Quiet, relaxed, small hotel with high standards, efficient friendly staff
Disadvantages:
Lacking excitement for a younger crowd .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
"Welcome to the Hotel Santa Rita, such a lovely place, such a lovely face..."
So sing the restaurant staff to the tune of the Eagles hit "Hotel California." And indeed they are correct, even if their singing is atrocious.
The hotel complex itself is smaller than the average at 55 rooms, yet at no time does it feel claustrophobic or crammed in. In fact if anything this adds to its charm and friendly character. Situated in small well kept gardens within the complex that also contains the outdoor restaurant/bar, pool, Ayervedic clinic (for massage or traditional therapies) and a crepe restaurant.
The rooms are airy and clean. Ours contained a small kitchen area with a sink and fridge stocked with water, beer and soft drinks. A ceiling fan in each room and an air conditioner as well in the bedroom. There was also a small TV in the corner with a selection of movie, news and entertainment channels in Indian and English.
The hotel staff are some of the most welcoming and friendly that I have ever met; they make a real effort to learn everyone's name and are generally concerned you are enjoying yourself and having a good time. Like anywhere in India a little baksheesh or tipping goes a long way.
The food is of a reasonably consistent high standard, and as a vegetarian I was well catered for with my carnivorous companions feeling the same. The menu changes every night varying from traditional Indian food, Chinese, al-la-carte and bbq or sizzler nights. Most nights it's a self-service buffet with helpful staff ready to explain what is in the dishes. But when there are loads of local and very cheap places to eat out of the hotel you're spoilt for choice. I personally love spicy food and so had no problems with the hotter dishes but for those with a more delicate palate they did have blander dishes like spaghetti bolognaise or cauliflower cheese.
The evenings entertainments can be quite mixed, the usual resort melange of karaoke singers, cheesy covers bands and traditional dancing is presented but some nights there are sword wielding acrobats, African flaming limbo dancers and table magicians. As a general rule it's catered towards the older holidaymaker and families. Anybody wanting to boogie the night away will need to hop in a taxi and head north towards the bars and clubs of Calangute and Baga.
A Pristine swimming pool overlooked by a tree that drops its beautiful yellow and white blossoms into the pool, Is a chilled out and great place to relax.
One small annoyance were the girls with the market stall on the way to the beach as you leave the back of the hotel. But where ever you go in touristy Goa there's always someone wanting to try and sell you something so this wasn't much of a problem.
As of Jan/Feb 07 building work has begun to be carried out behind the hotel on the way to the beach for an extension to the neighbouring Titos resort providing a nightclub. If this takes off it could spoil the quieter end of the beach, or it could improve it depending on your perspective.
More details
Quality of Food & Drink
Good
Family Friendly
Good
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