Goa is a state of many tastes. And the more I travelled within, I realised it has something for everyone.

It may be easy to find a great restaurant in Goa, however, I cannot say the same when it comes to finding a comfortable place to stay, within a budget. I must tell you here that I am not a shack-dweller. And so, I have explored very many B&Bs, guest houses and Portuguese villas, to develop a list of some of my favourite places to stay in Goa. I keep going back, time and again, to these ones.

North Goa

Mykonos Blu

The first thing that attracted me to this place were the colours on it. True to its Greek origins, Mykonos Blu is a very well designed hotel along the Baga River. The rooms are beautifully done up and they do not support the use of plastics. The toiletries in the bathrooms are also herbal products and complemented with a note of ‘saving water’. The rooms are big, with ample natural light. My room was green in colour and pool facing. The leisure swimming pool is also clean, just as the rooms and the rest of the hotel.

While we were visiting, Mykonos was undergoing a change in staff and the management of the restaurant seemed disorganised. The food was not excellent but I found nothing to complain about. The service was slow and confused!

I’m sure things have changed for the better in the restaurant but the welcoming vibe that the hotel has will remain unchanged.

When did I visit: May 2013
Will I go back: Yes, with company.
Who did I travel with: Lots of friends.
How much did I pay: Rs. 3750/night/room with breakfast and taxes.
Wifi: Available for free.
Address: Bagavaddo, Baga – Arpora, Bardez, Goa. (Map)
Current reviews: Go here.

Hospedaria Abrigo de Botelho

This restored Portuguese house is Goan hospitality at its best. Quietly hiding in the very popular locality of Fontainhas, I have to say that Hospedaria is not only gorgeously kept but has impeccable sleep quality. The high ceiling, the wooden furniture and my favourite, the balconies—all work for me.

Perhaps, their biggest advantage is both the location and the hospitality. Hospedaria has a delicate way of not interfering yet being welcoming. And every place prominent in Panjim is a walk away from here.

Breakfasts are basic with a dish or two of Indian options and the regular English egg and bread with tea or coffee. I’ve always stepped out after a quick bite, because in Panjim, there is very less time to waste.

When did I visit: First time in July 2014.
Will I go back: Definitely.
Who did I travel with: Friend and solo.
How much did I pay: Rs. 2100/night/room with breakfast and taxes.
Wifi: Available for free.
Address: Rua De Natal, Fontainhas, Panaji, Goa. (Map)
Current reviews: Go here.

Afonso Guest House

I have stayed here on my repeat visits to Panjim and was never disappointed. It is basic, clean, comfortable, frill-free and value for money stay. Afonso is owned and managed by Janette and her son, Cliffton, who are non-interfering yet hospitable.

Thanks to its location and affordability, Afonso fills up rather quick. Breakfasts have to be pre-ordered here, at an extra cost.

When did I visit: First time in April 2014.
Will I go back: Definitely.
Who did I travel with: Solo.
How much did I pay: Rs. 1500/night/room with taxes.
Wifi: Available for free.
Address: Near St. Sebastian Chapel, Fontainhas, Mala, Panjim, Goa. (Map)
Current reviews: Go here.

South Goa

Skylark Resort

Skylark Resort in Colva is much like an oasis. It resides hidden just a few metres away from the beach and amidst the shopping lanes and no one could have imagined a tranquil stay here. When I stayed in Skylark, it was an unplanned stay with a large group of friends and family, with whom I was travelling for the first time. While I was a little apprehensive of trying out a new place, I am so glad that I was rewarded with Skylark!

The rooms are basic and quaint. The rooms facing the pool are excellent and each room is equipped with tea/coffee maker. The family room is great for three! The décor is minimalistic yet very charming. The highlight here is the pool. Even though high on chlorine, the water is very clean, so are the changing rooms. The quiet garden at the entrance is also very welcoming.

Skylark has no provision for breakfast. Though this could work as a deterrent, it is surrounded by a number of restaurants and the beach is only a five minute walk away.

When did I visit: May 2014.
Will I go back: Yes.
Who did I travel with: Friends and family.
How much did I pay: Rs. 2500/night/room with taxes.
Wifi: Free though very limited around the garden only.
Address: 4th ward, Colva Beach, Colva, Goa. (Map)
Current reviews: Go here.

Turiya Villa and Spa

This beautifully restored Portuguese villa is a haven for anyone and everyone. Surrounded by birds, trees and open spaces, there are very few places I have lived loved as I did in Turiya. It homes only four guest bedrooms and sprawling common rooms like the sitting room with a library, dining room and the heavenly semi-open patio. If there is one word to describe this property, I would pick ‘intricate’. Everything here has been delicately used to add to Turiya’s charm further.

Apart from the beautiful home, the food is another contributor to its repeated guests. Serving authentic Konkani food, I haven’t tasted food this fresh anywhere else in Goa. Breakfasts include the typical continental spread along with an Indian dish.

You can pre-order Ayurvedic massages and treatments during season. Turiya will make you come alive and warm up to the village life of South Goa.

When did I visit: I stayed here as a seasonal worker from April to October 2014.
Will I go back: Definitely.
Who did I travel with: Lived by myself.
How much did I pay: The rooms come at Rs. 4500 and Rs. 5500 and cost half during Monsoons.
Wifi: Available for free.
Address: House No. 16, Edapally- Panvel Highway, Near Ruby Residence, Chaudi, Canacona, Goa. (Map)
Current reviews: Go here.

Hotel Oceanic

Probably the simplest and the one of the cosiest stays in South Goa. Hotel Oceanic, near Patnem Beach, has spacious rooms which are done for basic and comfortable stay. With very little elements adding to its décor, it is clean though the staff is very polite and hospitable.

The pool here is small but sufficient. The chlorine is not high and it is kept clean. Their spa services are also available at affordable costs. The breakfast here again is the minimal continental spread.

When did I visit: May 2014.
Will I go back: May be.
Who did I travel with: Solo.
How much did I pay: : Rs. 2000/night/room with breakfast and taxes.
Wifi: Available for free.
Address: Timbawadu, Palolem, Canacona, Goa. (Map)
Current reviews: Go here.

Note: Since my travels have been over the years, you can check their latest reviews in the respective links shared. Also, I have largely travelled during the off-season. The prices are relevant to the months mentioned.