Theft that would always haunt me during all my travels : We were a group of 8 who arrived on a late Monday afternoon & stayed for one night at their 3 bedroom villa. As soon as we arrived, we were happy with how they took good care of the safety precautions owing to covid. We were impressed with the tastefully done decor & the lush green campus . The lunch was also great (Akki rotis will get a 10/10). Then we proceeded to the villa & were glad that the place was not crowded like many other resorts (felt safe during a pandemic). Upon arrival at the villa, we were blown away by how grand it was - also clean, well maintained.. a very beautifully done property with nothing to complain about! Had a great time later during the evening, opted for their buffet dinner which was also as good as the lunch. Next morning, we went to the restaurant for the bfast & spent around 1.5 hours there. Returned to our rooms & got the shock of our lives - a locked villa with all our cash gone. All our wallets/bags everything was empty (Around 15k + Foreign currency) . Considering all the doors & windows were securely locked with no sign of barged entry from anywhere, we naturally thought it’s a theft done by someone from housekeeping. Also none of the iPads, Laptops, Slrs were missing - ONLY CASH ALL GONE. We rushed back to the reception area & told the manager the same & asked him to show us the CCTV footage to see which housekeeping person had access but to our utter disappointment & horror we learned that the property as big as Birchwood, with multiple villas & huge trees which almost looks like a dense forest has NO CCTVs ANYWHERE ! They only have the reception area covered. We can only imagine what could’ve happened if we had one of us left in the loo all alone when we went for that bfast. Yes the manager was supportive & we called the cops who arrived in no time - they looked around but filing an FIR was impossible for us considering we had to work to get back to at Bangalore & it required one of us to stay back during the entire investigation. However, they found that the sliding doors on the ground floor can be opened by a mere push at one of the corners (even when locked) - No points for guessing that this can't be the job of one intruder from outside the property, that too at 10am in broad daylight. Had to be someone who knew the doors are defective, had to be a group of min three ppl with one waiting to signal our position after bfast. We do understand these are desperate times, with business running at an all time low & can't directly accuse the owner or the manager for an act like this - this was a desperate act by ppl in need (without the smartness to even leave some cash behind in each wallet for us to not notice). We left without hard feelings & the manager didn't charge a penny for our stay. But only thing that I have issues with is the fact that they are running a property this huge without a single cctv around the villas. It haunts me to think that anything coulve happened had one of us stayed back.. we had a 3 year old kid with us. Hopefully they would make it safer in the future. And yes, I'd suggest future guests to not leave your valuables when you go for bfast and dinner . Not giving 1 star but 2 owing to the courteous staff...
Read moreMe and my wife stayed at Birchwood retreat on 1st Nov 2021. We can certainly say this resort is not how it was showed in the pics. Its rather small and not much to see or walk around. From the start till the end it wasn't a stay to remember. The guests were not received properly and left to find our own way to parking and to reception. No one was there to guide the guests or help with the luggage until you go to reception and ask for help. I did complain about this though I was told the staffs were new to the work. Our room was average, rather like a boutique hotel with no scenic view whatsoever. Television had only hand full of channels to see, which ever channel we change it says needs to be subscribed. Substandard level of running a so called luxury resort. We ordered lunch and dinner to our room. Food quality, taste and portions are good as long as you are paying for what you eat.We paid around 12k for a night stay in which only breakfast and a high tea and snacks was included as complimentary. Though the high tea provided was not at all orderly, we were waiting and the way the boys catered was pathetic. Either they forget to give the coffee/ tea or they give a luke warm tea. When we asked for the snacks, the person who was catering us nodded his head and moved away but no snacks were served even after waiting for a long time. We got pissed off and left the place. The breakfast buffet was average and very less items. Taste too was not so good. The worst part is their hospitality. None of the staffs working in that resort know what is customer service, no one is trained in hotel or hospitality management. No one greets you or give you a smile if you pass any of the staff in the corridors or while serving food but down right ignores you and doesnt even meet your eye even if you are standing somewhere looking for help or guidance and wont ask you if you need anything. While checking out no one asked if we enjoyed our stay, if the food is good etc.. No one even tries to get your feedback or recommendations but slaps you with the invoice and silently stands until you make the payment and get out. Doesnt even help you with your luggage until the car parking. The resort environment is so gloomy. They just want to run this business for the sake of running. Completely dissatisfied with the stay we had. Not at all worth the money spent. We dont recommend this resort to anyone looking for a great vacation experience.There are better resorts charging much less but with more trained and courteous staff who make you feel welcome and makes sure you had a...
Read moreA Memorable Stay at Birchwood Retreat, Coorg
Our recent stay at Birchwood Retreat in Coorg was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and courteous service that set the tone for a truly memorable experience.
Offbeat & Serene Location What sets Birchwood apart is its offbeat charm—tucked away from the hustle and bustle, the property offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature. The location is ideal for those looking to disconnect and rejuvenate. Surrounded by lush greenery and the calming sounds of nature, it feels like a hidden gem that still retains a strong connection to the wild beauty of Coorg.
Excellent Property & Decor The property itself is beautifully designed, striking a perfect balance between luxury and rustic elegance. The architecture and interiors reflect a thoughtful blend of modern comfort with traditional Coorg elements. Every corner is tastefully decorated, from the cozy lounge areas to the inviting rooms. The attention to detail—earthy tones, handcrafted furniture, and eco-conscious aesthetics—makes the stay even more enjoyable.
Courteous & Attentive Staff The staff at Birchwood Retreat deserve special mention. Every member of the team was genuinely warm, polite, and went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. Whether it was quick assistance, personalized meal recommendations, or simply checking in to see if everything was perfect—they consistently made us feel welcome and well taken care of. Mr. Santosh was one of the finest with his warm smile, great hospitality and top notch services !!
Delicious & Soulful Food One of the standout features of our stay was the amazing food. The meals were thoughtfully prepared with fresh, local ingredients and offered a variety of options catering to both local Coorg delicacies and global tastes. Each dish was flavorful, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care. Whether it was breakfast with scenic views or a cozy dinner under the stars, dining at Birchwood was a delight in itself.
Final Thoughts Birchwood Retreat is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience. If you're looking for an offbeat getaway in Coorg that offers serene surroundings, beautiful aesthetics, incredible food, and truly warm hospitality, this is the place to be. We left feeling refreshed, relaxed, and...
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