Hotel Chain and Loyalty Program
Worldwide Hilton hotels and resorts. Hilton Honors program is applied.
Check-in and public area lobby
To get to the hotel entrance, it is necessary to pass a small passage from the busy main road. There is a reception and lobby bar at the main lobby, and access to the swimming pool from one side and to the Flame restaurant from the other side.
I was welcomed with a fruity juice and a typical Doubletree cake at the reception when checking in. The staff was friendly and helpful which made me a good first impression of the property. I showed up at the hotel in the morning, my room was not ready as the property was fully occupied. However after two hours of waiting (having breakfast instead) I was escorted to my room despite the fact it was still about 4 hours ahead of official check-in time.
There is no possibility to exchange the foreign currency in the hotel. Major credit cards are accepted.
Location
In the North Goa, at Arpora area. The Goa Dabolim international airport is about an hour drive. There is an hourly shuttle bus service to Baga beach lined with restaurants, bars, shops and beach shacks. The shuttle service provided by the hotel is not reliable as a minivan didn’t arrive at the time of departure from Baga beach. I was waiting for 15 minutes, and finally a taxi car had to be taken to return back to the hotel.
Room
More than 100 rooms and suites face either a lagoon or a swimming pool. All rooms have balcony with chairs and small table, a work desk, large flat TV, a minibar, coffee and tea kettle, coffee table with chairs, large bed and air conditioning and ceiling fan. Room is decorated in dark wood. The décor is outdated and reminds good quality hotels of 1980’s. There is a tale floor with no carpet. A wardrobe with safe deposit is located behind the entry door.
WIFI is free but a connectivity might be very unstable, and sometimes breaks down completely. There is possibility for upgraded wifi connection for a fee. I didn’t find this offer very convenient as the speed didn’t change much.
Restaurants and food
There are 2 restaurants and one lobby bar at the hotel. The Flamerestaurant also serves the breakfast which is good. A large selection of options – a corner with fresh juices, omelette on demand, continental and American breakfast, Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. The food is fresh and tasty. The staff is at the service and polite. The Flame restaurant serves Indian and western dishes after breakfast hours.
TheTAALrestaurant located near the swimming pool offers Indian specialities. The Caffeine Lobby Bar is a coffee shop offering small bites as well as cocktails and drinks.
Leisure facilities
There is an outdoor swimming pool, a small gym and a spa at the hotel. Laundry services are available but not tried.
Verdict
Don’t miss :
ayurvedic massages in the proximity of the hotel. Stunning experience!
Room price :
from 100,- EUR
The hotel is considered to be a 5star property. From my personal experience, it has nothing to do with 5 stars. Cleanliness and furniture should be improved in the hotel rooms. Staff is nice and polite but you need to remind them on what you want, example a missing toilet paper in the bathroom…