We stayed at the Cidade de Goa in the southern part of Goa in February this year after touring around northern India for 2 weeks. To be honest, our first impressions of the hotel were not favourable, the lobby seemed bleak and the route to the room was like a trip down the back stairs to the basement. On venturing to the poolside bar we observed that the sea was quite brown and it looked suspiciously like we were at the entrance to a river. Images of what might be floating down river deepened my spirits. These misgivings were echoed by two girls who had visited the hotel for the day to report back to parents that would be going there shortly. However, the next day, after a nights sleep in a really pleasant room with a sea view it looked a whole lot better. The brown sea is caused by the darkness of the sand being churned up in the waves at the edge and I was assured that the hotel looked out to sea and was not touched by the river. Swimming in the sea was wonderful. The sand, although brownish sweeps smoothly down at a gentle drop and there are no rocks in the main area to stub toes on. Curving round on each side rocks that are exposed at low tide and provide really interesting pools to explore revealing crabs, shells and little fishes in crystal clear water where the sand has settled. The food in the hotel was excellent. The best part was the outdoor barbecue area – their tandoori chicken was wonderful. A buffet restaurant provided curries and various western dishes and there was a Portuguese style restaurant as well. An all inclusive Goan night allowed us to sample a vindaloo and lots more and drink as much as we liked for approx £6.00. As the week went on we fell in love with the place – the hotel and Panjin, the nearest town. It is strange that went you are tired from flying and perhaps over excited, that a first impression could be so wrong. The Cidade de Goa lives up to its 5 stars. My only real criticism is the staffs inclination to play rather dreadful pop music on the lawn next to the barbecue area. This happened about 3 nights out of 6 for parties of business people and was quite intrusive. One night it was so bad we and another couple threatened to leave the barbecue restaurant if it was not turned down, but they did, at least to a tolerable level.
How wonderful to find someone who has experienced the Cidade. I have made 7 visits there and am desparate to get back to see everyone. So glad you enjoyed it as I almost consider it my second home.
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Jul 14th, 2000
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