Matheran is a tiny but splendid hill station in Maharashtra located at a height of 800 m above sea level. The town has served as a popular weekend getaway for people from Mumbai, Pune and Surat. Matheran is characterized by rows of shady trees which make for perfect walking tracks and lush greenery. The best time to visit Matheran is post monsoon (September to February) when the place comes alive with shades of vibrant green and the lakes are filled with water. Motor vehicles are banned in Matheran rendering it very peaceful and pollution free compared to other hill stations. There are three ways to getting around Matheran – Walking, On horseback and man pulled rickshaw. The popular sightseeing spots in Matheran are Lake Charlotte, Panorama Point, Heart Point, Monkey Point, Honeymoon Hill and Malang Point. There are several hotels in Matheran across the budget range, however, be ready to shell out thrice or sometimes four times the actual rates during peak season. Travellers can choose from hotels, cottages and resort type accommodation during the visit and the rates don’t vary much according to the type. The top rated Matheran hotels that offer a good balance of comfort, amenities and value are
Usha Ascot Hotel
An excellent hotel for family and group of friends, Usha Ascot is a pure veg hotel that offers spacious and clean rooms with good room service. The hotel is located at a walkable distance from the railway station and several of the rooms are pool facing. The in house restaurant serves traditional Gujarati Thalis and few Maharashtrian fares. Most of the sightseeing spots are at a walkable distance from this hotel in Matheran which is an added advantage.
Lords Central Hotel
Located at the end of Bazaar, this is a quiet hotel that offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. The hotel exudes an old world charm that has been described as relaxing and serene. There is a games room within the hotel that can keep guests entertained for hours on end. There is also an extensive library with books and magazines curated by the owner. The in house restaurant is excellent and the hotel also organizes barbeque by pool side in the evening. Try to get a pool view room as the rest of the rooms just face the roads and parking lot. If you are looking for a value for money hotel with a rustic ambiance, this is your best bet.
Woodside Hotel
A good budget hotel located on the way to the base station, this is a good hotel that is about 10 mins from the station and bazaar. This hotels in Matheran has been designed to render a close to nature vibe which makes for a peaceful and relaxing stay. The staffs are extremely friendly and helpful and will help with any additional requests. The rooms are spacious and feature sloping roofs which adds to the charm of the place. The in house restaurant serves north and south Indian fares at reasonable fares and guests can even opt for an unlimited veg thali. Book room number 14 and 15 for the best views, but all the rooms have fairly good views.
