Right i'm researching my 1st holiday to goa for this january.
I'm limited to the hotels that i can use, as i can only book with cosmos, as i'm using my clubcard vouchers. (yes i'm a great shopper)
I've researched loads and just keep getting mixed reviews, so i'm on here for some honest answers.
These are the hotels that were looking at.
In Candolim.......
Valentine Retreat
Cassablanca
Alor Grand holiday resort
Prazeres.
now the one we really fancy is Highland beach but the flight is via Bahrain, now how much does this add on to your journey. And has anyone done goa via Bahrain could i please have your reviews.
thanks
then i found this one Santana, Candolim which gets good reviews but it says a 30 min walk to the resort of candolim.
thanks again
Personally I would go for the Highland Beach. The stop over via Bahrain is a common occurence and only adds on a couple of hours - they just stop to re fuel.
Avoid the Alor Grande like the plague. Prazeres was quite good in 2001 and 2002 but recent posts seem to indicate that it has deteriorated. I have no info on the first two.
Hope this helps.
Candybabe
Avoid the Alor Grande like the plague. Prazeres was quite good in 2001 and 2002 but recent posts seem to indicate that it has deteriorated. I have no info on the first two.
Hope this helps.
Candybabe
Gone via Bahrain lots of times. You usually get about 45 minutes in the airport and a chance to stretch your legs and have a coffee (you need it because the flight will be Monarch and they certainly pack you in.) My hubbie prefers the stop. Says it beaks up the journey for him.
Anyway - we have stayed at Valentines retreat and despite some mixed reviews we liked it. Very close to plenty of bars and restaurants but set back enough off the main road to be peaceful. We had a big apt. style room overlooking the pool. Staff were lovely. Nice small friendly place. Prazeres was across the road from Valentines but I can't comment because I havn't stayed there. Santana is right by the beach towards the Sinquerim end of Candolim. Probably about 5 mins in a cab to the main centre. Hears some good reviews though it is in a fairly quiet area.
Anyway - we have stayed at Valentines retreat and despite some mixed reviews we liked it. Very close to plenty of bars and restaurants but set back enough off the main road to be peaceful. We had a big apt. style room overlooking the pool. Staff were lovely. Nice small friendly place. Prazeres was across the road from Valentines but I can't comment because I havn't stayed there. Santana is right by the beach towards the Sinquerim end of Candolim. Probably about 5 mins in a cab to the main centre. Hears some good reviews though it is in a fairly quiet area.
Hi thanks for those reviews, i'll be back to the drawing board then.
Oh and i'm not allowed to pm anyone on this site, so if anyone pms me any information, could you add your e-mail address then i can get back to you
thanks
edit
I would never recommend giving out email addresses. Feel free to post the info on the forum though
Fiona ht mod
Oh and i'm not allowed to pm anyone on this site, so if anyone pms me any information, could you add your e-mail address then i can get back to you
thanks
edit
I would never recommend giving out email addresses. Feel free to post the info on the forum though
Fiona ht mod
Hi Chris
The Prazeres Resorts Hotel is a good hotel.
The bad reviews represent a couple of the private apartments above the bar, according to the reviews it can be a little bit noisy when the entertainments on. The owner of the hotel tends to get the blame for it when its not his fault...they are privately owned.
Many guests do return to this hotel
The Prazeres Resorts Hotel is a good hotel.
The bad reviews represent a couple of the private apartments above the bar, according to the reviews it can be a little bit noisy when the entertainments on. The owner of the hotel tends to get the blame for it when its not his fault...they are privately owned.
Many guests do return to this hotel
I think people do worry tho Steve because there have been many negative reports about The Prazares, so are all these people wrong? To be honest I would be a little worried as well, but as you say it may be unfounded.
I see from your previous posts that you also rent out a 3 bedroom apartment at The Prazeres. I take it you are not within the noisy/rowdy bar area?
