Goa (India) > Reviews > Cidade de Goa, Panaji,

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around
Family Friendly

Advantages:	sun, sea and marvellous food
Disadvantages:	poverty

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I have visited Goa for seven years consecutively, up to three years ago. The only reason I have not been recently is marriage breakup and studying for a degree.

Cidade de Goa is an excellant hotel, the staff are incredibly friendly without being intrusive. The hotel is spotlessly clean, restful and to be honest the best one I have ever stayed in, and I used to travel extensively.

The people in Goa are so willing to help and show you the area, one never feels threatened.

Anjuna market is a delight for shopaholics as are the back streets in Panaji (Panjim) the capital.
Bogota Beach has the most incredible fish restaurant on the beach, it is advisable to go early at lunch time, as you can pick your own fish and it is first come first served.
The Red Snapper is to die for, as is the freshly caught lobster.

Menino's restaurant situated just 5 minutes from the Cidade is a local restaurant, which although basic in presentation, i.e plastic plates !! is the cheapest, best food I have encountered. But then everywhere in the area is fabulous for food. The boys at the restaurant run a boat trip to a small cove, which is postage stamp size, but beautiful, you can watch the sea eagles soar above you and as the boys erect a sunshade you can either sit in the scorching sun or bask in the shade. The trip is a great day out, the boys are friendly and love to have a laugh. Its best to go with 6 or so people you get on with as you are stuck with them all day.

A trip down the Mandovi river should be taken, even if you don't get to see the crocodiles, its worth the trip.

I would be back in Goa tomorrow if it were possible, because although it is a little pricey to get there, it costs you pennies when you are there.
Just learn to say no to the badgering children or go and buy them a banana for about 2p.

Go and enjoy, if you don't like it I would be very surprised. But do expect to see a few things that we are not used to seeing here in the West. The poverty is distressing, but the way of life is spiritual and I wish I was back there.