Hotels in Goa offer spacious accommodations in a destination nicknamed “Pearl of the Orient”. Known for its palm-tree-lined golden beaches, 17th century Portuguese churches, forts, tropical spice plantations, fishing villages, nightlife and regional Goan food, Goa is Bharat’s smallest state by area. Located along India’s western, Arabian Sea coastline, Goa is about 375 miles south of Mumbai, and 350 miles northwest of Bangalore. 21 miles in length, the Zuari River flows through Vasco da Gama, Goa and into the Marmagao Bay. Goa main attractions include Aguada Fort (1612 Portuguese fortress, 1864 abandoned lighthouse, ocean views), Calangute Beach (watersports, boating, waterskiing, parasailing, food stalls), Baga Beach (watersports, eateries, bars, nightspots), Candolim Beach (sunset views, parasailing, beer / seafood shacks, nearby market), Britto’s (seafood restaurant), Curlies Beach Shack (beachside restaurant, bar, nightclub), Mall De Goa (shopping mall), Chapora Fort (ruined fortress, sunset sea views), Anjuna Beach (parasailing, banana boats, jet ski rentals), Purple Martini (Continental restaurant), Cabo de Rama Fort (1763 Portuguese fortress remains, small chapel, seaside cliff), Baba Au Rhum Anjuna (European restaurant), Arambol Beach (golden sand, mild waves, eateries, snack stands, visitor facilities), Reis Magos Fort (restored 16th century fort, cultural center, river / sea views), Cola Beach, Morjim Beach, Jumpin Heights Goa (bungee jumping center), Mandrem Beach (secluded, accessed by small wooden bridge, lounge chairs, covered cafes), Se Cathedral (Catholic cathedral), Majorda Beach (watersports, rentable loungers, food shacks), Butterfly Beach (narrow stretch of sand, scenic, sunset views), Querim Beach (secluded, food vendors), Shri Kamakshi Temple (Hindu temple), St. Augustine Tower (1602 church complex), Majestic Paradise (casino), Ashvem Beach (fine sand, swimming, sunbathing, restaurants), Ozran Beach (green hills, rock formations, chairs, palapas), AAA All About Alcohol Museum, St Anthony Church (Catholic church), Arambol Mountain (scenic spot), Our Lady of Piety Church (Catholic church) and Shri Vijayadurga Temple (Hindu temple). Goa’s main airport is Goa Dabolim International Airport, with airport car rental agencies to include KGN Car Rental and Top Goa Car Rentals. Good to know is that Uber rideshare does operate in Goa, with service encompassing the airport. When traveling to Goa, it’s best to exchange currency in advance for using in markets and for small items. Keep in mind that carrying large amounts of cash while out-and-about is not advisable. Portuguese and Indian are the area’s main cultures. Goa generally is safe, though as with many places you should keep a close eye on valuable items. Smoking in public is prohibited in Goa. Appropriate attire is necessary if visiting temples or churches. Generally, on the northside you may find nightlife, on the southside scenery, in Panaji (central) restaurants. Naturally, along the coastline there are many beaches. In Goa, cars travel on the left-hand side, currency is the Indian rupee and the drinking age is 18 years old. Goan festivals include Goa Carnival, Goa Food & Culture Festival, Feast of Saint Francis Xavier, Sao Joao Festival, Sunburn Festival, Vh1 Supersonic (multi-genre music festival) and Grape Escapade (wine festival),. Hotels in Goa are some of India’s best accommodations. Before we get to hotels in Goa, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Some of India’s earliest traces of human life have been discovered in Goan rock art engravings, particularly in Usgalimal (South Goa) and Kajur. Acheulean stone tools have also been discovered in the area. Early Goan culture was defined by Indo-Aryan and Dravidian migrants, who amalgamated with aboriginal locals. Goa was part of the Buddhist Maurya Empire during the 3rd century BC, followed by the Kadambas of Goa dynasty. During medieval times in 1312, the Delhi Sultanate came to govern Goa, though they were subsequently forced to surrender the region to the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire circa 1370. In 1469, the Bahmani Sultanate took control of the territory, but fell to the Sultanate of Bijapur, who established their auxiliary capital Velha Goa, or Old Goa (as it became known under the Portuguese). By 1510, the Bijapur sultan Yusuf Adil Shah was defeated by the Portuguese with help from a local ally and privateer, Timoji. The Portuguese settled permanently at Velha Goa, which marked the beginning of their four-and-a-half century rule over the area. In 1560, the Goa Inquisition formal tribunal was established to enforce Catholic orthodoxy and allegiance to the Apostolic See of the Pontifex. During the late-18th century, the territory of Goa was split into two segments, the Velhas Conquistas (Old Conquests – central nucleus) and the Novas Conquistas (New Conquests – added territories). The 1787 Pinto Revolt against the Portuguese, led by a Goan noble family, resulted in a rebel suppression. Having been revealed by a Goan Catholic baker, the Pinto Revolt conspiracy saw to 47 conspirators being arrested and punished (17 priests and 7 army officers included), and 15 being executed publicly at the old Panjim pillory near the present-day GPO (General Post Office) in Panjim. The Portuguese moved Goa’s capital from Old Goa to Cidade da Nova Goa (City of New Goa – present-day Panjim) circa 1843. India gained independence from British rule in 1947. At this time, India requested that Portugal cede the Indian subcontinent territories to India, which the Portuguese refused. The December 19, 1961 Operation Vijay, initiated by India against Portugal, led to an Indian victory and the territories of Goa, Daman and Diu being annexed into the Republic of India. On May 30, 1987, Goa split from the union territory (with Daman and Diu) to become India’s twenty-fifth independent state.
