Hotel Ondas do Mar Resort, Calangute

Advantages: Literally something for everybody
Disadvantages: Not enough time in a holiday to eat through every menu

...in the evening. I must say that the food in our particular hotel (Ondas Do Mar) was very good, but there are so many choices of cuisine out there, it seems a shame to ‘Stay in’ every night. Can you buy food from the shops? YES, you can purchase most things in Goa. Bacon, cheese, ham, tea bags. All of which are well-known branded names (but a third of the price), so no problems there. Bit of advice: If you want spices, then do not purchase them from a shop, go to ‘Eddies tours’ (Well known English travel firm in Calangute) Pay to go on the ‘Spice Trail’ trip. Here you can get any spice that you require, straight from the plant. The trip also includes a typical Goan meal, a fish curry presented to you on a banana leaf; your utensils are your fingers. The meal is washed down by the Goan traditional spirit ‘Fenni’ (There are two types, one which... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Sun - Marvellous Beaches & Markets-Friendly people-Relaxing
Disadvantages: Bit Dusty - Third world technology - electricity goes off sometimes

...the reclaim and rush it to the exit for you. For this service, they will try to get a pound coin off you. The worst part is almost over. No matter if you are on a package deal, or have made it here alone, one word of advice...Use the government taxi directly opposite the exit to the airport. They will charge you a fixed fee there and then, and the only extra will be a small tip for the driver at your destination. DO NOT get on one of those stuffy overcrowded coaches supplied by the tout operator. Once at your resort you can now enjoy the pleasures of Goa. You will either dislike it, or be like a million others and be smitten by the place. My lovely wife and I have been to Candolim twice so far, and will be going again in January. We stay at a 2 star hotel called the ONDAS DO MAR (JMC or COSMOS) It is the most basic of hotels, but the friendliness... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: pure luxury. One of the best hotels I have stayed in
Disadvantages: location not great. Much nicer down by the harbour (5 mins in a cab)

...We stayed in the Londa beach in Jul 2006 and had a fantastic experience. This hotel has got to be seen and I have loaded over 20 photographs onto my website blaxiDotCom so feel free to look around. Our room (409), was a "deluxe" room with a side sea view. The room was well proportioned and well furnished with a large comfy bed with a huge soft toy in the shape of a pear (you will see what I mean) Although the pool area is not huge, there is ample space for the number of guests staying in the hotel - particularly as some guests are on business and do not use this area during the day. For me sitting out next to the infinity edged pool overlooking the Med was simply bliss and so peaceful. Downsides; for me only one… The resort directly outside is not great and a bit grotty on a busy dual carriageway, although the harbour is a short... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful