We have just arived back after 9 weeks at Marinha Dourada. Our 10th year running. This hotel is the best! The surroundings, the staff are excellent every one! Any problems are dealt with immediately! Breakfast i think is a lot better than other places i have heard about. Did not eat there at night as only problem is the food. They need to hange the chef. Which we informed them about. Entertainment is ok, but after going there for so long, we have seen it all before. Good fishing in the lakes.I like the area, as it is nice and quiet, but the main tourist areas are a stones throw if that is what you want. Excellent hotel! Wouldn't stay anywhere else!

This is the third time I have stayed here, and it gets better every year! The gardens around the lakes become more beautiful each year.(I have visited the the hotel many times before I stayed here).

The main improvement noted this year was the replenishment of the mini-bar. In previous years this was a very sporadic activity i.e some days the staff engaged in supposedly taking care of mini-bar stocks would arrive at the bottom of your staircase, stand around for 10 minutes, then dissappear!!

No restocking having taken place! However this time around, when the room was being tidied in the morning, the room boy phoned the mini-bar staff to tell them of what was needed and hey presto, five minutes later the bar was stocked with plenty of time for the Kingfisher to cool down!!

I think the only other thing I will mention on the negative side has nothing at all to do with the Marinha Dourada; towels on sun loungers. I'm sorry but we British moan about other europeans having a reputation of placing towels on loungers at the crack of dawn, going off for the day, and then never using the lounger. Well I'm sorry but from what I saw, us Brits are every bit as bad.. maybe getting our own back!!

I shouldn't be moaning as the Hotel itself is absolutely the most beautiful location, has the most fantastic staff, and is a pleasure to stay at.

Highly recommended and will be booking again shortly.

On arrival at the hotel we were greeted at reception with a welcome drink, the check-in process was really quick and we were soon trotting after the lad with our suitcases.

We had requested a quiet room overlooking the lake and it was exactly what we had hoped for. We were allocated room 237 and were greeted with a hand-written note and a complimentary bottle of port wine to welcome us.

The room was very spacious with high ceilings which gave it a very airy feel, after sitting on the large double bed for the first time I moaned that I would never be able to sleep on the mattress as it felt really hard, however I can honestly say that I never had a bad nights sleep for the 3 weeks we were there and was actually really comfy!! The very best bit about the room was the view from the balcony it was just stunning and truly relaxing to sit there watching the eagles swoop down to catch their dinner as the sun went down.

The air-conditioning was a godsend, but if you are sensitive to the icy blasts they also had ceiling fans installed. The fridge (full sized) had a freezer compartment with ice-cube tray and was kept
well stocked with all the essentials, the prices were very reasonable ie: Water =15 rps/ Coke = 15 rps/ Bacardi Breezer = 55 rps/ Kingfisher = 55 rps. If there was some drink in particular that you wanted them to stock a quick call to room service ensured that they stocked it for you.

We hired a safety deposit box at reception and it cost 250 rps per week and because reception is open 24 hours you had access at all times.

We only used the restaurant a couple of times but found the prices reasonable and the food good. The room service menu was quite varied and we used it for snacks a couple of times and it was fine, prices were reasonable too ie: Omelette =75 rps / =Toastie 60 rps/ chicken biryani =145 rps.

Laundry costs were pretty expensive by local standards and you could get much cheaper in the local vicinity, however I was on holiday and used it anyway and was amazed at how clean everything came back, sample prices:Dress = 120rps /Trousers = 70rps / T-shirt = 60 rps / Shirt = 60rps/ Shorts = 60rps.

Breakfast consisted of a variety of breads, jam, butter, cereals, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, beans all buffet style and there was also a chef who would knock you up an omelette or fried eggs, for a small charge there was also fresh fruit platters available. I always asked the chef for a plate of sliced tomatoes (love them on my toast!!) and don't know if they are free or not but he never asked for my room number and I was never charged for them.

The location of the hotel is excellent and the views over the lakes are really beautiful, the gardens are well tended and litter free and they were just finishing off a childrens play area on the far side of the lake as we left it looked really good and provided lots of shade for the little un's. The hotel rents row boats out for 50 rps but never saw anyone do this.

The lakes themselves are absolutely teeming with fish of all shapes and sizes, there are some good sized Barramundi in excess of 20 kilo, Snapper, Grouper, Mullet and a variety of others of which I have no idea what they were and on occasion some truly huge crabs which I'm glad to say dropped off my line before I could land them cos' I really didn't fancy having to deal with them!!

