Kluney Manor - Fit for Royalty

The Kluney Manor is everything one would expect, when on a long awaited weekend beak. The wife and me wanted an escape to a picturesque locale, cool climate, excellent food, an element of luxury and access to very many interesting sightseeing spots… yes we wanted all the boxes ticked, after all it was a quick break after many months. Kluney Manor lived up to our expectations to a very commendable 80%.... It doesn’t mean that it lost out on 20% it’s just that I’m a bit stingy with my marks!

Let me dispense with the borderline negatives because it will be a quick and short, as there were very few issues. The approach… one could expect a travelers award if they locate the route to Kluney Manor, within the first 3 tries – it is tough but the very patient front office manager is more than happy to receive your frantic call any number of times to guide you in. The height of the King size bed, you do feel closer to the stars than Mother Earth. So if you have a toddler, like we do, you do tend to get a bit psyched. The minimalistic interiors approach does make the room feel large but it could do with a working table and a few more chairs, especially to sit in front of the fireplace, would be nice. Umm… that’s it! That was it on the negatives.

Right from the second we arrived, the friendly staff made us feel at home, Kluney Manor is located far from the madding crowd of the Ooty town centre, high up on a hillock. This gives you both an excellent view and the much needed privacy. We stayed in a classic cottage, which had a living area, a large bedroom with a delectable fireplace and a 21” TV (I thought LCDs are becoming a standard!) and a vintage almirah with a full size mirror on the front, a small dressing room and a decent bathroom. The classic cottages had their own private lawns in front where my little chap had a great time chasing birds, the lawn has a protected place for an evening bonfire and a couple of log benches to laze on… and of course an amazing view of Ooty town.

The food was probably one of the best that we had. Both of us are pretty choosy and fussy when it comes to food on a holiday and Kluney met with our approval. We are veggies (eggs allowed) and hence can’t comment on the entire menu. While breakfast does make one feel like you are back in your hostel canteen (very limited fare) taste and quality were very high up. The ala carte lunch and dinner menu gives you very good choice and that satiated smile after the meal.

Advertised as a Victorian resort, Kluney Manor does live up to that image. Whenever we are in Ooty next, I don’t expect to stay anywhere else. The long weekend has made us lifelong fans.