The Fern Lonavala Review: Our Family Stay

Posted on Aug 24th, 2026

by Monisha

Categories:

Travel

The Fern Lonavala:
A Comfortable Family Stay in the Hills

Planning a short getaway to Lonavala, we chose The Fern, An Ecotel Hotel for our stay. Located at Valvan, just off the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, the hotel is conveniently placed for travellers coming from Mumbai or Pune. The property combines a contemporary hotel experience with a quieter setting away from the busy parts of Lonavala.

Location

One of the things I liked about The Fern Lonavala was its accessibility. The property is close to the expressway and Lonavala’s main areas, making it convenient for a short family trip. It is located near Valvan and is also within reach of several popular attractions around Lonavala.

Our Room

The Fern offers different categories of rooms and suites, including the Winter Green Room, Fern Classic Room, Hazel Suite and Fern Classic Suite. The rooms are designed with a modern and comfortable feel, with facilities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, in-room dining and housekeeping.

For a family stay, having a comfortable room makes a big difference, especially when travelling with my daughter, who loves having the space to play, move around and make herself comfortable. After spending the day exploring Lonavala, it was nice to come back to a comfortable space where we could relax, unwind and recharge for the next day.

Food and Dining

The hotel has dining options, including Glass Cafe, an all-day dining restaurant, along with other food and beverage spaces. The property also offers in-room dining, which can be particularly convenient when travelling with children.

Things to Do Inside the Hotel

One reason I found the property suitable for a family stay is that there are things to do within the hotel itself. The property offers a swimming pool, a children’s play area, and activities such as indoor games, along with other facilities including a gym and spa.

This means you don’t necessarily have to plan every minute of your Lonavala trip around sightseeing. Sometimes, staying back at the hotel and simply enjoying the facilities can be part of the holiday too.

Space to Walk, Play and Relax

One thing we really enjoyed was the open space around the property. My daughter loved having enough room to walk around, ride her scooter and enjoy some outdoor time instead of being indoors throughout the stay. The ample parking space was another practical advantage for us, especially since we travelled by car.

A Warm Welcome and Smooth Check-In

The security checks at the entrance felt well managed, and we were greeted warmly by the staff. The check-in process was comfortable, and I liked the way the staff attended to us throughout our arrival and stay. It gave us a good first impression of the property.

A Good Option for Families

Travelling with children is slightly different from travelling as a couple. Having space to play, a swimming pool, indoor activities and convenient dining options can make the stay more comfortable for the entire family.

For us, The Fern Lonavala worked well as a short family getaway, especially because we could combine sightseeing with some relaxed time at the property.

A Massive Bathroom We Actually Enjoyed in Our Suite

Since we booked a suite, the spacious bathroom turned out to be one of the highlights of our stay. My daughter enjoyed her own little “private pool” experience in the bathtub, while I could sit comfortably on the chair beside her and read my book. It became a lovely little mother-daughter moment rather than just a bathroom stop.

As an architect, I particularly appreciated how well-planned and thoughtfully laid out the bathroom was. The generous space and seating arrangement made it feel both functional and relaxing.

What I Liked

Convenient location near the Mumbai–Pune Expressway
Comfortable and modern rooms
Swimming pool
Children’s play area
Indoor activities
Multiple dining options
Suitable for a family stay
Good option for a short Lonavala break

Final Thoughts

Our stay at The Fern Lonavala was more than just having a place to sleep between sightseeing trips. It gave us the option to slow down, spend time together and enjoy the hotel itself.

If you are looking for a family-friendly stay in Lonavala where you can combine sightseeing with some relaxed time at the property, The Fern is worth considering.