Came back Sunday night after 3 weeks from HBR, the odd lorries going down the lane, but never noticed any noise at all, having said that we were not there much except to sleep, we were at the back of the resort (block 17) Must say though it is more like a mini housing estate than the original hotel far to big for our liking ,we prefer the smaller family run hotels with a more intimate atmosphere. allan.

I heard from a friend that people have been moved to other hotels this week because of a Health & Safety issue has anyone out there got any info on this? allan.

Hiya, first choice rang us tuesday afternoon and said that due to the problem in Greece where the chihldren were killed their inspectors were checking all their properties and had decided not to send anyone to the Highland because of faulty air con units, fire proceedures and something else. As we're going tomorrow we have no choice other than to accept Ronil at Baga or a refund

Have read on this site about people who have been contacted by first choice and offered alternative hotel if departing before 9/12/06.I was booked into HBR in January 07.I contacted First Choice to find out what was happening they said due to failure of HBR to comply with Fire regulations all clients flying out by 9/12 were being put in alternative hotels they said they will see what happens after 9/12 to see if HBR have sorted out these problems.I have now changed my hotel as I thought if HBR does'nt sort these out there will be alot of people changing & as I only wanted to stay in candolim I have changed just in case.As First Choice are offering the same star rating hotel however it could be in a resort you would rather not stay in.They will not guarantee to offer you candolim.I was allowed to change without paying amendment charge due to building work.

Mogsy 1 - I have just spoken to First Choice and they have told me that they have "received" a new directive today and that ALL people after 9th December ARE going to the Highlands - did you speak to them as well today??? I told the girl that if I found out nearer to the date that we are being changed from Candolim - I will go off the scale. They asked me where I had heard about this - I said I had friends out there and others going. Do we beleive them or not. I would rather try and book with another hotel / tour op in Candolim then risk ending up in Baga or Calungute. Anybody travelling this weekend/after 9th December - heard anything yet???

Hi Fredthedog. I spoke to First Choice on Monday 4/12/06. They said I was able to change from HBG without paying amendment fee due to the building works at the front of HBG.Why not give them a ring.I still had to pay the difference in hotel price.

We returned yesterday after a fortnight at the H.B. The reason one of the tour company's suspended sending guests was that the hotel failed an
independant survey because of the electrics. Work was to be carried out
to rectify these problems and all should be well by now. We were on the front overlooking the building site and whist you are aware of the work it is not intrusive and did not spoil our holiday. Having said that the Highland
is getting too big and impersonal for our tastes and although it has a solid
reputation we would not return as a preferred option.

Stewart

Got back on Friday.
A bit of news we found out.
Highland beach is due to have UK charters back this week.
European and Indian travel companies were still using it.
A number of people did not like the accomodation / location at Sun Village and transferred back to HBR.
A number of people we met at various restaurants in Candolim were travelling back to Candolim to eat in the evenings.
There are certain rumours about why people were transferred to Sun Village rather than a different hotel in Candolim. Check out the taxi drivers & small shops near HBR for more info. (I wouldnt like to get in trouble with Fiona).
It is interesting that there are a lot less people in Goa this year than previous years.

Thanks for the updates. Samtheboat I have sent you pm re the Highlands.

As I understand it the issue regarding safety at HBR was regarding fire regs, all the blocks have had installed last week new fire extinguishers, fire exit signs and manual fire gongs ( a brass plate with a hammer) at the entrance to each block. Now I can sleep safe in my bed!

Will the guest be able to resist the "gong" after a few honeybees though!

Has anyone stayed at the new block at the Highland Beach, if so are the beds any softer and is the air con any quieter? Do you still get the seperate living room? Is there plenty of sunshine round the new block pool area? Also has anyone got any photos of the new block. Would be grateful for any info. Thanks.[/b]

Hi Tifah

Still plenty of building work going on, roads are terrible they are laying new cables all around the HBR and also lots of upgrades being made to all the original blocks new tiles, fire alarms, higher balconies and new air conditioning units.

Other than that it is fine Oh sorry forgot to mention there is sun on the new pool.

Mike

Mike
Has the new supermarket opened yet opposite the Sea Shell, and is the Highland block finished behind the supermarket.
Thanks

Hi Tifah, we were the first to stay in one of the appartments in the new block - December 2006. They installed the television as we unpacked! We found the rooms beautiful, there were two rooms and a large sitting room. The air con was fine and we found it a lot better than the old rooms which we had stayed in previously.
The beds were still uncomfortable though and I had to sleep on a pillow to try and make it comfortable. The pool was fine and got sun all day long.
There was no telephone in the room but there probably is now. Hope this helps your querie.

Hi Paula

No supermarket yet and highland not finished behind or Regal park.

Inside info new cash and carry supposed to be opening Near Xaviers wine shop and will be run by Ram from Cactus sheperds pie and he assures me his prices will be a lot better than elsewhere, heres hoping.

When is it you arrive?

Mike

Am off to Goa a week on Monday - yeay!!! 7th time and cant wait to get back. Have just had phone call from travel agents about Highland Beach and surrounding area having new foundations laid.

Has anybody stayed there the last few weeks that could let me know if its a total mess or just a bit of a pain as dont really wanna stay anywhere else!

nothing to worry about One of our members(wicked chris) is just back from there and you can see her report here. Welcome to the Goa forum!

thanks for that fiona though I was told the main works started 14th Feb so was hoping somebody had just come back from a week (sadly thats all we're going for but a week in goa 1 mil times better than not going at all me thinks!!!!).