Home to around 1.5 million Goans, Goa lies on western India’s Konkan region and is separated from the Deccan highlands plateau by the Western Ghats mountain range, which stretches 990 miles and peaks at 8,842 feet (Anamudi, Eravikulam National Park). At 1,429 square feet, Goa is India’s smallest state by area. However, among all Indian states, Goa has the highest GDP per capita. In 2019, about 8.5 million tourists visited Goa. Two of Goa’s main cities are Panaji, the state capital, and Vasco da Gama, the state’s largest city. Evidence of Goa’s Portuguese roots exists in the historic city of Margão, or “Madgaon”, which is home to palatial mansions and Catholic churches. Not cricket but football is Goa’s most popular sport. Forca Goa, or FC Goa, plays in the Indian Super League. Additional points of interest include Old Goa, Fontainhas (Latin Quarter), Mahadev Temple (ancient temple), Dona Paula (monument), Dudhsagar Falls (waterfall), Marmagao (port town), Panaji (state capital), Miramar Beach, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and Margao (commercial center). Goan cuisine involves spices, seafood, meat, pork, rice, vegetables and coconut. One of the area’s most popular dishes is fish curry. Drinks include beer, wine, tequila, coconut water and Feni (a strong liquor made from cashews or coconuts). With a little background information on the area, we’re ready for hotels in Goa that will help make for an exciting getaway.
Casa Menezes
304, Gaunkarvaddo Batim
Basilica Of Bom Jesus
Casa Menezes features a restaurant, a barbecue, garden views, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, free private parking, darts and bike / car rental services. Nearby are Studio 365 (art studio), Maina Wetlands (bird watching area), Chapel of Saint Francis Of Assisi, Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima, Edward’s Yard (Goan restaurant), Café Amrapali, BABOI Goan Sausages (Goan restaurant) and more.
Within feet:
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- Basilica Of Bom Jesus (Catholic Basilica est. 1605)
- Talaulim Lake
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- Zuari River
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Within 3.8 miles:
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- Goa University
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Within 4.1 miles:
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- Church of St Francis of Assisi
- Se Cathedral
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Casa Menezes is 6.2 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $49
The Postcard Velha
After Gandhi Circle, Ella, Velha Goa, 403402 Old Goa
Church of Saint Cajetan
The Postcard Velha offers an outdoor swimming pool, balconies, free WiFi, air conditioning, flexible check-in/out, flexible breakfast hours, in-room tea and coffee service and local artisanal food. You may find Goa Streetz (café), Shambhavi Restaurant, Sanjay’s Cafe, Amparo Bar and Restaurant, Old Goa Wine Shop, Avinash Medical Stores, Master Chef (restaurant), Wine Terminal, Adlem Goi (restaurant), Greenyard Restaurant & Bar, Old-Goa Jetty, Statue of Jesus (historical landmark), Old Goa Book Stall, Se Cathedral, Archaeological Survey of India, Church of St Francis of Assisi, Archaeological Museum of Goa, Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria, Mill Stones of Gun Powder Factory (historical landmark), St. Basilica Church, Museum of Christian Art, St. Augustine Tower, Fashion Spirit, Baingineshwar Shrine, R N Restaurant, Fulari’s Eater’s Den (grocery store) and more in the area.
