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4.0
#2 of 14 hotels in Khandala
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Dukes Retreat at Khandala is not more than a 15 minute picturesque drive away from Lonavala. The resort is a landmark located 1850 ft. above sea level. The Dukes is spread across 8.5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, valley-view and the mesmerizing Western Ghats. The property benefits from being set in the lap of the flora of the region and nestles amidst waterfalls, nature trails and winding forest paths.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Modern
Languages Spoken
English, Hindi
Location
Old Mumbai - Pune Highway, Khandala, Lonavala 410301 India
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The Dukes Retreat in Khandala captivates guests with its serene atmosphere, as they bask in lush greenery and mountain vistas while enjoying live music. Its spacious and clean rooms are well-received for their impressive views, although some visitors point out renovation works.
While the hotel's cleanliness and amenities, including pools and dining options, generally earn praise, some guests feel the value is diminished due to overpriced features and maintenance issues. The staff's kindness and helpfulness shine, despite occasional slow service.
Atmosphere
Serene
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Hospitality is all about experience , the first interaction , the check-in , the service , the food and ultimately the humility and nature of the staff , this is what makes any experience worth it. I have to mention that Dukes almost fulfils each expectation. The biggest plus point is that the location will not disappoint you , it is exactly as seen in the pictures and is one of the best options in case you want to just stay at the hotel and enjoy the peace and tranquility. The hotel staff duly follows all protocols of Covid protection right from temperature checks , to hand sanitizers installed at regular points to the sanitization of our luggage , every step was followed, this was important for us as we were travelling with a Senior citizen and two kids. We wanted to celebrate my mothers 75th Birthday and hence I had requested some decoration. Yogesh from the Front Desk called me in advance and coordinated not only for the decoration but also helped me arrange a cake and delivered right at the hotel. Sudarshan who is the Guest Relations Manager is extremely courteous and very helpful , he was kind enough to ensure that we were comfortable and enjoyed our stay at the Dukes. The room service staff is very helpful and accommodating , the breakfast though served in the room was very sumptuous and had a good variety. Meek Singh and Rasika were very cordial , Lakshmi who takes in room service orders was very patient and helpful. Keep up the good work team Dukes!!
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Date of stay: October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Since the pandemic showed no signs of abating and having become weary of lockdown for months, we decided to go on a short weekend break to a resort not very far from Navi Mumbai. At the same time, we were quite concerned about our safety, considering that we had a senior citizen as well as a teenager in our party. After going through various reviews, we visited one of the oldest resorts in Khandala, namely, Dukes Retreat for a 2-night stay last week end. From the moment we stepped out of our vehicle, we were met with attendants wearing masks who sanitized our luggage and led us to the reception, where our individual temperatures and oxygen level were meticulously recorded by polite staff, also in masks. Outside the lift, on every floor, sanitisers had been placed. It felt quite reassuring. We had booked interconnecting Executive category rooms, which had a decent view of the surrounding hillside. Deluxe category rooms have the best views, but do not have interconnecting rooms.
The rooms were quite spacious and very clean, as were the adjoining bathrooms. The beds were very comfortable and gave us a good night’s sleep.
Because of various restrictions on account of the pandemic, most of the facilities like the pool, spa, gym and restaurant were closed. Meals were served in our rooms only from a limited menu. At this point I would like to mention that for a resort of this sterling reputation, the food was a disappointment. The breakfast (pre decided menu) on the both days that we had them was exactly the same, namely idli, poha and paratha. Surely, there could have been some changes made on a daily basis. Sadly, the resort apparently is quite content with their limited fare. The lunch/ dinner was also from a pre decided limited menu and was average.
The Deck of the resort on the 4th floor had a superb view of the hillside and was very rejuvenating. However, the stairs leading down to our rooms were poorly lit and since touching the banister (due to covid fears) is avoidable, the first and last steps need to be clearly marked to prevent a misstep.
We also requested for streaming of certain TV channels, which we generally watch (especially regional channels) and we were ready to pay for the same, but the staff expressed their inability to do so as the channel packages were pre fixed and they could not add any channels. Some flexibility in this aspect would serve guests better.
The staff were very courteous and helpful. Overall it was a pleasant experience, but surely it could have been better. Dukes Retreat need to improve on the above highlighted aspects so that each and every customer goes home fully content that the stay was money well spent.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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This review is going to be a short one but all I can say is it started with a gorgeous view when we entered our room on 1st floor and we were surprised with decorations as it was out anniversary. (Always ask for upper floors if you can for a better view).
The food was delicious, although I wouldn't say each and every item was 5/5 but overall the experience was quite satisfactory.
Hospitality from each and every individual was great and they were on their feet to provide the best experience they can.
The location of this place is excellent, however, it is right above the expressway so you always hear honking and trucks/cars passing by. But you won't hear a sound once you close your door.
