We picked this hotel with no prior knowledge of where we were going other than the fact it is in South Goa.
As it turned out we were very happy with the choice.
Under new ownership the hotel is now known as the Royal Orchid Galaxy, part of a chain.
The hotel is undergoing considerable improvements and these were on going during our stay as the season got underway. Other than the stupidity of lighting a bonfire which resulted in smoke blowing over the pool area for much of one day the other work did not interfere in any way, much of it was creating a new beach side bar and sunbed area.
Our room , one of the refurbished ones, was very good indeed. Very modern, wet room shower, wall mounted flat screen TV etc. Fridge and complimentary bottled water to use the coffee making facility.
The grounds are well kept and lead straight on to a very pleasant and quiet beach.
The poolside furniture is top of the range and during our stay there was plenty of space.
Our biggest complaint was the breakfast which was not particularly to our liking. Fresh fruit was wafer thin slices and very little of it.A good selection of Indian dishes but the Continental offerings were poor. Fried egg oromelet was accompanied by some really quite evil sausage or hash brown or similar. The staff also seemed unorganised, we often arrived at breakfast to find tables hadn't been set etc etc. It was enough to put me off trying their evening meals but I wouldn't say it was a total disaster by any means.With some very nice freshly baked bread rolls we enjoyed a fried egg butty and a cup of coffee most mornings.
During our visit we has some very unseasonal monsoonal rainstorms so the fact that the nearest eating place, Victors, is across the road was a bonus.However, thepreferred option was the beach restaurant "Island View" which offered a more exciting menu in very pleasant surrounds.
The biggest drawback for this hotel is it's isolation. There are 3 eating places within a few hundred metres but then it's some distance and either a 20 minute walk or a taxi is needed.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would certainly go back, but be warned it's very quiet !

The breakfast was the usual Indian and English selection, eggs cooked for you as you wanted them. Tea and coffee served to the table, and it was hot and good. Air con. breakfast room very nice. Waiters very efficient clearing away quickly.
Very clean hotel, no rubbish anywhere. Rooms very clean, boys did rooms every day, very unobtrusive and nice boys. 2 small bottles water every day complimentary.
We had room service twice, and it was exc ellent. No problems.
Staff were all ex ellent, we couldnt fault them. They were all so nice and helpful and there was a really good atmosphere there.
As it was end of season, not so muchentertainment as at Christmas, but a singer one night, and guitarist group another.

They are installing Broadband all around the hotel, so this will be operational soon, you can take yoour laptops!!

Breakfast was excellent. Really hot good cup of tea. Super egg chefs did superb scrambles or omelettes quickly.

Hotel rooms, grounds, pool spotlessly clean at all times. Food was also excellent.

Location beautiful, almost on beach, gardens absolutely fantastic, really good.

Staff very quiet and efficient, cheerful and helpful. Rooms cleaned perfectly and we never saw them doing it.

Every night there was music, and entertainment, very good indeed, and a lot of trouble and effort went into it. We would definitely go there again, nothing wrong with it at all.

The hotel was an excellent introduction to Goa! It was immaculately clean and friendly and in an excellent location for Utorda beach which was beautiful.

The 'upgraded' twin room we had was spacious and functional with a separate living area and small patio. We used the air conditioning almost constantly so recommend you ensure this is included in price (this is why we upgraded!)and didn't have the troubles with hot water other guests reported.

The staff are numerous and generally young, the only irritant we found was that whatever time we wanted to sleep or return to our room after lunch, that was when they wanted to clean it! On Christmas day, surely an excuse for a hungover lie in in anyone's books, we were constantly phoned and the door bell rung with petty requests about how happy we were with the cleanlines of the room and a visit from Santa Claus! All seemingly excuses to provide opportunities for tips I presume, quite annoying!

We only ate in the hotel for Christmas eve but the food was excellent, it's just we preferred sampling the beach shacks and the entertainment was never that enticing!

Sure the Galaxy will improve even more with experience.

Arrived at Hotel at 7-30am on 24th Dec to be greeted by 4 smiling faces to check in only us! So very quick and off to room which was available no waiting around.

We had a two room junior suite with large bedroom and big bed, small wardrobe and 4 hangers, which was adequate as long as you didn't have ballgowns! We hung our long trousers and skirts on the curtain rail. A/C and fan in room, also plug in mossie repellent and new matts every day. The living room was well appointed with settee arm chair two coffee tables, dining table and chairs fridge and the kitchen sink unit with electric kettle nescafe and tea bags. A/C and fan. The bathroom was well equiped with good shower area and hairdryer, even a shower cap and a few toiletries. There was a small balcony with two plastic chairs and a veiw of the Kennilworth Hotel.

The room was well serviced daily with fresh towels and bed linen. Our Room Boy kept us well supplied with extra coffe and tea, A Tip is well recieved. Two small bottles of water are delivered every afternoon. All in all the accomodation was spacious clean and equal, if not better, than many higher starred hotels we have stayed in. We had no problems with water or unwelcome door bell ringing.

The Hotel facilities were somewhat limited, with a reception only with seating for 6 people. and the upstairs breakfast room was very cramped, with a balcony for 3 tables.

Most of the staff were pleasant, but their understanding of English very limited, with the exeption of Benny who was the only one who knew what he was doing. He supplied us with eggs toast and fruit every morning

The evening dining was set up on the lawn, buffet. Our only experience was Christmas Eve Party! There was lots of food but all the hot dishes were hardly warm. The service was poor, and we were not happy about being made to pay for the drinks before they were served. Ambience was nil.

The pool was of medium size and well looked after by the pool boys, Very little shade for sunbeds clean towels daily and not stopped from taking them onto beach.
The beach is a 200mt walk and one of the best in Goa.

Important points

Don't change money at Hotel Very poor rate ask to see the Taxi charges which are not displayed but a list is kept at Reception, and don't let the taxi mafia overcharge.

Laundry service is very good.

Remember to make any enquires at reception before 5-00pm when Emma is there, the evening staff are useless!

Don't expect much socialising in Hotel as there are no areas to have a pleasant drink and chat with fellow guests.
Take note that on the drinks a massive 25% Tax and service charge is added to the actual price.

Would I stay again No although we were very pleased with the Room, we didnt use any of the other facilities and found the atmosphere lacking.

This was the first time staying at The Galaxy after always staying at Majorda. This is the first season of opening and was very impressed with the hotel and it's staff. So much so we and a family party are going again at Easter!

The hotel is very clean and tidy.

Staff are very helpful and polite, nothing is too much trouble for them.

The Deluxe rooms are very big with separate lounge, tv & fridge, kitchen sink and tea making facilities. The only difficulty we had was finding our room when we were tipsy on Honey Bee Brandy at the end of the night. This was resolved by the hotel placing signboards outside each small block of rooms. So much fun watching people walking up steps and then coming back down because they were in the wrong one and they all look the same in the dark !!

The Galaxy is undergoing some changes for the next season. They are moving the reception and creating a shack in the hotel grounds (similar to what the the other hotels have done).

They have a buffet each night and some local entertainment which is okay if you fancy a night in and dont want to go far.

The hotel grounds are still being established and whilst there they were planting many palm trees and were laying out areas for tennis courts etc., There is a lovely pathway from the hotel 5mins and you are straight onto Uttorda beach