Within feet:
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- Church of Saint Cajetan
- Viceroy’s Arch
- Se Cathedral
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Within 1.9 miles:
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- Mondovi River
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Within 3.8 miles:
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- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
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Within 5.6 miles:
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- River Cruise
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The Postcard Velha is 10.4 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Mandovi River View Room): $456
Bhumika Villa
Bouta Waddo, 403507
Vinayak Family Restaurant | Suzie’s
With a swimming pool, a garden, garden views, terraces, balconies, air conditioning, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, fully-equipped kitchens, kettles and free private parking, Bhumika Villa is in proximity to Sagun Wines, Sun Shine Bar And Restaurant, G-Shot Coffee Roastery & Cafe, Sappadu Goa (South Indian restaurant), Khuraak (North Indian restaurant), SARAVA Cafe Delhi Heights, Sabor Cafe, Village 36 (Chinese restaurant), Sopo Goa (restaurant), Bloom & Brew (café), Kefi (Mediterranean restaurant) and more.
Within feet:
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- Vinayak Family Restaurant (seafood restaurant)
- Suzie’s (fine dining restaurant)
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Within 1.3 miles:
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- St Anthonys Parish Football Ground
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Within 3.1 miles:
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- Vagator Beach
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Within 4.2 miles:
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- Snow Park
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Bhumika Villa is 28 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Three-Bedroom Villa): $158
Cost per person (six people): $26
Amrapali-House of Grace
1105 Morgado Vaddo, Siridao bridge. Goa Velha, 403108 Bambolim
Siridao Beach
Offering a restaurant, a bar, continental breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, air conditioning and desks, Amrapali-House of Grace is near Café Amrapali, Shirodkar Wines, Highway Wines, Queen of Angels Chapel, Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Edward’s Yard (Goan restaurant), Holy Cross Chapel and more.
Within feet:
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- Siridao Beach
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Within 2.9 miles:
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- Goa University
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Within 4.3 miles:
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- Goa State Museum
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Within 4.5 miles:
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- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
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Amrapali-House of Grace is 5 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (One-Bedroom Bungalow): $300
Candolim Road Villa
Pilerne – Candolim Road Saipem Hills, 403114
Nerul River
You’ll get 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace with garden views, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchen and on-site parking at Candolim Road Villa. Dream Wheels Goa (car rental agency), Fast Car Goa (car rental agency) and Our Lady of Good Hope Church, Candolim (Catholic church) are in the area.
Within feet:
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- Nerul River
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Within 3.3 miles:
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- Ozran Beach
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Within 5 miles:
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- Harjis Garden
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Within 9 miles:
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- Reis Magos Fort
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Candolim Road Villa is 28 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $332
Cost per person (twelve people): $27
Betim-Pomburpa Villa
Betim-Pomburpa Road, Ashok Beleza, 403519
Torda Creek
Betim-Pomburpa Villa has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a terrace with river views, garden views, air conditioning, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a fully-equipped kitchen. Nearby is Waterfront Bites (café)
Within feet:
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- Torda Creek (vista point)
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Within 1.4 miles:
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- Herbal & Butterfly Garden
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Within 3.6 miles:
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- Goa State Museum
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Within 5 miles:
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- Coco Beach
- Miramar Beach
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Betim-Pomburpa Villa is 18 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $414
Cost per person (twelve people): $34
La Margarida Villa
La Margarida, 403519
Baba Au Rhum Anjuna
Offering 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, an indoor pool, a terrace, a garden, garden views, air conditioning, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a fully-equipped kitchen, La Margarida Villa is close to Lollo Rosso Goa (restaurant), Elephant and Co. Anjuna (Continental restaurant), Saltamontes – Garden Cafe & Bar, JUNA (cocktail bar), Cafe Hyderabad (South Indian restaurant), The Tanjore Tiffin Room (South Indian restaurant), Cream Choc Gelato (ice cream shop), Atlantis Water Sports, BIG FAT SANDWICH & PIZZA, Equilibrium Climbing Station (rock climbing gym), Vaggis (car rental service) and more.
