Acron Waterfront Resort

With its mix of golden-yellow exterior walls and impeccably clean, white trim and banisters, the Acron looks a bit like a plantation house at first glance. Instead, this is a fairly modern property, which can be a blessing in budget-hotel-happy northern Goa. A large brick-lined patio areas lead into the hotel's main common areas and onto the grounds, with cement pathways and a small grassy area facing the river with sofas and tables with chairs plus a few sun beds at one end. There's seating all around, which is convenient as relaxing seems to be the name of the game here. Though there are some basic facilities for corporate guests, including a meeting room, though the vast majority of travelers here are tourists.The hotel offers a number of incentives for guests who book directly through their site instead of through an online travel agency, which vary depending on the number of nights reserved. 

Goa is a bit tricky to navigate by public transportation, but it's easy to drive here, and most visitors rent motor scooters to get around the tiny state. Taxis are also plentiful and more than happy to make long-haul trips. It's worth having some sort of transport to explore the string of boho party beaches in this part of Goa. The heart of Baga Beach is an eight-minute ride via the hotel's free shuttle or a 10-minute walk away. It's a 20-minute drive to Vagator Beach and a half-hour drive to Morjim. Hippie-friendly Arambol is a 45-minute drive away, though there's a similar vibe at Anjuna Beach, a 13-minute drive from the hotel. The famous Anjuna Night Market, which sells crafts from around India, is equidistant, but located in Arpora. Goa International Airport in Dabolim is about a 70-minute drive from the hotel, 15 minutes or so past the state's capital, Panjim.

The Acron offers three room types: Sea View Rooms, River View Rooms, and Courtryard Rooms. As the names suggest, views are the big difference between categories, and while River View Rooms have good views of the river, Sea View Rooms only have partial views of the ocean. Still, their position at the back of the hotel lends to more property than the River View Rooms right at the front. Decor is nearly identical throughout the rooms, with only slight variations in patterns on throw cushions or wall art. All rooms have cooling marble floors, a mix of off-white walls and warm wood paneling, gray blackout drapes and handsome wooden furniture. Colorful silk pillows add a bit of local charm, but the number of patterns on display lends the rooms an eclectic, homey atmosphere. Large wardrobe cupboards provide ample space for storing clothes, and there are plush upholstered chairs and glass-topped coffee tables as well. Rooms also have balconies or terraces with basic patio furniture. All rooms come with a similar set of amenities, including minibars, kettles, safes, digital scales, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, free basic Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Large bathrooms have huge vanity areas with makeup mirrors and lots of counter space, plus walk-in showers with glass doors. Connecting rooms and alter-abled rooms are available, and common areas have ramp access for wheelchair users. 

For many, the highlight of a stay at the Acron is the chance to dine at The River Restaurant, which is considerably more upscale than many other outlets in the area, with a variety of Western and Indian fine-dining options integrating lots of local specialties, including freshly caught seafood. Breakfast is available until the afternoon, taking into consideration the fact that many people stay up all night partying in Goa and are busy sleeping in all morning.The hotel's enormous infinity pool is one of its more excellent features, and there's a smaller kids' pool off to one side plus lifeguard service. The area is partially surrounded by a wooden deck with lots of padded lounge chairs and umbrellas looking out onto the river beyond. The hotel also provides fishing rods for those who want to fish in the Baga River. Boat trips depart from the hotel's own jetty on the river.The on-site Spa Sitara has simple but bright treatment rooms and a large, lovely outdoor whirlpool for guests to use after their treatments. The spa offers a typical menu of massages and wraps, including a Dead Sea mud body wrap. There's also a small fitness center with a trio of cardio machines plus weight machines and a rack of free weights.Although the prime audience here is tourists, the Acron does offer a boardroom with audio-visual equipment for corporate guests. Other features include laundry service, currency exchange, and a free shuttle to and from Baga Beach. Basic Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but it costs extra to use high-speed Internet.