One thing I found super weird is about the dining experience. You cannot order ala-carte and enjoy it in the restaurant, but have to order in your room. Although the meals are not included in the stay, if you opt to dine in the restaurant, you have to pay Rs. 975 for the buffet. The charges to order in the room are unreasonably high- Rs. 500+20.36% GST is what you pay for a normal chicken tikka dish. Well for snacks, a samosa plate is for Rs. 370+20.36% GST which is completely absurd. We had to resort to go out for our lunch and dinner for our 2 nights stay.
The food at the buffet, as stated earlier is quite scrumptious and you wouldn't regret a bit.
Definitely this is a good place and you can spend quality time with your loved ones for a day or two.
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Date of stay: February 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Always go for rooms on 2nd or 3rd floor for a better view
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Dukes Retreat Khandala, Other at The Dukes Retreat, Khandala
Responded 19 Feb 2021
Dear Guest, Greetings from The Dukes Retreat, Khandala…!!! Thank you very much for choosing our property for your stay and for taking out your valuable time to write a wonderful 4 - Star Rating Feedback on Tripadvisor community. We are glad you explored the hotel and pleased to note that you had a pleasant and comfortable stay with us and the services rendered by us was to your satisfaction. The food price is competitive in the vicinity and the review on the price is being done every year as per market situation. We appreciate your feedback which helps us to continuously assess and improve our services. We look forward to your continued visits and assure you of our best service and attention at all times. Best wishes, The Dukes Retreat Team
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We were very fascinated by the photos and were very much excited to come in at Dukes Retreat for stay at Panaroma Room. i would like to highlight our experience here. Negative : 1) Room Stincking, every corner, furniture and balcony. Foul smell in the room, as if the room was closed for many days. two-time housekeeping person came and sprayed air freshener in the room. 2) hot water for the bath was not there. the service person advised us to waste the water so that hot water will come eventually. we were really guilty to do that. but had no option, till half hour there was no hot water in the shower and we had to take bath with cold water in such cold weather due to which my wife got cold. 3) TV wasn't working. 4) Proper hygiene is not maintained. 5) drinking water is chargeable 6)There were wood-boring beetles ticking and clicking sounds eating the wood all night. we were not able to sleep. 7) no priority to guests despite calling plenty of times. after raising the complaints the staff is clueless what to do, how to compensate and the keep saying its is not in our hands, we will inform this to senior however senior never comes on time. 8) it's not at all value for money, in the same price best 5 star hotels are available
Positive: 1) view from the room is really beautiful.
Despite paying such a huge amount for one night stay, we ourselves managing everything.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had stayed in the deluxe rooms for a day and we had a comfortable stay. The rooms were spacious and fresh, everything was spicy and span, room had a great view. Buffet breakfast was excellent with amazing choice and taste.
My only complaint is the price of the dishes at the Duchess restaurant was simply over the top. We reached during lunch and were told that the Ala carte option would take at least 30-40 min since there was a wedding party at the hotel. So we had no choice but to go for the buffet. To our utter disbelief the cost per person was 1000+ 18% gst which worked out to rs 6000 for 5 guests, two of which were children and 1 vegetarian.They have only one price for the buffet whether veg or non veg, child or adult which I felt was unfair. We had a 10 year old whereas the hotel considered everyone over 6 to be an adult. Also the items in the buffet and quality of dishes were not worthy of the high price tag. Even the prices on the menu were the highest I have seen ever, even 7 star hotels would be priced less.
Amenities at the property were good, they have a nice Table tennis table and carrom board that are complementary, billiard table and X box are paid services. They have an outdoor badminton court and a pool, nice garden with swings etc.
On the whole my advice would be to definitely stay at this place but avoid lunch and dinner because of the high prices. There are several food options within 5 kms with more variety and better pricing.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is a four storied property with all rooms facing the valley. The reception, swimming pool and resturant are located on the fourth floor.
The staff is very professional and service is fast.
For lunch and dinner the Room service is a la carte whereas the resturant service is buffet. This needs to be reviewed by the management.
The area near the lift is undergoing renovation.
The food preparation was very good. The buffet spread for all three meals was good.
Monkey menace is prevalent this needs attention as one cannot utilise the balcony / sit out area.
The breakfast is served in the coffee shop area. It is recommended that cutlery should be placed on each table rather than guest picking it up from the service table.
Will visit again during monsoon.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Dukes Retreat Khandala, Other at The Dukes Retreat, Khandala
Responded 7 Jul 2022
Dear Guest, Greetings from The Dukes Retreat, Khandala…!!! We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.We are delighted to know that you had a memorable experience with us. Dukes Retreat is eagerly looking forward to your next visit. Best wishes, The Dukes Retreat Team
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It’s been after 9 months we were out to get ourselves refreshed, same time having a fear about our safety in COVID pandemic situation. But all our worries got wiped off when we visited Dukes resort after seeing a safety care taken by Dukes team. Rooms have been sanItized, kept unattended over 24 hours, temperatures check was done, social distancing was adhered to, hygiene maintained. We’ve been there for 2 days and our stay was indeed a great leisure, view from Deluxe Panaroma Room was amazing ! Clean room, food was super tasty. Just a suggestion if we can have more choices in the menu. Staff was very polite and courteous. Our concerns have been taken care when highlighted. Overall a pleasant stay at Dukes Retreat in spite of no venturing out, all public places / points were closed due to Government restrictions, which has not bothered much !
