Magnum Hotel, Candolim

Advantages: Quiet, relaxed, small hotel with high standards, efficient friendly staff
Disadvantages: Lacking excitement for a younger crowd.

..."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... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: good location and great food
Disadvantages: none

...This lovely llittle resort is quite relaxing and the staff make your stay memorable. This double storey white portegese style hotel has lovely guest rooms with comfortable clean beds and great views of the swimming pool or front garden. Staff here are lovely and very helpful and make your stay as comfortable as possible there was no internet when we stayed or gym however it had a great little restlurant that seats about 20 people and an additon is a wonderful poolside restuarant that has just been completed The food is of a high standard and the waiting staff have a wonderful wayl of helping to select the best from the kitchen. Fish and other Keralian delights are available and plentiful The prices are very inexpensive and portions generous.The staff however could do with new uniforms, which are at present looking worn and a little... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: La France a l'ancienne - good, great-value food and wine
Disadvantages: La France a l'ancienne - basic bedrooms, run-down atmosphere

..."What is your favourite restaurant?" a recent Ciao 'challenge' enquired. To which my own response was: "A little unpretentious place I discovered a few years ago in the Auvergne. Four copious and superbly cooked courses plus nibbles, amuses-bouches, sorbets between courses, after-dinner coffee, chocs and goodies - all for under 25 euros a head. For an equivalent eating experience in England you'd be stuck with fuss and formality and about three times the price. Name and location supplied on request to special friends only. I know you're not all going to rush down there to spoil it, but somehow I don't feel I can take the risk." Obviously, I've changed my mind since then or I wouldn't be writing this open review on the Vindrié, which is the hotel-restaurant I had in mind. Why? Two reasons, both prompted by having stopped... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful