Goa is India’s little vacation paradise. Located in the west of India, Goa is the smallest state in the country. However, although Goa is the smallest state, it hosts millions of visitors annually. It has a tropical climate, a lot of cultures, and a lot of beaches. Moreover, it has yet to start becoming popular in the region. In the 1960s and 1970s, the north of the area was a place flooded by hippies. North Goa has become a hidden paradise for many hippies, adventurers, and backpackers who want to escape the rigors of everyday life and live in a natural commune. The area is now a popular tourist destination with plenty of high-end hotels, shops, and activities like water sports and beachside parties that go on well into the early hours. North Goa has become a haven for free-spirited travelers and nomadic souls seeking a more natural way of life.
Goa’s strategic value to the Portuguese was based on its favorable climate and location, its extensive coastline, its valuable metal mines, and its strategic importance as a trading post for essential spices; the city was besieged for nearly 450 years. In 1961, along with Goa, Portugal’s other two enclaves in India, Daman and Diu gained independence and became states. Goa’s stunning beaches, unique culture, and mouthwatering cuisine have made it the region’s top tourist destination.
Best Place to Stay in Goa
Goa is one of the must-see places for those going to India for the first time. It is possible to find many different types of hotels, as the state is a complete holiday paradise. However, you may want to consider your priorities when deciding where to stay. The state is divided into two; North Goa and South Goa. Although the regions are next to each other, they are much different than you might expect. North Goa is famous for its glittering nightlife, golden beaches, colorful spice markets, and street food vendors serving various local delicacies. South Goa has the most luxurious hotels and extensive shopping, as well as golden beaches that stretch to infinity. You can enjoy the sea while sipping exotic cocktails or sampling local flavors on these beaches. If you are looking for a place to spend a few days in Goa, you can choose one of the many hotels in the area. Here are the best hotels where to stay in Goa.
Luxurious Hotels in Goa
If your idea of a great vacation is to stay in excellent hotels with countless services, you have plenty of options in Goa. Especially in South Goa, there are many luxury hotels. Choosing one of these hotels allows you to have a dream vacation in Goa.
Taj Hotel & Convention Center, Panaji 🔗
Although most luxury hotels are in South Goa, the Taj Hotel & Convention Center, one of the most luxurious hotels in the region, is located in North Goa. With its remarkable architecture and top-notch hospitality, the hotel will make your dreams come true. You can discover great seafood and taste local delicacies at the on-site restaurant. The infinity pool and pool bar on the hotel’s terrace will be where you will spend most of the day. You can stare out at the endless blue of the Arabian Sea from your room. The Jiva Spa is an on-site spa where you can get away from stress and relax, renew, and refresh yourself with different treatments. If you are looking for a luxury hotel in which to stay in North Goa, the Taj Hotel & Convention Center is the best choice you can make.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa 🔗
Spread over a vast area, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa offers more than what you expect from a luxury hotel. The hotel is the only place in India where you can find Mediterranean culture. It offers a dream vacation to its visitors. Guests of the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa can enjoy a private beach, tennis courts, a golf course, a spa, a swimming pool, and a lush garden perfect for strolling. There are six different restaurants to choose from at this hotel, each serving a unique menu. As a family-friendly hotel, they made sure to include a large play area for the kids. If you are planning where to stay in North Goa, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is by far the best place to stay.
W Goa 🔗
The highest sense of holiday comes to life in W Goa. W Goa, one of the most luxurious hotels in the region, is almost unlimited in terms of service. The hotel’s rooms with a view of the water are minimalist in design but opulent in style. In W Goa’s green garden, you can take yoga classes outside, keep working out at the fitness center, or relax at the spa. One of the remarkable things in W Goa is the indoor playground where children can have fun. The hotel has two restaurants: The Kitchen Table, which serves local delicacies, and Spice Traders, where mouth-watering Asian cuisine is served. If you want to explore the surroundings, rent a car or bike from the hotel. W Goa is the best hotel to stay in Goa for an unforgettable holiday.
Best Hotels for Couples in Goa
There are plenty of options for honeymooners and other couples vacationing in Goa. Many hotels in Goa range from luxury with dazzling views to affordable yet well-served hotels. It is a place that is flooded with visitors, especially in the summer months. For this reason, you should definitely book your place in advance before coming to the region. Otherwise, it may be challenging to find a suitable location. If you are looking for the best places where to stay in Goa for couples, look no further.
Hard Rock Hotel Goa
If you want to stay in a luxurious yet uncomplicated place, the Hard Rock Hotel is the hotel for you. Standing out with its visitor friendliness, the hotel is one of the most preferred places by newlywed couples. In addition to the rooms being large, airy, well-furnished, bright, and offering a view, the Hard Rock Hotel is distinguished by a number of other key characteristics. All rooms in the hotel are equipped with Fender guitars and studio-level headphones. If you have a passion for the guitar or are wondering what it is like to play it, you can try it at the Hard Rock Hotel. One of the most attractive points of the hotel is the organization of various events and entertainment after the sun goes down. Although the Hard Rock hotel is not located on the seafront, it is within walking distance of the region’s famous beaches, such as Baga Beach and Calangute Beach. Located in Calangute, North Goa, the hotel will offer you a completely different experience. If you want a great place where to stay in Goa for honeymoon, give a chance to Hard Rock Hotel.
Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa 🔗
If you’re looking for a slightly quieter place to stay in Goa, the Hyatt Centric Candolim is for you. It is like a hidden garden for hotel visitors outside of Calangute. The restaurant GROK, located within the hotel, offers examples of different cuisines. You can have a romantic dinner with a bottle of great wine in the Alfresco-style restaurant. One of the places in Hyatt Centric Candolim that you will not want to get away from is the hotel’s pool. Relaxing by the pool with an exotic drink in hand is a great way to take in the brilliant blue sky and bright sunshine in Goa. Hyatt Centric Candolim is the best location to stay in Goa for couples who want to be away from the crowds.
Novotel Goa Candolim 🔗
The Novotel Goa Candolim is one of the most popular hotels in Goa. You can have an unforgettable holiday at the hotel, with three pools and a vast pool bar. The Square restaurant in the hotel offers visitors delicious meals all day long. Let’s say you’ve decided to treat yourself to a day at the spa so you can relax and refresh. If so, the Novotel Goa Resort & Spa is conveniently located next to the hotel. In addition to full body treatments, the spa offers a variety of massage styles, such as the Balinese, Swedish, Hawaiian, and Thai. Imagine you and your partner are considering traveling to Goa for a romantic getaway or for your honeymoon. Then, Novotel Goa Candolim is one of the best places to stay in Goa.
Best Family Hotels in Goa
Goa is more than just a romantic or adventurous vacation spot. A family vacation in India is a great idea as well. There are lots of family-friendly hotels. If you want an unforgettable family vacation in Goa, here are the best hotels to stay in Goa with family.
Grand Hyatt Goa 🔗
Located on the shores of Bambolim Bay, the Grand Hyatt Goa has an atmosphere that has come out of your dreams. You can have fun with your family in the hot summer months with a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool, a hot indoor swimming pool, and a special pool for children. Located by the sea, the hotel has rooms with breathtaking sea views. Rooms for families are very spacious. If you want to have fun by the sea, you can visit the private beach of the Grand Hyatt Goa. The hotel has one of the best beaches to stay in Goa. The Grand Hyatt Goa offers guests a choice of seven restaurants. You can enjoy Indian food, Mediterranean fare, or seafood dishes prepared by local chefs. Moreover, you won’t find a better wine list than the one at Capiz Bar. While your children enjoy the fun in the children’s playground at the Grand Hyatt, you can refresh calmly and peacefully at The Shamana Spa.
Vivanta Goa 🔗
Located in the city center of Panaji, Vivanta Goa is an ideal hotel for those who want to explore a new culture up close on their family vacation. With its diverse culture, colorful nightlife, and pristine beaches, Panaji is among the best areas to stay in Goa. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t cool off in the hot summer months. Vivanta Goa’s terrace has a huge swimming pool with city views. The spa center of the hotel has everything you can imagine. You can refresh as a family at Vivanta with a Turkish bath, sauna, hot tub, steam rooms, and numerous massage options. Latitude restaurant serves North Indian, Goa, and Italian cuisines. If you want to try different flavors, you can dine in Tamari, where Asian cuisine is served, and you can find both local and international cuisine in Caramel, which specializes in desserts.
Le Meridien Goa 🔗
Le Meridien Goa is one of the ideal places for a family vacation. While enjoying the sun in the outdoor pool at the hotel, you can watch your children in the children’s pool at the same time. The Family Kids Club in the hotel organizes children’s fun activities daily. Suppose you want to enjoy the sea on the beach and have a joyful family day. In that case, Calangute, one of the region’s most famous beaches, is a few minutes walk from the hotel. Jazz & Grills Bar, located inside the hotel, is the first whiskey bar in Goa. The hotel offers fun activities not only for children but also for adults. With its tennis court and billiards room, La Meridien also has activities for adults. Calangute is one of the best areas to stay in Goa if you love beaches.
Best Places in Goa
The country has a large number of Portuguese-style buildings because the area has long been a Portuguese enclave. Goa, India, is known for its stunning beaches, but it’s so much more than that. The scenery is stunningly beautiful. To put it simply, Goa is a paradise for ecotourists. Casinos are an important feature of the region. Visit a casino in Goa to see if your vacation luck will change for the better. If you want to visit the casinos during your vacation, the south region, which is the best place to stay in Goa.