Many reputable tour companies have The Prazeres in their brochure, so I am sure it cant be all bad.
I see from your previous posts that you also rent out a 3 bedroom apartment at The Prazeres. I take it you are not within the noisy/rowdy bar area?
Many reputable tour companies have The Prazeres in their brochure, so I am sure it cant be all bad.
Hi Gemma
My apartment is not directly above the entertainment and I have had no problems. When somebody purchases an apartment, you know what you are letting your guests in for. The guests cannot blame the hotel owner as they no longer own the apartments. The entertainment has always been there.
Complaints should always be made to the owners for letting their apartments. The conflict arises when pressure is being put on the hotel staff and managers by the guests.
If you buy a car privately and there is something wrong with it you don't go to the car showroom!!!
My apartment is not directly above the entertainment and I have had no problems. When somebody purchases an apartment, you know what you are letting your guests in for. The guests cannot blame the hotel owner as they no longer own the apartments. The entertainment has always been there.
Complaints should always be made to the owners for letting their apartments. The conflict arises when pressure is being put on the hotel staff and managers by the guests.
If you buy a car privately and there is something wrong with it you don't go to the car showroom!!!
Glad to see you're still hunting Chris!We prefer the Calangute area (not Baga
) - it's a bit more..how can I say...raw? For Candolim lovers...only adding this because I KNOW Wicked and after spending time with them in Dublin ......
I have to say that i am a bit put of with the recent reviews on the prazeres.
I really like the Santana beach, but the 30 min walk into town seems to put me of. But the gardens and the fact that the hotel is on the beach makes it top of the league at the moment.
Oh how hard is this.
2nd question, i know all about the visa, know if i send away on the 4th december would i get my visa back in time. I would probably be paying a travel agent to get it for me.
thanks a lot.
Pam we have looked at Calangute, but we seem to keep coming back to Candolim because of the nightlife.
I really like the Santana beach, but the 30 min walk into town seems to put me of. But the gardens and the fact that the hotel is on the beach makes it top of the league at the moment.
Oh how hard is this.
2nd question, i know all about the visa, know if i send away on the 4th december would i get my visa back in time. I would probably be paying a travel agent to get it for me.
thanks a lot.
Pam we have looked at Calangute, but we seem to keep coming back to Candolim because of the nightlife.
I can only talk from our experience Chris...and we only normally go up to Candolim for a meal at Stone House. Much prefer the nightlife at Calangute.
that should be plenty time. Best to contact the TA directly to ask for turnaround time, to be on the safe side.
By the way- you will definitely find the drink in Goa a lot cheaper than Tenerife
By the way- you will definitely find the drink in Goa a lot cheaper than Tenerife
Much prefer the nightlife at Calangute
stop throwing spanners in the works
you will definitely find the drink in Goa a lot cheaper than Tenerife
Oh you really do know me that well.
We have always stayed in Candolim but after spending a bit of time in Calangute last year I loved it. Dont get me wrong I hate rowdy but love atmosphere and the hustle and bustle and Calangute has it all. Quiet when you want it and lively if you fancy.
We went to the Prazeres to meet someone. I thought it reminded me of Tenerife also the Highland gave that impression. Theres nothing wrong with Tenerife if thats what you like but when in Goa I like to chill and live a little bit differently. waffle waffle
We went to the Prazeres to meet someone. I thought it reminded me of Tenerife also the Highland gave that impression. Theres nothing wrong with Tenerife if thats what you like but when in Goa I like to chill and live a little bit differently. waffle waffle
I have stayed in Baga and Candolim. Personally of the 2 I much prefer Baga, I think sometimes when you are in Candolim, say for example down the beach road, it just looks too european with the Sports Bar etc, Baga just looks more 'Indian'.
I am staying in Calangute next year as I love it there , I love the people watching, the tibetan market , the whole craziness of the place, whichever you choose you will only be a short taxi ride from the other resorts anyway, last year we stayed in Candolim but got a taxi to Baga beach everyday as I preferred it there, whichever you choose I am sure you will love it , but do be warned Goa is very addictive.....