Within feet:
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- Baba Au Rhum Anjuna (European restaurant)
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Within 1.5 miles:
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- Anjuna Beach
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Within 2 miles:
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- Snow Park
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Within 7 miles:
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- Fort Aguada
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Within 16 miles:
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- Manohar Parrikar International Airport
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La Margarida Villa is 27 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $1,074
Cost per person (fifteen people): $71
Villa San Antonio Villa
Villa San Antonio, 96/4, Anna Vaddo, Bardez, Candolim , 403515
Candolim Beach Rd
Amenities at Villa San Antonio Villa include 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, an outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor dining area, a terrace, free WiFi, air conditioning, a fully-equipped kitchenette and free private parking. You may find Jackyard Burger House (hamburger restaurant), Spice Route Candolim (restaurant), Brisa Do Mar (bar & grill), Laxmi Car Rental Goa (car rental agency), Catherine Russian Spa (spa and health club), Coastal Crave (Goan restaurant), Urban Russian Spa and more in the vicinity.
Within feet:
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- Candolim Beach Rd (notable street)
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Within 1.4 miles:
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- Harjis Garden
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Within 2.1 miles:
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- Park Inn Anchorage
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Within 2.8 miles:
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- Butterfly Lawns
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Within 7 miles:
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- Bridge Panji
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Villa San Antonio Villa is 25 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Three-Bedroom Villa): $977
Cost per person (twelve people): $81
Amanasa Villa
45, Mapusa – Anjuna – Chapora Road Amanasa, 403706
Gunpowder | Mustard Café | Assagao Rainforest
Amanasa Villa provides 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, an indoor pool, a terrace, air conditioning, free WiFi and a fully-equipped kitchen. Izumi Assagao (Japanese restaurant), No Nasties Clothing (clothing store), Avo’s Kitchen (Goan restaurant), Barfly Goa (Continental restaurant), Rangeela Goa (clothing store), Saké – The Asian Lounge (Pan-Asian restaurant) and more are in proximity.
Within feet:
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- Gunpowder (South Indian restaurant)
- Mustard Café (Bengal restaurant)
- Assagao Rainforest
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Within 1.7 miles:
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- Sai Childrens Park
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Within 3.9 miles:
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- Vagator Beach
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Within 11 miles:
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- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
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Amanasa Villa is 25 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $278
Cost per person (eight people): $34
Assagao Villa
Survey No. 186/19, Opp St., Assagao, 403507
St. Cajetan Church Assagao
With 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms with a hot tub, a bar, à la carte, continental or Asian breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, outdoor seating, a garden, a terrace, pool views, a balcony, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchen and free private parking, Assagao Villa can be found near Amanasa Villa.
Within feet:
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- St. Cajetan Church Assagao
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Within 1.9 miles:
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- St Anthonys Parish Football Ground
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Within 3.6 miles:
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- Chapora Fort
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Within 4.3 miles:
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- Baga Beach
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Within 9 miles:
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- Reis Magos Fort
- Goa State Museum
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Assagao Villa is 26 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Three-Bedroom Villa): $358
Cost per person (twelve people): $29
Panchayat Barde Villa
Panchayat Bardez, 449, E Wadi, Candolim, 403515
Candolim Beach
Bells and whistles at Panchayat Barde Villa include 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a dressing room, a bar, daily à la carte, continental or full English/Irish breakfast, a pool with a view and pool bar, a hot tub, a terrace, a balcony, free WiFi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchen, a washing machine, free private parking, full-day security and laundry service. Near here are Kanha Pure Veg Family Restaurant, Pure Bliss Russian Massage Centre (massage spa), John’s Boat Tours (boat tour agency), Shri Shantadurga Devasthan (Hindu temple), Liquor Spot Candolim (wine store), Stringfellos (restaurant), Tidal Wave Beach Shack (bar) and more.
Within feet:
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- Candolim Beach
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Within 1 mile:
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- Sinquerium Beach
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- Park Inn Anchorage
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Within 1.9 miles:
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- Fort Aguada
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Within 56 miles:
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- Sindhudurg Airport
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Panchayat Barde Villa is 24 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $1,784
Cost per person (ten people): $178
Asgaon Villa
249/1-A1, Socol Waddo, Asgaon, Goa 403507
Pablos
Providing 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, à la carte breakfast, a private pool, pool views, a balcony, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchen, free private parking, airport transfers, car rental service and wine / champagne, Asgaon Villa is near Panchayat Barde Villa.
