The Ridgeview Retreat

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.

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.

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.