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3-star hotels in Matheran
A shortlist of 3-star hotels in Matheran, the vehicle-free hill station in the Western Ghats. It is for couples, families and short-break travellers who want a forested base near the market, the viewpoints and the walking paths, chosen by guest rating and setting.
Staying in Matheran
Matheran is a 19th-century hill station where cars stop at Dasturi Naka and the town continues on foot, pony or hand-pulled rickshaw. Semi-evergreen forest covers the surrounding hills, and more than 30 viewpoints include Panorama Point for wide Western Ghats views and Louisa Point for sunsets. The colonial-era bungalows, the Charlotte Lake that supplies the town, and the narrow-gauge toy train from Neral give it a slow, old-fashioned character.
The hotels on this shortlist sit along M.G. Road and the nearby lanes of the central market area, with others on Chinoy Rd, Kasturba Rd and in Indira Gandhi Nagar. That puts most of them within a short walk of the bazaar, eateries and the main walking paths, while the quieter lake side suits those who prefer to be away from the crowds. Couples get sunset viewpoints and pool time; families get easy walks and pony rides; short-break visitors get a compact town that is simple to explore on foot.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Rangoli Retreat
B.P. 187 M.G Road Opp Railway Station Matheran Sector 17 New Panvel East New Panvel Raigad Maharashtra 410102 India Opposite Railway Stationmatheran 410102Raigad, Matheran, India
Why stay hereRangoli Retreat sits right opposite the railway station on M.G Road, so you step off the train and you are already there. Its night club and restaurant keep the evening going without a walk back through town. A 3-star address with 1,037 reviews and a 4.6 guest rating, it suits travellers who want the railway line and the market at their doorstep rather than a quiet edge of Matheran.
See Rangoli RetreatUsha Ascot
M G Road, Matheran, India
Best for: Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
Why stay hereUsha Ascot on M G Road gives you an outdoor pool and a bar alongside its restaurant, which makes it a comfortable base for couples and families who want to swim and unwind after a day on Matheran's paths. It is 0.8 km from the centre, so the bazaar and the viewpoints are a short amble away. With 1,541 reviews and a 4.1 rating, it is one of the more tried-and-tested 3-star stays here.
See Usha AscotHotel Ashok
Chinoy Rd, Matheran, India
Best for: Breakfast · Business trips
- Breakfast
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereHotel Ashok on Chinoy Rd suits guests who want a garden and a picnic area to sit in, plus breakfast on site and free wifi to stay connected. Dry cleaning and laundry services are there for longer stays, and luggage storage helps if you arrive before check-in. It lies 0.7 km from the centre, and 874 reviews give it a 4.1 guest rating among Matheran's 3-star properties.
See Hotel AshokHotel Kumar Plaza
Plot No 149 M.G. Road, Matheran, India
Best for: Pool and spa · Step-free access
- Outdoor pool
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereHotel Kumar Plaza on M.G. Road combines an outdoor pool and a restaurant with a cafe, so there is somewhere to eat and somewhere to swim without leaving the property. A 24 hour front desk and wheelchair accessible facilities make it practical for families and for guests arriving late. At 0.4 km from the centre it is close to the heart of Matheran, and 1,315 reviews back its 3.9 guest rating.
See Hotel Kumar PlazaThe Wayside Inn
201 M. G. Road Matheran Matheran, Matheran, India
Best for: Pool and spa · Travelling with pets
- Outdoor pool
- Pets allowed
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereThe Wayside Inn on M. G. Road welcomes pets and keeps non smoking rooms, which is unusual among Matheran's 3-star hotels and useful for travellers who bring a dog or prefer a smoke-free floor. There is an outdoor pool, a garden and a restaurant, with room service and free wifi for the evenings. It stands 0.4 km from the centre, and 1,113 reviews give it a 3.8 guest rating.
See The Wayside InnRedwood Resort Matheran
Mg Rd Opp. Police Station Matheran Maharashtra 410102 India Matheran, Matheran, India
Best for: Pool and spa · Business trips
- Indoor pool
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereRedwood Resort Matheran, on Mg Rd opposite the police station, has an indoor pool and a bar, so a swim and a drink are possible whatever the weather. Non smoking rooms, a garden and a restaurant round out the stay, with room service and free wifi available. It is 0.7 km from the centre and holds a 3.8 guest rating from 819 reviews, a reasonable fit for guests who prefer an indoor pool to an outdoor one.
See Redwood Resort MatheranSun N Shades Resort
Indira Gandhi Nagar Matheran 400102, Matheran, India
Best for: Pool and spa · Step-free access
- Indoor pool
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereSun N Shades Resort in Indira Gandhi Nagar offers an indoor pool and a restaurant, with a concierge and a 24 hour front desk to handle arrangements during your stay. Free wifi, luggage storage and laundry service cover the practical side, and wheelchair accessible facilities are available. It sits 0.7 km from the centre, and its 1,392 reviews give it a 3.7 guest rating among Matheran's 3-star options.
See Sun N Shades ResortRoyal Hotel At Matheran
Kasturba Rd, Matheran, India
Best for: Pool and spa · Breakfast
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Breakfast
Why stay hereRoyal Hotel At Matheran on Kasturba Rd pairs an outdoor pool and a spa with breakfast and a buffet, so you can swim, take a treatment and eat without going far. A 24 hour front desk and a meeting room make it work for both leisure guests and small groups. It is 0.0 km from the centre, right in the thick of things, with a 3.6 guest rating from 1,089 reviews.
