R. B. Curumsey Damjee Arogya Bhuvan
(http://matheran.org/). A health sanatorium in Matheran run by a public charitable trust. All the proceeds from this sanatorium are used in maintenance of the property and for other charitable purposes only. Situated near Monkey point it is equidistant from Dasturi Car park and the Market away from the crowd where there is just you and nature. Two old heritage bungalows have been taken over and remodeled and two more bungalows have been added. All bungalows face a lush green forest. Each bungalow is divided into 2 or 3 units. The place is vegetarian and alcohol is prohibited. The trust's rules apply.
During the peak season, when it is very busy, prices are often as high as four times the off-season winter price. Be ready to shell out minimum of INR 2000 for a modest non AC double bed room on a weekend. As it is a popular weekend trip from Mumbai, mid week is less full so you should be able to negotiate better prices. While there are many hotels in the centre of town, there are more secluded hotels down the paths away from the central buildings. Its always better to stay in hotels in the market as you can roam around there once it gets dark.In far off hotels you would get locked up in the room as it wont be advisable to venture out in the dark in forest. Better do not book any rooms from the agents who would surround you at Nerel Station.There are many rooms Hotels,Cottages,Resorts up at the Matheran Market and it is better to actually check the rooms and then deal directly with the owners as this can save money as well as the disappointed of being dubbed into a poorly maintained and sub standard room! Given most hotels can offer food, it needn't be an inconvenience being out of the town centre. Due to the space in Matheran, hotels often have extra facilities from ping-pong tables and swings to swimming pools.
Byke
One of the oldest resorts; definitely the oldest 3 star resort in matheran. its well away from the crowds and has been around for 20 years. mainly consists of several colonial style cottages and has managed to preserve some of the old world charm & character. has a mid sized swimming pool for adults and a baby pool for kids, rain dance area, restaurant, tennis & badminton courts, a small hall like discotheque with a stage, health club, games room, several swings that you can relax on. its nice & green and the food is decent as well. definitely worth checking out.
Another good budget option for the families is Woodlands Hotel. Situated in the forest as the name suggests but just 10 mins walk from the Station/Market. Homely atmosphere with good food and service. Animal lovers will be happy to know that pets are more than welcome here.
There are plenty of hotels to suit all budgets. Maharashtra Tourism's site MTDC has a list of home stays as well. Most Matheran hotels and resorts advertise in the local Mid Day travel classifieds so it is easy to compare prices.
Most of the above mentioned websites do not mention the following small hotels which allow you lodging and boarding:
Hotel Preeti. This is a clean and neat place with considerable space for people to sit outside their rooms on swings and sofas. The rooms are clean and the beds look warm. The price is Rs.300 for one person a day without food. With food, which includes breakfast tea and two meals it is Rs.600 for one person. Rates on a summer Saturday
Krishna Villa. This place is not the best place to be if you are going with your family, but if you are with your friends and don't care too much about the rooms being slightly small this place can give you a good deal at Rs.240 per head without the food. Rates on a summer Saturday
Meghdoot. This is slightly better than Krishna Villa but not as good as Hotel Preeti. The asked for a sum of Rs.1500 for five people per day.
There are several locals who have turned their houses in the villages into tourist cottages. These are very cheap and clean but don't expect too much service. You will not these days near the "Pramod Bar".