May 27, 2011 01:47 PM
3506 Views
I've stayed in this resort from 16th to 18th May'11. We had taken a package of 3 nights and 4 days and it was a disappointing experience. Let's see how it did on various parameters.
Location: It's located next to a great beach, gently sloping and great for a dip. However it isn't private and there's a 500 mts walk though the landscaped area at the back of the resort before you get to it. Also, the hotel dosen't have any facilities on the beach so if you want to lounge on a sun bed, you'll have to hire that from a shack and will be charged extra for it.
Rooms: The sea view rooms are a scam since tall coconut trees prevent any real sea view and all you get to see are spots of blue through the landscaping. These are charged higher w/o any reason since the amenities and size is the same for a garden facing room as well. However the room itself is nicely done. The TV is a disappointment since an LCD has become the norm for a five star resort these days, however what you will get here is a 21 inch with poor reception. There is however, a mini bar and a spacious sit out.
Service: Incredibly poor, there wasn't a menu in my room and I asked for one. It arrived after 45 minutes and 3 phone calls. There was no follow up from anyone to us regarding items in the package. For instance, if there was a massage included, I was the one who had to call up the spa and book and appointment. There was a full day of sightseeing for which nobody contacted me and the guest relations desk decided on their own when a special dinner (which we were eligible for as a part of the package) was to be scheduled.
Amenities - A mixed bag, the pool was wonderful and huge in size. It was well kept and they had a functional pool bar as well, adequate sun beds were provided. We had the pool to ourselves through the day (although this may have been due to the fact that at the time of our trip the resort was stocked with Indian janta who spent their time in the room and never came down to the pool). Anyways, we got lucky.
There are no recreational facilities whatsoever since they are undergoing some renovation, however there is a nice spa and an adequate gym to relax and stay fit. The grounds are landscaped well and an outdoor oversized chess board is a nice touch. There is a library which is stocked with only russian books (again a disappointment) and internet facilities which guests need to pay for (seriously). The 24 hour coffee shop is poorly stocked and was often left unattended to during my stay.
Food: Again a mixed bag, the ala carte menu is shamelessly overpriced and the buffet is dominated with Indian food. Only two continental options for lunch and dinner and 3 for breakfast :( On the whole the entire buffet space is poorly managed with kids spilling food all over the place and parents jostling each other. Food quality is poor for Indian, however the continental was nice. Dessert was a saving grace, however if you are the type who prefers eggless desserts, not much for you then.
Overall: A poor experience, in my case when I book a package and check into a five star hotel I expect to be taken care of nicely, not having to ask repeatedly for items or to have screaming kids around me when I am trying to enjoy a nice romantic dinner with my wife. The worst thing was running after the staff for items included in the package, and the incredibly poor ambience created by the janta staying in the resort. The profile of the guests leaves a lot to be desired and the staff behaviour was atrocious at times. The only saving grace was the pool, the spa and the fact that they gave us a surprise room decoration on the 2nd day of our stay. On the whole, an overpriced hotel not worth it, there are much better places in Goa for much less
Oh BTW, we paid 25, 000 for our 3 night stay in May'11.
Cheerios
CS
