De Alturas Resort

Entryway pillars are imposing here, where canary yellow and white paints, wrought-iron balconies, and terra-cotta roof tiling provide an attractive colonial look. Inside the wood-paneled lobby, textured gray marble floors, tan couches, and boxy wood furniture are dated and clash with modern blue light fixtures. A buddha statue and spiral bookshelf give the space some character though, and floor-to-ceiling windows brighten dark colors. The restaurant follows suit with its bright-but-dated look, although outdoor spaces are attractive. Despite being small and prone to crowding or noise, the outdoor pool is clean, framed by lush palms, potted planters, and sculpted elephant trunk fountains. The latter aren't always in working order though -- a theme that ranges from room complaints to non-functioning gym equipment. Still, terrace loungers and al fresco seating are pleasant here. The property draws domestic and international couples and families, plus the odd corporate group. Note, a significant proportion of rooms can only be reached by stairs.

The hotel's small street is just off Candolim's main drag, which is filled with restaurants, street food, tourist-geared stands, and a market selling local handicrafts. Guests are also a seven-minute walk from Candolim Beach, and beach shacks dotting this expansive stretch hire out loungers, umbrellas, and water-sports equipment. Alongside taxis, scooter hire is a popular way to get around, and the hotel can organize rentals. The 17th-century Portuguese Aguada Fort is a 10-minute drive, with Baga and off-beat Anjuna beaches and night markets 10 minutes farther. The nearest city of Panjim is a 30-minute drive away. Also known as Dabolim, Goa International Airport is just under an hour's drive.

A step up from shabbier downstairs areas, old-fashioned rooms have either bland or more character-filled decor, but they're all well-appointed, and they span a decent 268 to 291 square feet (24 to 27 square meters). Lower-category rooms have neutral palettes of white walls and tile floors, scuffed wooden furniture, and pops of gold in fabrics, plus gray quilted headboards in some. Deluxe Rooms, meanwhile, have white leather and wood furniture, varying vibrant accent walls behind beds, colorful bedding, and metallic armchairs. However, some wear and tear is visible. All rooms have furnished outdoor spaces, but pool views are reserved for upgraded rooms -- although these units can be noisy, while alternative vistas can include derelict buildings or parking lots.

Desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, AC, and free (but unreliable) Wi-Fi come standard. Larger Suites have living rooms, and Family Suites add on kitchenettes. Bathrooms are old or modern. The former have basic showers and floral-motif tiles, while the latter have rainfall and hand-held showers. All have hairdryers and toiletries. Rooms can be fitted with cribs.

Features aren't the most extensive here, although with plenty nearby, guests aren't on-site all that much. Those that choose to stay are mostly found at the rectangular outdoor pool. Despite its small size (which can result in overcrowding), the pool is a pleasant and pretty spot. It's surrounded by a patterned stone terrace lined by wicker chairs and cushioned loungers, although there are no umbrellas. Backdrop greenery pops against the hotel's yellow walls, and the decorative elephant fountains are fun. Limited wellness amenities include a small gym with varied, but often broken, equipment. The rustic spa's treatment rooms offer Ayurvedic massages, alongside a small whirlpool.

Included in some bookings, buffet breakfasts offer made-to-order eggs, hot Western, cold continental, and Indian options. The Flame & Grill Restaurant has lots of family or group-friendly seating, but guests find the buffet meals repetitive, despite the well-reviewed Goan specialities. A small bar with stools serves a range of beverages. Pets aren't permitted. Conference rooms, vehicle rentals, free parking, and free Wi-Fi round out amenities.