool is a recurring complaint, likely due to drainage issues.

  • 💡Fan regulators in some rooms are broken, meaning it's full speed or nothing.

  • 💡Power cuts are frequent in this area, and the generator is loud.

  • 💡Room service can be slow because the hotel is often short-staffed.

  • 💡The 'Garden' is more of a small patch of grass than a sprawling landscape.

Local Playbook

Map

See where Olive Tree Resort is located and what's nearby.

Key amenities & services