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We went to Duke’s Retreat for a weekend stay ( one night) and had booked an executive room with valley view. First impression was quite positive with valet parking followed by thermal check , oxymeter check and sanitisation. All staffs were wearing masks. The resort was very clean and well maintained and gives a very comfortable and relaxed environment. Restaurant was open only till 8 pm possibly because of the curfew in place. The room was clean and stocked with tea/coffee. we were pleasantly surprised with a spacious balcony attached to the room with a view of the valley. ( best time to visit ofcourse during monsoon as the balcony can be truly enjoyable )
Pros: Staff was always polite and helpful right from valet parking to restaurant staff. 5 Stars for the staff. The property has got quite a nice sophisticated feel. The terrace is a really nice place to sit and enjoy the view ( specially during the evening ) ( captured quite a few nice photos) Other amenities include a bar, swimming pool, lounge
Lunch was buffet - compared to non covid times , the spread appeared to be restricted but nevertheless decent options. From a personal choice - the menu could have been better ( the options included brinjal and karela!!! This was a dampner . I would not prefer to have this going for a weekend break) Food quality is average ; In Room dining available for dinner.
During peak lunch hour the restaurant (Duchess) was almost full , so not sure of the hotel was maintaining any social distancing norms. At one point I was not comfortable will sit many people at one time crowded within the enclosed restaurant Same during breakfast but thankfully it was in a semi open space. But it was crowded and social distancing not maintained.
This is a good resort to go and just relax with no agenda. If you want to catch up on your sleep best place to visit :)
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
All I can say is this place was simply the best to refresh your mind. It's just that you need to book Delux Paranomic Valley View Room to refresh your mind and get that pleasant feeling as you enter the room. The room service was good. The food was good as well. We opted for Ala-Carte so it was only inside the room as per the hotel rule. There was a buffet also but we avoided that just for precautions. During our stay (11th to 14th Dec 2020) there was 30% discount for buffet so per head it was 600+ else it was 900+. Breakfast was included in our package. We didn't want too many people around so went early for breakfast which was from 8 am to 10 am.
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Date of stay: December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Dukes Retreat Khandala, Other at The Dukes Retreat, Khandala
Responded 23 Dec 2020
Dear Guest, Greetings from The Dukes Retreat, Khandala…!!! It is indeed heartening to know that the team at Dukes has exceeded your expectation in every way and you were able to take back fond memories of your visit. Your generous compliments have been passed onto my team. We thank you for your kind words of appreciation.Your valuable feedback helps us to continuously strive for excellence. I thank you immensely for your generous comments. We look forward to welcoming you back. Best wishes, The Dukes Retreat Team
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I had been here with my parents in the first week of Jan 2022. This was our first trip post the pandemic, so we were very skeptical if the resort would be crowded and the hygiene of the place but all our concerns vanished once we reached this place. We had booked a cottage room but Mr. Ravi at the reception was prompt enough to inform that some renovations were going to start next to our cottage and it might be inconvenient for my parents considering they are senior citizens. He offered us the Deluxe room and we are glad we took that option. The room was very clean and sanitised. The view from our room was splendid and breathtaking. My mother has some difficulty in walking so he promptly gave a wheelchair for her to reach the room from the reception. It was very considerate of him to do so. The entire staff is very hospitable and extremely well behaved. The view from the Panaroma Cafe is way too mesmerizing. So many veg options in breakfast, lunch and dinner that we were spoiled for choice. 😄 We just relaxed in the resort, enjoyed the view and of course the food. All in all a very nice place to visit with your family for a short break.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Dukes Retreat Khandala, Other at The Dukes Retreat, Khandala
Responded 22 Jan 2022
Dear Guest, Greetings from The Dukes Retreat, Khandala…!!! It is indeed heartening to know that the team at Dukes has exceeded your expectation in every way and you were able to take back fond memories of your visit. Your generous compliments have been passed onto my team. We thank you for your kind words of appreciation. Your valuable feedback helps us to continuously strive for excellence. I thank you immensely for your generous comments. We look forward to welcoming you back. Best wishes, The Dukes Retreat Team
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There are more places to choose from in the Khandala area.
PRICE RANGE
$327 - $459 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the dukes retreat hotel khandala
LOCATION
IndiaMaharashtraPune DistrictLonavalaKhandala
NUMBER OF ROOMS
80
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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