Smile Stone — Restaurant in Maharashtra

Travelling with elderly- this might be useful

The walking route to restroom is now deliberately kept far, people are forced to walk long distance post COVID , it's too much of inconvenience & hassle for elderly people who genuinely struggle. I have seen a few times elderly folks struggle end up spoiling their clothes enroute.

This has been brought to notice of hotel manager couple of times in person and had also entered remarks on their paper register but mgmt is NOT interested to address.

Many of our family and friy have now started avoiding breaks at smile stones. There are more number of options unlike earlier days and options are equally good enroute. For example see Sweet Home- just couple of mins ahead towards Ahmednagar fly over or Sandeep in Ahmednagar, or Kamath, etc. There are plenty more.

It is sad to know Hotel management is NOT interested in providing little support to elderly folks who in first place introduced us to smile stones. How strange! Is it to too much to ask for?

Why am I writing? I'm frequent traveller on the route and have been a patron of Smile Stones since 1996-97. Somehow I felt attached. I frequently travel with family, friends and many times with elderly. The elderly folks have been visiting this place for more than 20/25+ years, there is some nostalgia associated.

Edit 1: June 2023

Post mgmt feedback on this review comment was the inconvenience will be resolved and a shorter route will be made available directly from parking(which is already there since long but now is blocked with wire mesh). The statement does not mean anything. It's just an utter lie. Mgmt is NOT interested. If you are travelling with elderly, may I suggest, use alternate options- Smile Stones is too much of hassle. See latest pic

Edit 2: June 2024 No change in mgmt attitude towards elderly support. Avoid if you are travelling with elderly folks who find it difficult to walk long distance only...

Pathetic Experience – Request to All Bus Operators

I recently had an extremely unpleasant experience at this food stop while traveling by Pune–Indore bus. The staff’s tone was soft, but their words and actions were disrespectful and made me feel unwelcome.

If you bring your own food, they make you sit in a small, uncomfortable side room, far away from the main dining area. Even if you plan to order from them, they don’t allow you to sit on their so-called “high-class” chairs. Their policy says you cannot eat your home-cooked food alongside anything ordered from them. This is unreasonable — some passengers may be sick or unable to digest outside food. A polite and fair approach would be to ask the customer what they wish to order and allow them to eat what they can.

When I questioned this, the staff said, “Aap 100 rupee de do aur beth jao” (Give ₹100 and sit). Even after I said I would order something, they insisted on a ₹100 “token” to sit. I’ve traveled to many places and never seen such a policy.

The whole interaction gave me the feeling that I was being judged by my appearance and treated as if I wasn’t “worthy” of sitting at their prime tables. If any bus travel agencies have tie-ups with this place, I request you to reconsider for the comfort of your passengers.

The only relief was that they did not charge for using their “high-class” washroom — a small courtesy in an otherwise unpleasant experience.

We cannot grow as a society if we look down on people just because they have home-cooked food with them. Respect every customer — whether they order a full meal or just...

I recently dined at this restaurant, and I have to say, their service was top-notch. From the moment we walked in, we felt like valued guests. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and truly added to the overall dining experience.

The meals served here were nothing short of exceptional. Each dish was a culinary masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with flavors that delighted our taste buds. It's clear that the chefs here are passionate about their craft, and it truly shows in every bite.

For families with children, the restaurant's play area is a fantastic addition. It allowed the little ones to have fun in a safe and entertaining space, giving the adults the opportunity to enjoy their meals in peace.

The restaurant's location right off the highway made it incredibly convenient for travelers like us. It was the perfect pit stop during our road trip, and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the dining experience despite its highway proximity.

And to top it all off, the prices were very reasonable, especially considering the caliber of the food and service. Dining here felt like a luxury experience without the extravagant price tag.

In conclusion, this restaurant is a hidden gem. With its outstanding service, delectable meals, family-friendly play area, convenient highway location, and wallet-friendly prices, it's a dining destination that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking an exceptional...