Goa is one of my favorite destinations, and living in Mumbai makes it easy to frequent over a long weekend. We normally explore different properties, that gives the option of living in different parts of Goa.
Holiday Inn is in the deep south, on the Mobor beach. This makes it a rather long drive from the airport, takes about an hour and a half by the hotel coach.
The Hotel Property.
South Goa is known for it’s secluded beaches with beautiful white sands. A number of the very exclusive properties are located in this stretch. Holiday Inn is a rather old property – I recall staying here about 12 years back.
The hotel is broken up into two types of rooms, the basic ones in the main building, and the rest of the villa type rooms at the back of the property. The standard rooms are really well located and mine faced the swimming pool on the ground level giving me an amazing view.
There are also a number of activities that are available on the property itself, a Table tennis table, carom boards and lot of water sports scheduled. The whole property is beautifully landscaped with lawns that go all the way to the beach. Right at the end is an amazing white sand beach. Paradise.
There is also a really great spa villa – got myself a nice foot massage there. I like the range of choices available, Swedish massage, Thai Massage and Ayurvedic options as well.
The Rooms
My room was a basic twin room with a little balcony that faced the pool. I used to love sitting there in the evening with a cup of tea watching the fun near the pool. The rooms were spacious and clean and the bathroom was equipped with a bath tub. Pretty much a normal hotel room.
Restaurants
There are a number of restaurants on the property. The coffee shop, Mardi Gras was where the buffet meals were served. There is something for everyone on the menu starting with a South Indian counter with Dosa and Filter coffee to Goan seafood specialties. I quite liked the spread and the flavour of the food. The other restaurants were the Fig and Olive and the Beach House right on the beach.
Overall Thoughts
Holiday Inn gives you a really good reasonable, value for money option in South Goa. The property is beautiful, the service good and the amenities updated. The beach is to die for, if you love the peace and quiet. There is no buzz and activity like in North Goa though, so if you like the “happening” places then you may need to give this a miss. I personally felt so relaxed and rejuvenated after my stay. Definitely will go there again.
Ratings
Location 4/5
Rooms 3.5/5
Service 3.5/5
Value for Money 5/5