Goa India – Best Hotels, Guesthouses and Resorts

Goa – on the whole – offers a wide range of accommodation, starting with low-budget hostels and ending with luxury boutique hotels. Costs vary enormously, according to comfort levels, location and your travelling dates. And, while the choice of accommodation in Goa is almost infinite, the availability is not since Goa is one of the main tourist States in India.

When where and how much

It is, therefore, important to keep in mind the time of year you plan to visit as, during high-season, December to January, especially the former, availability tends to be limited due to the high volume of both Indian and Western tourists. We recommend booking in advance when possible, which nowadays most hotels offer as a standard service.

Budget accommodation in Goa catering for backpackers and seasoned travellers varies greatly from small, dingy, concrete cells to shared hostel facilities and cosy family-run guesthouses. As with any place, the further away you are from popular and populous tourist hotspots the cheaper the room is likely to be. It is, however, worth remembering that all types of accommodation are about 50 per cent more expensive in Panjim (State capital) than elsewhere.

Additionally, check out time in most places in Goa is 10am rather than 12am, which means it's worth arriving at each new place early in the day if you want to get a decent room.

Budget accommodation in Panjim

If you are after something cheap and cheerful, in Panjim, we recommend you head straight to Afonso Guest House in Fountainhas, near St Sebastian’s Chapel, run by a mother and son it offers modest but very clean, comfortable and homely rooms for INR500/800 per night. The pair who run this place are more than happy to help with all your queries and will make you feel right at home with fresh-served breakfast on the rooftop terrace.

Alternatives for budget accommodation in Panjim are few as the majority of Indian tourist prefer to stay in the capital rather than in any of the seaside resorts.

Another popular option with backpackers, however, is the Old Quarter Hostel, in Fontainhas, on Rua 31 de Janeiro. We heartily recommend you check this place out, converted from an old Portuguese house, into funky, modern, purpose-accommodation, it has slick four-bed dorms with lockers as well as private doubles in a separate building, a great café, arty murals, free wi-fi and bikes for hire. Prices start from INR700.

Budget accommodation in Candolim, Calangute and Baga

In some of the most popular resorts such as Candolim, Calangute and Baga approximately INR700 should get you a modest room, or a bamboo hut.

If you do happen to be in Candolim, however, the best budget accommodation is offered by Backpacker Panda Goa, on Anna Vaddo road, which is a large-scale purpose-built hostel that has, private as well as shared rooms. Prices range from INR400/900 per night. The staff there are remarkably friendly, the hostel is clean, well maintained and very close to both the beach and the airport, which is a mere 10 miles away.

In Morjim, the Wanderer’s Hostel, opposite Nanu Wines, will be your best option. Offering both private tents and dormitory rooms, it also has a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a guest lounge. Very popular with backpacker from all over the globe, this place is famous for its hospitality. Prices start from INR600.

The No Name Hostel, in Arambol, Mandalawala Querim, Pernem, is famous for its buzzing atmosphere, great food, genial staff, rooms with a view, free wi-fi and prices, which start at INR300. It offers clean, simple accommodation and is situated just over 2 miles from Arambol Beach.

Mid-Range

If your budget is a little bit more flexible, however, you are bound to find something a little bit more comfortable, spacious and better located.

Hotel Sarita Palace, on Baga Beach, Near La Calypso Hotel, offers large, airy, en-suite, sea-facing rooms. It is a stone’s throw from the beach, has beautiful surroundings, super-efficient management and is family-friendly. Prices start from INR1000.

Another place to look out for is the Sand Pebble holiday homes in Candolim, in the vicinity of the famous Fort Aguada, a short walk away from the beach and all the local amenities. It has three homes in total and offers a wide range of accommodation – one bedroom apartments, studio flats, single rooms – to suit every type of budget and traveller. Ideal for long-term occupancy it has very comfortable en-suites, with flat-screen satellite TVs, air conditioning, and small balconies. It is a conveniently situated, well-run, family friendly place perfect for a long, relaxing holiday. Prices start INR750/1000.

The Anchorage Hotel, Pequeno Chinvar, Vagator, conveniently located near Anjuna, Baga and Calangute beaches is considered somewhat of a hidden gem. If you’re looking for a clean, bright, room with very comfortable beds, air conditioning, and a homely touch to make you feel at ease this is the place for you. The Anchorage Hotel has a swimming pool, a beautiful luscious garden and a restaurant that has a great menu. The staff there are excellent and are always happy to help, the place is well-looked after and very efficiently run. It is situated in a tranquil, off-the-beaten-track location, therefore, making it perfect for a romantic getaway. Prices start from INR800.

Top End

Now, if you’re after something a bit more extravagant and have some pennies to sped, we recommend you head for the Colonia Santa Maria resort, set in traditional Portuguese colonial style villas, on Baga beach. The resort has 100 en-suite apartments, each one with a sitting room, a bedroom, and a balcony, looking out onto marvellous views. The bedrooms are double or twin-bedded. Every suite is air-conditioned and contains a safety deposit box, a mini bar, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a bagful of guest supplies including a range of toiletries. It set over four acres of emerald-green gardens, looking out onto the beach, and offers exceptionally great service with a 24-hour front desk and multilingual staff. In addition, Colonia Santa Maria has a gym, a swimming pool, a games room and an excellent restaurant, which serves a wide variety of cuisines, including Goan specialities. This is the perfect place for a romantic break or a quiet family holiday. Prices start from INR6000 per person per night.

Another place not to miss out on if you’re on the lookout for a bit of self-indulgence and a deluxe getaway is the Pousada Tauma, in Calangute, Porba Vaddo, famous for its tranquil surroundings, thoughtfully furnished rooms and an excellent restaurant, with a very appetising food and drinks menu. This 13 suite boutique hotel, is run by a father and son duo, who are always on hand to help with queries, as well as directions, taxi and tour bookings, and general advice. Not only that their cordial staff and service will make sure your stay is a memorable one. The rooms at Pousada Tauma are pristine, spacious, and beautifully decorated and are perfect for both a romantic getaway for two or a relaxing-girls holiday. Away from the hustle and bustle of Calangute beach, this is a little piece of heaven, centred around an aquamarine swimming-pool. Pousada Tauma also offers a range of in-house services, including Ayurvedic massage, Yoga lessons and complimentary shuttle service to the beach. Prices start from INR19000 during peak season and are non-negotiable, but worth every penny.