See Royal Hotel At Matheran
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Breakfast | Pool or spa | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rangoli Retreat | ★★★ | 4.6 | 1,037 | – | – | 0.0 km |
| Usha Ascot | ★★★ | 4.1 | 1,541 | – | Yes | 0.8 km |
| Hotel Ashok | ★★★ | 4.1 | 874 | Yes | – | 0.7 km |
| Hotel Kumar Plaza | ★★★ | 3.9 | 1,315 | – | Yes | 0.4 km |
| The Wayside Inn | ★★★ | 3.8 | 1,113 | – | Yes | 0.4 km |
| Redwood Resort Matheran | ★★★ | 3.8 | 819 | – | Yes | 0.7 km |
| Sun N Shades Resort | ★★★ | 3.7 | 1,392 | – | Yes | 0.7 km |
| Royal Hotel At Matheran | ★★★ | 3.6 | 1,089 | Yes | Yes | 0.0 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Hotel Ashok has a garden, picnic area and breakfast, which suits children who need space to run. The Wayside Inn allows pets and has an outdoor pool, and Hotel Kumar Plaza adds a 24 hour front desk and a wheelchair accessible setup. All three are in the central market area, close to the bazaar and the walking paths.
For couples
Usha Ascot pairs a bar with an outdoor pool, and Royal Hotel At Matheran adds a spa and an outdoor pool. All are 3-star and well placed for evening walks to the viewpoints.
For business travellers
Hotel Ashok and Redwood Resort Matheran both list a business center and free wifi, with dry cleaning or laundry services to keep things practical. Redwood Resort also has a bar and an indoor pool for winding down. Both are a short distance from the centre, which keeps meetings and errands on foot.
For pool and spa
The Wayside Inn, Hotel Kumar Plaza, Royal Hotel At Matheran and Usha Ascot have outdoor pools, while Redwood Resort Matheran and Sun N Shades Resort have indoor ones. Royal Hotel At Matheran is the only one here with a spa, useful after a day on the unpaved trails.
The Wayside Inn · Hotel Kumar Plaza · Royal Hotel At Matheran · Redwood Resort Matheran · Sun N Shades Resort · Usha Ascot
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Matheran is reached by road from Mumbai or Pune to Dasturi Naka, the parking area, followed by a walk or hand-pulled rickshaw ride into town. The nearest railway station is Neral, connected by the narrow-gauge Matheran Hill Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Neral, the toy train takes about two hours, or you can take a taxi to Dasturi Naka and then walk. Within Matheran, no vehicles are allowed, so getting around is on foot, by pony, or by hand-pulled rickshaw. Paths are unpaved and can be muddy during the monsoon.
When to go
The best time to visit Matheran is from October to May, when the weather is cool and dry. Winter, from November to February, is pleasant with clear views. Summer, from March to May, can be warm during the day but remains cooler than the plains. The monsoon months from June to September bring heavy rainfall, lush greenery, and occasional leeches on trails. Avoid the monsoon if you prefer dry paths and clear viewpoints.
Questions, answered
Which hotel is closest to the centre of Matheran?
Rangoli Retreat has km_to_centre of 0.0, as does Royal Hotel At Matheran. Hotel Kumar Plaza and The Wayside Inn are both 0.4 km from the centre, Hotel Ashok is 0.7 km, and Usha Ascot, Redwood Resort Matheran and Sun N Shades Resort are 0.7 km to 0.8 km away.
Which is the top-rated 3-star hotel here?
Rangoli Retreat has the highest guest rating on this shortlist at 4.6 out of 5 from 1037 reviews. Usha Ascot and Hotel Ashok follow at 4.1 from 1541 and 874 reviews respectively.
Do any of these hotels allow pets?
The Wayside Inn is the only hotel on this shortlist that lists pets allowed. It also has an outdoor pool, a garden, air conditioning and free wifi, and sits 0.4 km from the centre on M.G. Road.
Which hotels have a pool?
Usha Ascot, Hotel Kumar Plaza, The Wayside Inn and Royal Hotel At Matheran list outdoor pools. Redwood Resort Matheran and Sun N Shades Resort list indoor pools. The Wayside Inn also lists a separate swimming pool.
Which hotels are best for families?
Hotel Ashok has a garden and picnic area with breakfast, and The Wayside Inn allows pets and has an outdoor pool. Hotel Kumar Plaza adds a 24 hour front desk and wheelchair access. All are 3-star and within 0.7 km of the centre.
Is there parking at these Matheran hotels?
No hotel on this shortlist lists parking, and Matheran itself is vehicle-free. Private vehicles are not allowed beyond Dasturi Naka, where you park and continue on foot, by hand-pulled rickshaw, or on horseback.
Which hotels have a spa or wellness facility?
Royal Hotel At Matheran is the only hotel on this shortlist that lists a spa. It also has a 24 hour front desk, breakfast, a buffet, free wifi, a meeting room and an outdoor pool, and sits in the centre of Matheran.
Do the hotels serve breakfast?
Hotel Ashok and Royal Hotel At Matheran both list breakfast. Royal Hotel At Matheran also lists a buffet. Other hotels on this shortlist list restaurants but do not state whether breakfast is included.