Jun 16, 2009 05:20 PM
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This was one trip I did a fair bit of homework for, given it was a much-needed break from the grind. Matheran being our choice of destination, I scouted the hotels virtually, zeroing in on the Lord's Central, being rather taken with the description on their website and the patron reviews.
Must say, the hotel lived up to its reputation and its reviews and then some. Though located(conveniently) next to the rather noisy and bustling Matheran market centre, it is tucked away off the main road, a beautiful serene old-worldly nook where Time and all its attendant cares seem to stand still.
We took a valley side room which offered a partial(a huge tree blocking an otherwise full view) view of the hills ahead and Garbut point. One can just sit and soak in the atmosphere.the greenery, the monkey calls(lots of monkeys in the area but not much of a nuisance), the exotic birds singing and the soft breeze.
Nothing plush or luxe about the hotel, the rooms have basic amenities and are clean, which is good enough for people with pure relaxation on their agenda.
The food is as legendary as they're reported to be and that I can vouch for. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are sumptuous and wholesome - the dining room has a quaint feel to it with a bay window overlooking Garbut point. An old sepia-ed map of Matheran framed on one side of the entrance, the music player softly issuing instrumental tracks of old favourites(the pianist being a late member of the family that owns Lord's), the paintings on the walls, the old dresser - you're transported
back to an era that you wouldnt think could coexist with the cacophonious present.
For kids and adults, apart from the swimming pool which can be quite addictive, theres a badminton court, a huge chess board, carrom and table tennis setup. There's a kid's play area too for the little ones to keep busy when the family isnt busy exploring Matheran.
The staff is polite and affable. They do expect you to tip them when you say your goodbyes, though discreetly.
The owners are warm and amiable. You bump into atleast one of them around the hotel, open to a friendly little chat.
All in all, Lord's Central deserves a repeat visit and I recommend those who havent paid their first yet, to do so.soon. Don't expect the usual plushness or artificial comforts of a
conventional hotel or even the kind of guests that one would expect in those hotels and you will return delighted.
P.S. The hotel closes from 20/25th June to September during the rains.
