Altafs cafe is the reference point, you will see the DOSTEL board right below altafs cafe. For parking you have to use the black gate just after Sunrise Cafe and before Manna Cafe and drive down to the parking spot which is steep and should be done by experienced drivers.

Dostel : dost1234

CHECK OUT 10 AM

Staff : 

Manager: +918838299201 (Mushtak)

Ground Staff: +919655216065 (Chitra)

Owner: +919826331133 (Danish)

Important Information to Know Before Your Stay

We’re thrilled to host you in Vattakanal! To ensure you have the best experience, here are a few things to keep in mind before your arrival:

*Hilltop Access*: Our properties are located on a serene hilltop, which involves a short climb with a few uneven steps at the beginning. But don't worry—our friendly staff will be there to assist you with your luggage and anything else you might need. But pack light, and backpacks are preferred.

*Room Setup*: We make every effort to ensure your space is perfectly prepared. In case we miss something by accident, just inform our on-ground team—they’ll be happy to assist promptly & best point of contact for immediate help. 

Keep your shoes out, 

and no smoking 

or food inside the rooms. 

Keeps bedsheets neat please &

avoid damages 

which maybe charged otherwise.

🚭NO DRUGS OR SMOKING INSIDE ROOMS💊

*Power Backup*: We’re proud to be one of the few properties in the area with a power backup system (6–8 hours) to keep things running smoothly during any power cuts. But at times it can be longer than backup can last and we request yo to be patient as this also a part of mountain life.

*On-Ground Support*: Danish (your co-host and co-owner) will be present during your stay, along with 2–3 support staff members. We’ll share all relevant contact details close to your check-in date.

*Parking*: Dostel is one of the few properties with pvt parking and we shall reserve the spot if you update well in advance about your booking & ETA with the vehicle. Otherwise On-street parking is the norm in Vattakanal, as there are no dedicated car parks elsewhere due to narrow roads. We’re happy to guide and assist you with parking arrangements as needed.

*Food & Water*: Altafs Cafe,  is in the property. Most dining options in Vattakanal close by 9 PM, and plastic water bottles are banned—so we suggest planning your meals and luggage accordingly. We have water filter to refill bottles though.

*Hostel Experience*: Staying in a hostel is different from a hotel. While we provide basic like drinking water, bed and basic amenities. Other amenities like heating, toilet paper and towels are not included. Thank you for understanding, and we may provide you things as needed at add-on costs.

*Water Supply*: Water comes from a mountain stream and it may be muddy or of color at times  especially during the rains. Water flow may temporarily disrupted due to blockages or air locks and we request you to always keep a bucket handy and filled for emergencies while ground staff resolve the issues.

*Weather & Packing*: The weather in Kodaikanal is beautifully unpredictable—think mist, rain, and chilly winds. Please pack warm clothing, rain gear, and suitable footwear. If you plan on hiking, it’s advisable to check for leeches afterward and carry hiking shoes and sandals. The weather range between 4-15 degrees so its always good to have a good waterproof wind cheater handy.

*WiFi & Dining*:  Wifi is mentioned below and You’ll receive WiFi credentials at check-in as well. We’ll also provide a food menu/options for in-room dining options.

*Shared Spaces*: Dostel & Vattakanal has a warm, community vibe. You may see other guests and visitors around the property. We kindly ask that you treat the space like your own home and help us maintain a peaceful atmosphere. 

• Please do not use other beds in shared dorm apart from yours. 

• Respect personal space,  and 

• keep public places neat like washroom clean after every use. 

• Make your bed when not in use. 

• And not to touch other stuff and use lockers to keep valuables. 

• No Smoking or taking calls in dorms.

• Quiet hours after 10 Pm.

These are the basics of dorm etiquettes and we expect everyone to follow.

*Check-In/Out Timing*:  

Check In time is 2 Pm - 6 Pm

Check out by 10 Am. 

Late arrivals (after 6 PM) can be tricky because of mountain terrain and darkness. Its best to arrive in broad daylight. Early Check Ins & Late check-outs can be tricky since room  have to be vacated first and needs time to be prepared for incoming travelers & hence we require you to share your travel plans with us in advance so we can help you settle in comfortably or arrange for alternative rooms at add on charges.

