🏔️
2
Bedrooms
🐾
2 Pets
Max allowed
💰
₹10,000
Refundable pet deposit (1 pet)
Perched on a quiet hilltop near Naldehra in Himachal Pradesh, The Ridgeview Retreat is a pet-friendly 2-room suite homestay that earns its name - floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies frame expansive forest and mountain views from both bedrooms. The interconnected two-bedroom unit (each room 250 sq. ft.) sits on the first floor of the homestay, offering a level of privacy that works well for a small group or family travelling with dogs. Pets are formally welcomed here, with a structured pet policy, refundable security deposits, and a clear set of house rules - the kind of straightforward clarity that pet parents actually appreciate before they arrive.
✓ Confirmed by the property
The Ridgeview Retreat has a documented pet policy on its listing page. Pets are allowed on the property. A refundable pet security deposit applies - ₹10,000 for one pet and ₹15,000 for two pets, collected in addition to the standard security deposit. A one-time pet sanitation fee is also collected at check-in (fee varies by unit size). Pets are not permitted in the pool - a ₹10,000 penalty applies if this rule is overlooked. Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
The Suite - What You're Actually Getting
The two-bedroom unit is an interconnected layout, meaning both rooms open into a shared living space - practical if you're travelling as a family or with another couple, and your dog gets significantly more room to move around than a standard hotel room would allow. Each bedroom features a king-sized bed, a 42-inch TV, wardrobe space with hangers, bedside reading lamps, and an electric kettle. The ensuite bathroom includes a bathtub, western commode, and basic toiletries. The design leans contemporary - marble flooring, subtle wall art, recessed ceiling lighting - refined enough to feel like a retreat without being precious about a dog being in the room.
Both bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that open onto private balconies overlooking the forested hillside. For dogs who like to watch the world go by, this is genuinely good news - the balcony access means they're not cooped up while you sit outside. The suite is located on the first floor, which means stairs are involved; worth keeping in mind if you're travelling with an older dog or a very large breed.
Shared Spaces and Outdoors
Beyond the suite itself, the homestay has a well-considered set of shared facilities. The ground floor has a reception lounge and an indoor restaurant with seating for 16 guests - a clean, minimalist dining room attached to a lounge. A recreation zone includes a treadmill, stationary cycle, free weights, and a pool table in a naturally lit space with scenic views. The 300 sq. ft. lounge has a 52-inch TV, music system, heaters, and coffee tables - the sort of rainy-day indoor space that makes a hill station stay genuinely comfortable.
Outdoors, an open-air picnic and bonfire area surrounded by tall trees is the highlight for pet parents. Hill and forest views, safely accessible from the main property - this is where evenings with your dog are going to happen. The property also mentions nearby forest trails and nature walks, which makes Naldehra a practical base for dogs that need a proper walk rather than just a patch of lawn. The Naldehra Golf Course is close by, and the broader Shimla district setting means cool temperatures for most of the year - a significant advantage when travelling with dogs who struggle in the heat.
Pet Policy - The Numbers You Need
The pet policy here is more structured than most homestays, and that's worth reading carefully before you book. Two refundable deposits are collected: a standard property security deposit (amount listed as NA on the platform) and a separate pet security deposit of ₹10,000 for one pet or ₹15,000 for two pets. On top of that, a one-time pet sanitation fee is charged at check-in - the fee varies by unit size (₹1,000 for 1BHK, ₹2,000 for 2/3BHK, ₹3,000 for 4/5BHK+, ₹4,000 for Prive Collection). For a 2-bedroom unit, budget ₹2,000 for the sanitation fee plus the applicable pet deposit. These are refundable deposits, not non-refundable charges - but you do need to arrive with that cash or transfer amount ready.
The pool is strictly off-limits for pets, with a ₹10,000 penalty explicitly stated. Clean-up is the guest's responsibility. Damage charges apply at actuals. These are firm rules, not suggestions - the kind of clear policy that actually signals a property that has hosted pets before and knows what can go wrong. Check-in is from 2:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. The property hosts up to 4 guests across both rooms.
ℹ️ What to confirm before booking
The listing does not specify breed or size restrictions - confirm directly with the property if you're travelling with a large breed. It is also worth asking whether dogs are permitted in the indoor restaurant and lounge areas, or only in the suite and outdoor spaces. The pet sanitation fee and deposit are collected at check-in, so have the amounts ready. The cancellation policy is non-refundable within 15 days of check-in - factor this in when planning around your dog's health or travel conditions.
Getting There
The property is located in Baldeyan, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh - close to the Naldehra Golf Course, one of the oldest golf courses in India and a landmark that most drivers will know. Naldehra is approximately 22 km from Shimla town, making it accessible by road from Chandigarh or Delhi via NH5. The address pin is 55GX+V8, Naldehra, Himachal Pradesh 171015. If you're driving with dogs, the approach roads through the Shimla hills are narrow and winding - plan your drive for daylight hours and carry water and a travel bowl for rest stops along the route.
