Quality Inn Ocean Palms Goa

A quiet setting and affordable rates draw travelers to the Ocean Palm Goa, set on a small lane off Calangute's main road. The four-story building has balconies with wrought-iron balustrades and charming greenery hanging off its sides. While some palm trees and a mosaic-tiled pool are pleasant, there's evident wear throughout the hotel and decor is dated. Expect rusted fixtures, dirty pool tiles, and old-fashioned wood furniture, plus some modern wicker seating by the seasonal grill and bar. Travelers here are mostly couples, followed by families and groups of friends, and the atmosphere is relaxed.

On a small lane off the town's main road, Fort Aguada, the Ocean Palms is in a quieter part of Calangute, yet still close to the action. Holiday Street is a two-minute walk, lined with many restaurants, food stalls, and a famous Tibetan market. Great for water sports, Calangute Beach is a 15-minute walk. Motor scooters are ideal for getting around the area and there's a rental company by the hotel, although taxis are also plentiful. Built in 1551, Reis Margo Fort is a 15-minute drive, as is Baga Beach and Night Market. Anjuna, a popular beachfront nightlife destination, is a 25-minute drive. Less crowded than Calangute, Candolim Beach is a seven-minute drive and a supermarket is less than 10 minutes away on foot. The nearest city of Panjim is a half-hour drive and Goa International Airport (Dabolim) is just under an hour by car.

Rooms are largely dated and showing lots of wear, but they're spacious and bright. Rooms start at 25 square meters (275 square feet), and are decorated in a similar style consisting of beige tile floors, walls, and drapes, old-fashioned two-tone wood furniture, and pops of orange, ruby, and pink in bed runners, seating, rugs, and throw pillows. All have French doors that open onto furnished balconies overlooking the pool or entrance and street. Standard amenities include seating areas, wardrobes with laptop-sized safes and ironing facilities, flat-screen TVs, kettles, and mini-fridges. Air-conditioning units work well. Large suites can sleep four with sofa beds. Bathrooms have showers with plastic curtains and basic toiletries.

The decent-sized outdoor pool is set in a pleasant terrace with greenery, but the sectioned off shallow kids' area is tiny. Also on the downside, there are limited loungers on the deck, although most guests head to the beach when the weather is sunny. For additional relaxation, a small spa has treatment rooms for massages, and a salon area for manicures and pedicures. A small gym is also on-site, but equipment is limited. A shaded, open-air space houses foosball, air-hockey, and ping-pong tables, and a library room has books available for guests to borrow. 

The main Nautilus Restaurant and Bar serves international cuisine and regional dishes both buffet-style and a la carte for all three meals. All rates include a breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order egg and dosa stations and a variety of continental fare. A seasonal Beachcomber's Grill serves grilled dishes and beverages inside and on a pleasant terrace. The Island Conference Hall can hold up to 150 people. Limited parking and Wi-Fi are both free.