madhuonthego

Lush green gardens stretched over a huge area, direct access to clean and unspoiled beach, fairly decent rooms, and a host of amenities. Perfect place to relax and enjoy time with your family.That’s how I would like to describe Holiday Inn Resort Goa

Recently during my visit to Goa, we stayed at Holiday Inn Resort Goa. Though it was an official visit and we were more focused on organizing our 3 days event, than lazing around the property. (How I wish to bask in the laid-back atmosphere and ambience of this place. Alas! )Well, Holiday Inn is such a beautiful property that I thought of sharing my experiences and review of this place.

I hope this will be helpful to you in some way

About the Property

Holiday Inn is a 5 star beach resort, which is a part of an International hotel chain IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group).

It’s a huge property with a combination of traditional Goan architecture and contemporary designs. Holiday inn provides an array of great amenities that includes a swimming pool, a 24-hour coffee shop offering Indian and international cuisines, a wellness center and ayurvedic spa, a beach restaurant, a bar with a panoramic view of the Arabian sea and much more.

Location

Located far from the maddening crowd and hustle bustle of the city. Holiday Inn is located in South Goa with a direct access to the picturesque Mobor Beach. It took us about an hour or so to reach here from Dabolim International Airport. This part of the Goa is quite peaceful so if you are a party animal, probably this is not the place for you. Although I heard there is this really nice restaurant Fisherman’s wharf, located next to Holiday Inn and is worth a try.

Ambience

Like I mentioned earlier, it’s a beautiful property, spread over a huge area. The moment you enter the lobby, a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea accompanied by the green lawns and coconut trees welcomes you. Indeed the view and the cool breeze itself take away a part of your tiredness. In the conference area there’s these nice murals on the walls which are really interesting and depicts the GOAN LIFE

Lobby- The Lobby area is very specious and well designed with water fountains at the entry as a special feature, which adds to the beauty of this place

Pool –I personally loved the way this Pool is designed with a four-pillar architecture in the center, which accentuates its beauty. The Pool offers an amazing view during the night with the combination of lights around, this 4-pillar structure, breeze from the sea and live music from the restaurant.

Rooms – nice rooms with an individual balcony attached to enjoy the serenity and tranquility. You can choose between the lawn, pool or sea facing rooms. Although during our stay due to renovation work, we were not provided the pool facing rooms. But the lawn facing rooms were equally good, with plenty of sunlight. Each room offers all the basic amenities

Service

Best of all, the hotel & staff is baby/ kids friendly. I travelled with my 10 months old baby and biggest apprehension was how to manage his meals for so many days while Il be busy with work. But special baby food was provided and request (like baby food without salt or sugar) was acknowledged by the chefs. Staff was very friendly, and they kept the baby entertained whenever we brought him outside the room and we had an over all pleasant stay

On the other hand I must admit that the service was really slow and laid back for the conference room and business center. Here we would have expected a little prompt and better-coordinated response.

Restaurant & Food

Holiday Inn has got quite a few restaurants to take care of different palates.

Cafe Mardi Gras –24 hour indoor and outdoor coffee shop (some renovation was going on during the May beginning when we went to this place)

It offers an a la carte menu of traditional Goan, Indian and Continental cuisine, as well as a Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Whispers of Orient- Offers Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisines.

Sundowner lounge – located at the lobby level, Sundowner Lounge offers a beautiful view of the pool, lawn & the Arabian Sea. You can sip a drink and enjoy Goan sunset.The bar also has live entertainment every evening.

Beach Grill – with a breathtaking ocean view and cool breeze, this is one of my favourite place in the hotel, Perfect place for a laid back evening or for simply gazing stars .Loved the ambience of this place. Huge lighted boats and the white canopy around makes it a mesmerising.

Fig & Olive – This is an open-air restaurant overlooking the pool & lawns. There is a substantial choice, from wood fired oven Pizza and a variety of Pasta, Seafood Paella, etc.We enjoyed our lunch & dinner buffets here.

 

Amenities

Like any 5 Star hotels, Holiday Inn provides a host of amenities, which I already mentioned in the beginning. But what sets it apart an exclusive playroom for kids and off course the beach.

Overall it was pleasant stay and a great experience. Off course sneaking out of our busy schedules and walking to the beach is something to cherish.