*Travel Permits*: If you're self-driving or riding in, an online e-pass is required to enter Kodaikanal. Guests from outside Tamil Nadu may be subject to checks, so kindly avoid carrying alcohol or recreational substances.

*Wildlife Awareness*: Our compound is shared with some amazing wildlife—peacocks, bison, boars, and friendly dogs. Please maintain a safe distance for everyone’s safety and comfort. Keep doors and windows closed for monkeys can be a nuisance. 

*Contact Hours*: For non-urgent queries, Danish and I may be unavailable for calls after 10 PM. We appreciate your understanding and are happy to assist during the day.

*Cab Bookings & Travel Help*: Need help planning a trip or arranging transport? Just reach out—we're happy to help make your visit seamless.

We would like to inform you about a few additional details.

1. Kitchen services: We don't have a kitchen. We provide menus from local restaurants or home cooked meals from hosts in the room and they deliver the food in the room. All food is made fresh so they would need a bit of time to prepare the food, please inform in advance or pre-order one meal ahead if possible for reduced wait times. The pricing, the menu and service is not controlled or managed by us. The feedback for the food provided has been good overall.

2. We don't provide a bonfire service, the locals do this as they get firewood and there is a pit in the cabin stay compound. The cost for this will be external and not determined by us. If you avail this service consider getting some marshmallows that you can roast. You can also avail a BBQ service.

3. We occasionally have water pipeline or airlock issue. We are working on the issue but it is ongoing and will be resolved over the coming months by monsoon rains. If the water stops you can inform our staff and they will fix it quickly and provide a resolution (It is a manual job to refill the tank or to release the line, so that's why staff needs to be informed). We will try to ensure there will be no problem during your stay but keeping you informed so there is no panic.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

• Reservation Confirmation:
  Bookings are confirmed once advanced payment is done. Guests will receive an automated confirmation email with all stay details.  In case you havent, DM to get the bill. Balance payments have to be paid in full at the time of Check In.
  
  

• Minimum Stay:
  A minimum stay of 2 nights is required unless otherwise stated, mainly on weekends and holidays.
  
  

• Maximum Occupancy:
  Most properties accommodates up to [2-4] guests per room according to the occupancy and bookings made. Only registered guests included in the reservation are permitted on the property unless prior approval is granted and additional charges may add.
  
  

• Check-In / Check-Out:
  
  

Check-in: After [2:00 PM]

Check-out: By  [10:00 AM]

Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request and subject to availability and additional fees.

• Security Deposit:
  Advance is mandatory to confirm your bookings and are non refundable. It is required to cover damages or rule violations/cancellations. This deposit will be adjusted in rentals before checkout.
  
  

Cancellation Policy

• Policy apply as mentioned on booking platforms (Airbnb/agoda/mmt/booking) etc.

Or

• Standard Policy (Moderate Option):

Full Payments to be cleared at Check in Time/Offers May not apply otherwise

• • Guests can cancel up to 7 days before check-in for a full refund.

  • Cancellations made within 7 days of check-in will receive a 50% refund for unused nights.

  • No Refunds for cancellation made less than 48 Hrs before check-in. 

  • Tariffs are 25% extra for such bookings & no discounts.

  • Offers are restricted to bookings and dates mentioned only when its done in advance. Otherwise daily charges will apply on individual booking basis.
    
    

• Strict Option (for high-demand listings & Holidays):
  
  

  • Guests can cancel up to 14 days before check-in for a 50% refund.
    
    

  • No refunds for cancellations made less than 14 days before check-in.

Early Departures / No-Shows

• No refunds will be issued for early departures or no-shows or future dates cancelations once the stay has begun.
  
  

Host Cancellations

In the unlikely event that the host must cancel a booking due to unforeseen circumstances, guests can either receive a full refund or assistance in finding comparable accommodation in the same locality.

Changes to Bookings

Requests to modify booking dates or guest count must be made through Manager and approved by the host prior to arrival. Changes are subject to availability and any applicable rate differences plus 25% of booking charges.