I can't really comment on the entertainment aspect at the hotel as we preferred to go out and about but a couple of times a week they had bands and live singers (all pretty low key) and it seemed fine, and never heard anyone complain.

I would have no hesitation in returning to this hotel and cannot speak highly enough of all the staff.

9th time to Goa, it was our first to MD. Have to say it's the BEST we've ever stayed in. Could not fault the room, our a/c broke down mid holiday, moved us straight away, choice of rooms. Originally stayed in Annexe as this was recommended to us, however, we moved to the block just off the first pool, and this was still a stunning view. All rooms were spotless; no one complained. Building work was taking place at the back of the Annexe which started a bit too early somedays but it wasn't so bad, the back window was covered over with a picture so as you didn't have to look out over this, quite inventive. The work is scheduled to be finished before 2008 season.

Breakfast was the usual; fresh omlettes to order at no charge; no complaints. Plenty of seats and well shaded. Only ate at the hotel once or twice, the fish night was very disappointing for the prices they charged. Otherwise snacks were good value.

The hotel has stunning views all around, very peaceful setting around the lake - the music from the market did not bother us. There is a bus provided during the day to go to the beach. Can be a little bit tiresome if you want to eat away from the hotel as you have to get a taxi up to the other resorts as trying different places to eat is one of the reasons we like Goa so much as there is so much choice, you can't just sit around the hotel restaurants! Having said that over the years we use the same Tuk-Tuk rickshaws from Calangute; they are just so reliable.

All of the staff are brilliant - Samir our first room boy was great. He always looked out for us even after we moved, really genuine guy.

We only stayed in one night so can't really comment about the entertainment. Fire eaters and a game of Bingo, for which the rules got lost in translation somehow.

We are in a dilema about booking this again for next year, as we really loved the hotel and can not fault it; but do prefer the freedom to wander around the bars and restaurants of Baga; Candolim and Calangute in the evenings.

This is our 3rd visit to this hotel and mostly certainly wont be our last, its fabulous.

We have already booked for Feb 2008 and trying to get a good deal for Nov 07. Have never been in any other hotel as good as this one (in Goa).

A short taxi trip will take you into Baga or Arpora. The hotel has a lovely setting and all rooms overlook the pool or lake (or some have a view of both).

Breakfast is ok by Goan standards, and pretty much the norm. However, the hotel restaurant in the evening is great, with lots of choice and entertainment which is actually ok as well.

The pool and surrounding areas at the hotel are kept immaculately clean. The bar and reception staff are so friendly and go out their way to help you. Hotel has a fantastic jewellers which is well worth a visit.

Can understand why this hotel is constantly sold out and has many return visitors.

Staff friendly.

Room was good size & standard but very dull, had to nearly always have lights on. Room boy kept it very clean & bedding & towels changed daily.

Hotel was very clean, except every morning there was always empty bottles etc just left about (in prev hotels removed a lot earlier). Also when we had room service plates with food on,left on staircase nearly 24 hrs.

Room service was good.

First time we've ever had to pay tax on drinks in fridge, but at least bills given on a regular basis & correct amount (in prev hotels drinks added on).

Room in annexe as requested, stunning view but very noisy, apartments being built directly behind the rooms. Noise from works, dogs, kids etc from early morning till late at night.

We checked out the hotel on our last visit & our only concern was the position, but thought it would be very peaceful & a refreshing change. However, got totaly fed up of relying on transport in an evening (usualy stay in Candolim & love to walk out on an evening). There were 2 muggings just outside hotel, ladies had handbags stolen while walking to All Spice.

Had to have Dr for O/H & whilst very quick, expensive by Goan standards (compared to other hotels, nearly double). No chemist near, one in Apora but didn't have anything we needed ie anti sickness tabs etc.

All in all a good hotel but could do with just a few more restaurants & shops (especialy chemist) in walking distance. Ideal if you want a hotel based holiday & transport everywhere.

We stayed at the Marinah Dourada from the 11th - 25th December and had a great time.

The hotel is in a lovely position overlooking two lakes. We had the end room on the top floor in the annexe and the views were beautiful.

There are two pools that are kept clean and there are always enough sunbeds.

