A couple we knew was in this position a couple of years ago and attempted to book a couple of days at The Taj on arrival for a special occasion and found the best price they could get was dearer than what they could have got booking in advance on the web before leaving the UK.
Alan

Have a look on agoda as they discount room prices, friends got about a third off when they booked the Nazri, which was a simular discount to the deal we did in person for our daughter at the MD http://www.agoda.co.uk/

I have always found it cheaper to do the deal when at the hotel; not just in Goa, all over the world.

We always try to speak to the Manager rather than the person running the desk, preferably in their office. Then counting out notes whilst talking to them seems to help enormously. That trick even got us into a couples only Sandals resort in Antigua that only took internet bookings.

Also it depends exactly what you are after but behind Sunny Side Up there is a very nice place that has "beach hut" style accommodation and I think also do rooms. It's very nice, very chilled. When we asked about prices last year it was £ 100 per night.
The problem is I can't for the life of me remember what the place is called but someone on here will know. They have a web site so you could have a look and see what you think.

Try booking .com they have 5* for under £200 for two nights, Good Luck !!

Fritz is the place your thinking off the 360 degrees hotel ?

Yep, that's the one, we used to stop off at the english rose for cocktail hour (sadly no longer) and then walk down through the grounds of the hotel to sunny side up. It's really really really nice.

Talking of which has English Rose changed hands or something because when we were there last year, no cocktail hour (!) in fact no cocktails at all.

The same guy owned or run it when we were there last nov, wonder if it's to do with all the extensions he's had done over the last few years.

If you are not wanting to travel too far, take a look at the Lemon Tree in Candolim.
http://www.lemontreehotels.com/

I read on HT (last season maybe ?) that someone wanted a couple of special nights, and negotiated a price of around £50 per night for the room, but think that only included breakfast.
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Also take a look at the Crown in the capital, Panaji (or Panjim as most still call it)
http://www.thecrowngoa.com/

We called in here for a drink and a 'nosey' last season and it's a great place, very quiet, smart place.
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Something a little different, and I would say well within your budget, would be the Panjim Inn, yet again in the capital.
http://www.panjiminn.com/rooms.htm

Another place we always call in for a drink and food when out and about exploring. A real 'old Goa' place,
menu was very good with traditional dishes and a place steeped in history.
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Something totally different ? A little 'whacky' or 'Telletubbyish', have a look here Yab Yum Resorts.
http://www.yabyumresorts.com/en/goa-ashwem-beach-eco-resort/accommodation/the-honey-pod.html

Hope you get sorted with somewhere,
Spike.

We stayed at the fort Aguada in sinquerim, for 3 nights for a treat, I think it cost 120 a night or there's the Marriot in panjim, the Sunday brunch is great to. I would book it as soon as u get there though .

Spike
Just been looking at the Crown,Panjim on the link you provided, looks great have you any idea what a meal, and drinks for 4 adults would set me back, also could you tell me the best way of getting there, ideally i would like to go late afternoon have a meal, and perhaps a look in the casino.

Regards
The Preacher

Evening Preacher, not sure on the prices but Roma off HT who told me about the place said the food was average but pricey. Still a great setting for an afternoon though. If I can get more details will pass them on.
Getting there - well I guess you may be going a little dressed up if you plan on hitting the casino boat, so would you still take the local bus and free ferry across the Mandovi ? If you do, then when on the ferry you can see the sign for the hotel (high up on the hill) as you come across the river, walk up the jetty turn left and walk along the path at the side of the river, at some point you will need to cross over and 'snake' your way through the streets (ask someone !) or jump a tuc-tuc at the jetty.
On the Crown website at the top of the page is a 'directions' button that shows you a google map image. or type in google map yourself The Crown Hotel, Panaji, Goa, India and you will get a better idea.
If you don't fancy it, try the Mandovi hotel - turn left at the jetty walk down the foot path a few hundred yards and cross the road. You will also see on that side of the road a little bar called Top Gear, nice aircon place to cool off, clean loo and decent beer.
Have fun !!

Thanks for your help once again Spike, I will let you know how we get on, shouldwe go.