Holiday Inn Resort Goa

The Holiday Inn Resort Goa is a beachfront property in a quiet area that mostly attracts families on vacation and wedding parties. Indo-Portuguese influences are evident throughout the well-maintained grounds, which consist of fountain displays at the semi-outdoor lobby, marble floors under wicker seating with flower-print cushions, and lots of columns. A freeform outdoor pool offers a place to enjoy the sun, as does the lovely wide stretch of beach, and though the vibe is lively, it's never loud. Rooms and restaurants have a more contemporary look than most public areas, though everything is largely simple and elegant. This is a great pick for beach-seeking travelers who don't plan on leaving the property much. 

The hotel's beachfront location is somewhat isolated and unlike North Goan resorts, it's far from towns and market life. However, beautiful Mobor Beach is adjacent to the hotel and it's lined by a few beach shacks  -- Pearl's Beach Cafe and Betty's are a five-minute walk, and it's the same distance for rustic eatery Fisherman's Wharf, which overlooks the River Sal. A supermarket is seven minutes away on foot. Margao is a 40-minute drive or bus ride from outside the hotel, the busy city of Panjim is an hour's drive, and beaches and markets at Anjuna and Baga are twice that. Madgaon Railway Station is a 30-minute drive and it takes an hour to reach Dabolim International Airport by car.

Spacious rooms are outfitted in simple, mostly contemporary decor consisting of light-wood furniture, white walls with little-to-no artwork, and pops of mauve or similar shades in throw pillows and curtains. Some rooms have dated-looking tile and bathrooms, however. Suites have a but more modern decor with dark-wood furniture and polished wood floors instead of tiling, plus sofas with pale-green pillows. All spaces have furnished outdoor spaces, either overlooking the pool or garden. Also standard are desks with chairs, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free bottled water, coffee- and tea-making facilities, as well as air-conditioning, hairdryers, safes, and ironing facilities. Marble bathrooms -- more modern in higher-category units -- have shower/tub combos or walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, toiletries, and robes and slippers.

An important feature for most guests is the hotel's direct access to lovely Mobor Beach. However, be aware that during monsoon season, swimming is not advised and there are no loungers or umbrellas set up. Year-round, guests can utilize the freeform pool, which has a separate kiddy pool and is lined by cushioned sunbeds. For further relaxation, an Ayurvedic spa offers a variety of treatments, sauna and steam rooms, and a well-equipped gym. Nail and hair treatments are also available. Little ones can also use a kids' club with indoor and outdoor play spaces. Multiple dining options are well-reviewed, consisting of a Beach Grill with seafood and Goan specialities, a lobby bar, and Zest, a 24-hour buffet and coffee shop with international fare and Indian cuisine. Al fresco meals are popular at the Mediterranean spot Fig and Olive. The large ballroom caters to weddings and conferences with equipment provided. Many guests also enjoy the weekly circus and carnival nights here. Parking is free and ample, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.