While we were there we went to three buffets that they put on in the hotel. The food was very nice and good entertainment with indian music, dancers bands and fire eaters, although " the all girl band" were a bit dodgy!!! There are two nice bars, but the food menu through out the day wasn't very good, there wasn't enough on the menu. We only went to breakfast three times, wasn't that bad, tea, coffee, cereal, toast, eggs, beans (like bullets!!!), you can have extras but you have to pay. The only place to eat nearby is Mojo's, not brilliant, too much fat on the plates.

Outiside the hotel there is a taxi rank so getting around isn't a problem it is about 1km to Baga beach. Baga beach is full of beach shacks our favourite was silver Sands at the begining of Baga,the food was fantastic with great service,Khan & Manju cant do enough.Next door but one is Brittos,great atmosphere with kareoke.Every night on the beach there are fireworks,bar-bs& tight rope walkers!

All the meals we had were great,places we recommend, All Spice, Brittos, Silver Sands, East Meats West, Fiesta,all can easily be found by taxi. Club Cabana is a must you can see it from the hotel with the laser lights,wednesday is ladies night,free in & free drinks! Men pay 600rps & free drinks. Not a lot of bars but we found Shooters on Baga road next to Subway,a really good bar with great staff Raj,Ali,Lucky &Ash we are still in touch.When Shooters shuts get a taxi to the Sports bar opposite Tittos all the indians go and love it when the Brits go in.

Anjuna market is an experience we went over by boat from Silver Sands.Its almost immpossible to browse as you are constantly hassled but in the middle is an oasis, a bar with a live band,a bit of rock music & a Kingfisher its hard to go back out.

A good market is Ingos,not much hassle and good quality clothing,belts,jewellry ect also in the middle is an area for live bands,bars & food of every description.

Two trips we did were the dolphin trip,dont do it with the rep,just get a taxi to Coco beach,have a meal in a shack and get on a boat,saw loads of dolphins & waved to the prisoners. The other was the jungle trip,we went with Shangrila,ab fabulous,went to spice plantation,swam in river,rode elephants,danced round campfire with indian dancers, stayed in mud huts, saw monkeys & fed them, went to a village & took the school kids sweets & pencils & sat on carts pulled by oxen a really great trip, never forget the experience.

Just two warnings it is a long drive to the jungle,4 hours drive on very windy roads with steep drops and it gets very cold on a night so take a jacket.

Goa is a fantastic experience and we will go back,the people are great,it is quite primative and you will get beggars but there is a buzz about the place.

The Marinah Dourada is a lovely clean hotel & Azim cant do enough to help cant wait to go back.

Can't add a great deal to what's already been said other than the MD is pretty much still as described.

The hotel location is great, very peaceful (in contrast to Baga Beach).

The rooms are comfortable if a little dated-looking but are absolutely spotless and well-equipped (AC, fan, fridge, TV).

The staff are very friendly and cannot do enough for you.

There's entertainment most nights and the food in the hotel restaurant wasn't that bad, but some of the restaurants by the river are much better (J&A's, Hibiscus, Sublime, Lila's Cafe for breakfast and lunch) as is All Spice in Arpora village.

The only negative was breakfast - but it was bearable (just).

The taxi drivers outside are all very helpful, friendly and work to a set price list.

I'm glad we chose the MD and would definitely return if we went back to Goa.

We stayed at the Marinha Dourada from 26th November until 11th December.
We had requested a room on a high floor overlooking the lakes, which got. Room 259. The room was very spacious with a decent sized balcony with small table and two chairs plus a clothes airer to put wet washing/ wet towels on to dry. I loved sitting out here till the music at Mackie

We have just booked our 12th visit to the marinha dourada, there have been losts of changes since we first went in 1996.

The hotel is a lot bigger but you still receive excellent service from all of the staff, the rooms are adequate and cleaned to a high standard daily.

The hotel is situated by 2 large lakes with boating and fishing available. The views are out of this world with plenty of birds and other wildlife to see, such as ox carts, elephants.

Although it is about a 20 minute walk to the beach this is one of the plus factors as it is quiet, there are plenty of taxis to be had and the taxi lads are excellent and very helpful .

There is a Saturday night market next to the marinha and altough the music is loud and there are thousands of people visiting it it is still fairly peaceful in the hotel.

We have heard that they are building some cottages in the grounds for rental , it will be interesting to see these when they are finished.

The breakfasts are fairly good with tea/coffee/fruit juice toast and just about any form of egg you want, if not on display please order.

Would I recommend it, the answer is no as it's getting too popular.