Advantages: quiet beach, nice pool, big room Disadvantages: Long way from the airport, mediocre buffet
Ever since some friends of mine were raving about Goa, about ten years ago, I'd been wanting to visit. You see, many moons ago I might have liked the idea of being a trailblazer, a pioneer, travelling to places where visitors were rare and no souvenir shop had yet opened but now - with two destructive minimees, I don't even pretend to fancy myself as an explorer any more. Nope, we are no longer ever in the first boat to new territories - we wait till there is at least one five star hotel, sun loungers on the beach and a bar that sells a decent vodka!
So, how did we finally end up in Goa? Well we were in the neighbourhood, so to speak, so decided to pop in. And we were enticed by a great offer! It was off season so we managed to get an unbeatable deal at the Intercon Resort - otherwise I would not stay at an Intercontinental (they ...
Advantages: Helpful staff, lovely bedrooms, mini-bus service into the centre Disadvantages: Not much in the local area, expensive, facilities not the best
(which had a view of the Acropolis) was marble effect floor rather than carpet, and had a sofa, glass coffee table with a couple of glossy Greek tourism magazines, and a writing desk and chair. There was also a kettle with Lipton teabags and Nescafe coffee sticks. There was air-conditioning but even on full blast it was still quite warm. On opening the window the room became a bit noisy. At least the blackout curtains kept the room darkened.
The Bathroom:
Very clean, but showing it's age a bit. There was a white fluffy bathrobe and slippers, which is always a plus point, bathroom scale (not so good!) and lovely Korres toiletries and a hygiene kit containing face pads, cotton buds and a mini sewing kit. It's nice to see that the Inter-Continental is using a natural, Greek brand. This consisted of Aloe and Soapwort shampoo, Achillea ...
Advantages: Luxurious rooms, great views, helpful staff, great location Disadvantages: Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
Yes, it is not cheap. But you get what you pay for.
If you want luxurious rooms, great food, (the seafood "all you can eat" buffet is excellent), and friendly staff, then stay here.
Go to the top floor, where the swimming pool is located, and take photos of the surrounding area from there.
Also the location is good, 3 minutes walk down to Circular Quay, the Opera House, etc., can't be beat.
If you need sundry consumables, water, fags, chocolate, toothpaste, etc., then there is a "Open all hours" store on the way up from the harbour. Very useful.
Breakfast at the hotel is nice but expensive. Alternatively walk down the hill to Circular Quay and have a full English at one of the Al Fresco cafes, before going for a cruise around Port Jackson, or wherever your fancy takes you.
Dinner at the InterContinental is also not cheap ...