Solobrummy

We stayed there in December having previously stayed in other 2 star hotels in Calangute. To be honest you could not fault it. The rooms were big and clean, the pool was OK, breakfast was better than normal, buffet cereals, fruit and bread and you got eggs thrown in which normally were extra at other hotels. The staff were very good and it is a good location. If you expect Goa 2 star you will not be disappointed. Our room has AC at no extra charge as well as a TV and fridge. The manager John is very helpful.
One downside was a rat as big as a cat that wandered through the hotel every night, affectionately known by the bar staff as Elvis the king rat.

We stayed just one night at the Magnum at the end of a holiday,our room was in the front
but for one night was ok,ask for a room at the back,but a rat would,nt stay there again
ann

Cant say I am loving the idea of the rat but they do exist in highly populated areas especially where there are high volumes of food waste so I think I am probably just lucky to have not seen one before now.

Given that AC is included, the pool and rooms are clean and the food seems ok I think I may book up to meet Elvis lol .... Unless anyone else wants to add a review / comment

Thanks

Not a bad hotel to base yourself in Candolim - very central to everything going on. Don't let the rat talk put you off, as you know there are thousands around and at some stage you are bound to see some either in hotels, restaurants or bars.
Stayed at the Magnum 3 times and must admit it is not one of the best (but we are talking 1999/2000/2001). I know others on HT stay there on a regular basis, and we also have friends who go over at Xmas and don't have any complaints.
I thought the breakfast set up was the best we have come across, the daily/evening menu was fine and they put on occasional theme nights (tandoori etc..) with live music.
The pool is very small, but ok for a quick dip to cool off. The staff are excellent and always willing to help with any problems.
John the manager is a great bloke, and again, he will bend over backwards to sort things out for you.
Whats made you enquire about the Magnum ? Candolim based or have you got a decent deal lined up ?
Spike.

Hi Spike

Your right about the rats - not so fussed so long as he doesnt join me in bed or for breakfast
Why enquire about the Magnum - well I dont usually do big hotels as a rule, have in previous years stayed the far end of Candolim at Lucias Guesthouse. Have really enjoyed staying there but as I am travelling alone and when it will be warmer than the months I have been before, so I fancy a place with a pool and without such a trek everywhere, plus the track down to Lucias I am sure is safe but isnt lit and walking down there on my own last year was something that just put me on edge a little. And also because it was small family run guesthouse there were no communal eating/ drinking areas so I was very much just stuck in my room when I was back there ... That said Joseph and Lucia always kept me company and if I was ever going again with someone I wouldnt hesitate for a minute to go back as I felt it was more like real Goa, they used to take me to church with them and on my last night we'd always have dinner togther, very lovely people.
So I suppose for comfort of not walking so much and having a pool, and feeling a little easier walking home, I am selling my soul the hotels this yr

Only deal that I have seen online for a lone traveller is Don Alicina which I wouldnt now touch with a barge pole - but I have made enquiries through holiday hypermarket and I can get Thomas Cook flight (direct) and Magnum booked through Jewel in Crown (as they dont charge so much for single supplement) for £550 - which I dont think is too bad over Easter and as a single traveller ...

About time they stopped punishing lone travellers with extra supplements !!
Not sure if you know of this place http://www.casablancagoa.com/
It's more or less opposite the Candolim crossroads, on a decent quiet road that leads down to the beach (about 3 mins walk).
Yet another that gets mixed results (can't please everyone !!) but as you know Goa - you know what to expect of standards.
Have you looked into getting a flight only and sorting somewhere out when you land ? That time of year you will have no problems getting in anywhere and will more or less be able to dictate a price to them (think they have been begging for customers this season)
Spike.

Thanks for the link, have had a quick look and I have a feeling they will be too expensive but I have just emailed them.

I can get a flight for under £400 at mo but am struggling to find a place to stay in my budget (especially given the exchange rates and wanting a pool) - a friend stayed in Horizion and really recommended it but they are charging the same for a single as a double (though they ask you to stipulate on the booking form, so would have assumed it would have been a different price) and they came back with the same price per night as she paid at Christmas ... which on principle I wont pay.

Think as much as they are struggling they are doing what the taxi drivers are doing and keeping prices up to try and re coup what they have lost through the quiet season

We have booked the Magnum, Manchester to Goa with Thomas Cook, departing 13th April for 2 weeks, got a good deal £487 each, we have stayed at the magnum before think it was about 4 years ago. Hotel is in a good location and we had no complaints whilst we were there. Not been this late in the season before usually go in January.

Just got our visas back yesterday, so 10 weeks to go..................

Maria

They are well and truly out of the running spike - they wanted 3000rs a night !