I am staying in Calangute next year as I love it there , I love the people watching, the tibetan market , the whole craziness of the place, whichever you choose you will only be a short taxi ride from the other resorts anyway, last year we stayed in Candolim but got a taxi to Baga beach everyday as I preferred it there, whichever you choose I am sure you will love it , but do be warned Goa is very addictive.....
Right well what about this accommodation.
Kamat Holiday Village, Calangute
has anyone any views and where it is located.
Kamat Holiday Village, Calangute
has anyone any views and where it is located.
Out of the choices you have given, the one I know of is the Casablanca.
Not "too fancy" but has all you could wish for. Decent little pool,nice bar area,decent food.
It is also away from the main road so the noise is kept down. A 5 min walk will take you on to the beach and 5 mins the other way you are surrounded with a choice of restaurants/bars local bus etc.. Taxis - every where, and always a few parked up outside the hotel.
Don't think you could beat it for all that. My opinion only (so don't you lot jump on me !!) but as a 1st timer I would avoid Calangute, as it is very hectic with traffic/noise etc.. but you should still make a few visits there for the experience.
Candolim - yes a changing place but more relaxing than Calangute.
As others have said - Bahrain, we have always had a fuel stop there (no more than an hour) flying with Monarch.
Another hotel you mentioned The Prazeres - we have had drinks there and know friends who stayed there with no problems. Good set up from what we saw and decent looking rooms, only downside is at least a 15 min walk to the beach along a busy road (tuc-tuc's are cheap to get you there).
Either way have fun and enjoy your 1st experience of this marvelous place.
Not "too fancy" but has all you could wish for. Decent little pool,nice bar area,decent food.
It is also away from the main road so the noise is kept down. A 5 min walk will take you on to the beach and 5 mins the other way you are surrounded with a choice of restaurants/bars local bus etc.. Taxis - every where, and always a few parked up outside the hotel.
Don't think you could beat it for all that. My opinion only (so don't you lot jump on me !!) but as a 1st timer I would avoid Calangute, as it is very hectic with traffic/noise etc.. but you should still make a few visits there for the experience.
Candolim - yes a changing place but more relaxing than Calangute.
As others have said - Bahrain, we have always had a fuel stop there (no more than an hour) flying with Monarch.
Another hotel you mentioned The Prazeres - we have had drinks there and know friends who stayed there with no problems. Good set up from what we saw and decent looking rooms, only downside is at least a 15 min walk to the beach along a busy road (tuc-tuc's are cheap to get you there).
Either way have fun and enjoy your 1st experience of this marvelous place.
Kamat Holiday Village, Calangute
Seems to be popular with germans, dutch etc. It's in Adventure Road, midway between St Anthony's Church and Luma Supermarket.
It's very close to some excellent restaurants Kebabs & Curries, I95, Au Reverie and After 7.
Good walk to the beach though.
I have to agree with Spike, I think Candolim is ideal for breaking in first timers to Goa.
Candolim is our favorite resort,also would recomend
The Highland,going there in Nov our 4th time.
Good size rooms nice pools and not to far a walk to the
beach. Lots of shops and good places to eat.
ANN
The Highland,going there in Nov our 4th time.
Good size rooms nice pools and not to far a walk to the
beach. Lots of shops and good places to eat.
ANN
Hi
I've stayed at Valentine's Retreat a couple of times - see my reviews in the appropriate section.
We would be happy to stay there again.
On the subject of flights via Bahrain versus non-stop flights, I'd choose non-stop every time.
We always stay in Candolim.
Polly
I've stayed at Valentine's Retreat a couple of times - see my reviews in the appropriate section.
We would be happy to stay there again.
On the subject of flights via Bahrain versus non-stop flights, I'd choose non-stop every time.
We always stay in Candolim.
Polly
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