Within feet:
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- Pablos (bar)
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Within 2.8 miles:
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- Vagator Beach
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Within 3.9 miles:
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- Snow Park
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Within 9 miles:
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- Fort Aguada
- Thivim Railway Station
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Asgaon Villa is 28 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $457
Cost per person (ten people): $45
Villa Kinara
Village Reis Magos Verem
Reis Magos Fort
4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, air conditioning, a private pool, a balcony, river views, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchen, a patio with lake views, a sun terrace, bicycle rental service and car rental service come standard at Villa Kanara. It’s near St. Anthony’s Chapel, Mike’s Place (restaurant), Goan Nook Family Restaurant, Reis Magos Fort, Holy Magi Church, Reis Magos Jetty, Quegdevelim Beach, Gaspars General and Cold Stores (supermarket), See You Bar & Restaurant and more.
Within feet:
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- Reis Magos Fort
- Goa Medical College
- Kala Academy Goa
- Mandovi River
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Within 1.1 miles:
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- Bishop’s Palace
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Within 1.5 miles:
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- Goa State Museum
- Bridge Panji
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Within 1.6 miles:
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- River Cruise
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Villa Kanara is 8.3 miles from Dabolim International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $945
Cost per person (eight people): $29
So there they are, hotels in Goa that will help make for an exciting trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most of all, that you enjoy your time in India!
To me, these penthouses are the most unique of each city and country I’ve viewed in the past. They appear to be pretty cost-effective as well, which would be another plus to visiting Goa, India. While many of us look relentlessly for hotel deals, if I’m heading to Goa, I’m definitely looking into a penthouse if I’m traveling with a group. These prices are steals.
Thank you, Todd, and glad to see you again 🙂 Indeed, these prices are steals!
I’m surprised by some of the prices that are being charged by these hotels especially Aqua Grandiosa, it is so affordable and yet still is a hotel worth so much when it comes to the appearance. I’m hoping I’ll go and be lucky enough to go see some of the tourist places in Goa and of course a vacation is not good enough for me if I don’t get to see the beach or just some water body around there.
Donny absolutely! Can’t go wrong with a beach destination 🙂
I wish sometimes my budget and my taste would correlate much better. However, after reading your article I realize it is possible for me to travel and stay at places that are not only comfortable, gorgeous, provide me with the amenities that I am looking for but also within a comfortable budget.
Sure it would be lovely to be able to afford $825/night but honestly, there is just as much charm if not more in the $120/night accomodations.
I have never been to India but Goa looks like a viable option. Thank you again for the informative post.
Hi MDP and thank you for the comments! While Goa isn’t the most-well-thought-of destinations, it is certainly a hidden gem 😉
Hi there,
From Indira Gandhi International Airport, how can I get to the Aqua Grandiosa Hotel? Sorry for my Ignorance, I haven’t been to India before. My younger brother was there some months ago for a major surgery that was a huge success. I love the way they took good care of him throughout the time he spent there. I have plans to visit India with my family someday. Thank you for also providing links to where I can make bookings for each hotel. I’ve always loved India and their culture. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Temidayo, your best bet from Gandhi International Airport to Celebration Apartment (Aqua Grandiosa Hotel) would be airplane as the distance between the two places is 1,842 km. Alternatives would be by car (a 34 hour trip) or train (a 1 day and 10 hour trip). The closest airport to Celebration Apartment Dabolim Airport. Hope that helps and happy travels 🙂
Who would have thought that India could produce this much beauty as the ones I am beholding here right now. The hotels here are unexpectedly safe haven of beauty and awesomeness. I really love all these that I have rear here about Goa and I would love to explore the place. If I ever go there, I will surely try to lodge in any of all these. Thank you so much
Rodarrick exactly! Goa is a hidden gem on India’s western coast. Thank you for the comments 🙂
What a nice place to spend a family vacation in India. India happens to be one place I have fancied because of its tourist’s attractions and relatively calm environment and friendly people. These hotels are quite cheap going by the price per person as Stated in the post, but I feel its beat suited for a kind of family travel. I don’t quite understand the aspect of per person.
Benson per person reflects how many people the room can accommodate, and can be taken into consideration when thinking about how much it will cost each person, or how much it will cost to pay for each family member.
Another excellent hotel review, with all the relevant information included. The pictures are great all by themselves! And that beach in Goa — what a gorgeous expanse of sand.
I find it impressive that so many of the places you show in India are so reasonably priced. It seems to me that if you are traveling on somewhat of a budget, going to someplace like India would allow your money to stretch a bit farther. As in the last article you write, your inclusion of the places of interest nearby plus info and pictures about them is very helpful.
Thanks for this article, and keep up the good work.
Thank you again Fran and glad to see you back! Goa is a hidden little gem for sure.