Goa's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable DoubleTree by Hilton Luxury Awaits!
Goa's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable DoubleTree by Hilton Luxury Awaits!
Goa's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable DoubleTree by Hilton Luxury Awaits! (My Unvarnished Truth)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I just got back from a Goa trip, and I have to tell you about this place… The DoubleTree by Hilton. Not just "a" DoubleTree, but this DoubleTree. Let's just say, my expectations were… well, they weren't that high. You know how these big hotel chains can be, right? Sterile. Lacking character. Tourist traps built on promises of "luxury" that often fall flat.
Boy, was I wrong.
This place is a hidden gem, and trust me, I’m not just saying that because I’m still feeling the afterglow of a week of pure bliss (and maybe a few cocktails by the pool). Let’s dive in, warts and all, because I'm gonna give you the real deal.
First Impressions (and the Airport Transfer – which, let's be honest, is EVERYTHING)
Okay, so getting there. They offer airport transfer, thank god. After a 10-hour flight, the last thing you want is to haggle with a taxi driver in the Goan heat, sweating through your shirt looking like a drenched walrus. Nope, smooth sailing. The car was clean, the driver friendly (he even had a bit of English), and the air conditioning? Glorious. That first blast of cool air as you step out of the airport… pure heaven.
Accessibility: Kinda Nailed It? (With a Tiny Caveat)
Look, I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on accessibility. I can walk, thank you very much. But I did notice a few things. The lobby? Spacious. The elevators? Worked. The ramps? Present and correct. I saw a few folks in wheelchairs navigating around pretty easily. The rooms, from what I saw, seemed to have ample space. BUT, and this is important, I didn’t see dedicated accessible restrooms in all the public areas. So, while they seem to be making an effort, there's still room for improvement.
Rooms: Like, Properly Comfortable
Forget the cramped, soul-crushing hotel rooms you might be used to. My room? It was HUGE. Like, I could have hosted a small dance party level of spacious (though I didn't, mostly because I was too busy collapsing on the bed). The bed itself? Cloud-like. Seriously, I haven't slept that well in ages. Blackout curtains? Absolutely necessary for those afternoon naps after a heavy lunch. The bathroom? A good size, with a separate shower and bathtub. They provide amazing toiletries. Bathrobes. Slippers. The little things that make you feel utterly spoiled. And the free Wi-Fi? Solid. Didn’t drop out once, even when I was desperately trying to upload Insta stories of my cocktails. Important note: they have a LAN connection too. Old school, but still good.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic-Proofed Paradise?
Look, I'm still a little paranoid about germs, I admit it. But this place made me feel safe. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Staff wearing masks. Daily disinfection in common areas. I did a little visual inspection, and everything seemed sparkling. Room sanitization between stays. They've clearly thought this through. And the staff, bless their hearts, were all trained on safety protocols. Made me feel a lot better, especially since I was paranoid.
They even have a doctor/nurse on call, which is a HUGE plus for me! I'm always a little clumsy, so that's a great reassurance.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Oh. My. God.
Okay, this is where the DoubleTree truly shines. The food… where do I even begin?
Breakfast Buffet: It's a buffet, yes, but not just any buffet. This one is AN EXPERIENCE. They have everything! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, everything in between. Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs cooked every which way, even a pancake station! And the coffee? Bottomless and delicious. I may or may not have tried every single pastry, and I have zero regrets. They also have a breakfast takeaway service, and a breakfast in room service if you're a lazy bum like me
Restaurants: There's a few restaurants, and they're all good. The a la carte menu, let's just say I had my fair share of the A la carte menu. It had all the things like Salad, Soup and desserts galore. And the Asian and Western cuisines are on the mark.
Poolside Bar: This is where I spent most of my time. Seriously. Picture this: the sun beating down, a gentle breeze, and a frosty cocktail in your hand. They have a pool with the best view. They've got happy hour, and the poolside bar is just… pure bliss. The snack bar is also an excellent place to chill.
Room Service: 24-hour room service? Yes, please! I may or may not have ordered a pizza at 3 AM one night. Don't judge me.
Vegetarian options: The vegetarian options are quite nice.
Ways to Relax (and Lose Track of Time): Spa Time!
Okay, SO, the spa. This is where I officially melted into a puddle of pure relaxation. I opted for the full works: body scrub, body wrap, massage… the whole shebang. Honestly, it was divine. The massage therapist worked out knots I didn't even know I had. Plus, there's a sauna, steam room, and a foot bath. Seriously, I emerged feeling like a new person. The pool with the view added to the zen.
Things To Do: More Than Just Lounging (Gasp!)
Okay, so I spent a lot of time lounging by the pool and indulging in the spa, but there's actually a lot more to do!
Fitness Center: I didn't actually make it to the gym, but it looked well-equipped. They have a gym/fitness place, and I think it's well maintained.
Swimming Pool: I swam a lot! It's even better than the pictures!
The Beach (Not On Site, But Close): The beach is close and they even offer taxi service, which is nice!
Meeting/banquet Facilities: They have meeting rooms and banquet halls, so if you're there for business, you're covered.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was always spotless. Always. It's amazing.
- Concierge: They were incredibly helpful. They arranged taxis, gave recommendations, and just generally made my life easier.
- Cashless Payment: Super convenient!
- Elevator: Thank god, I was on a high floor.
- Car Park [free of charge]: A huge plus.
- Laundry and Dry Cleaning: Essential after all that beach time.
- Gift/Souvenir Shop: Perfect for picking up last-minute presents.
- Air Conditioning in Public Areas: Absolutely essential in the Goan heat.
- 24-Hour Front Desk: Comforting to know someone's always there.
The Quirks and the Things That Could Be Better (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist)
Okay, let's get real. Nobody's perfect, and neither is this hotel.
- Pets Allowed: Nope. So, if you're traveling with Fido, you're out of luck.
- The Signage: Sometimes, finding things was a little tricky.
- More accessible restrooms in public areas: As mentioned above, more of these would be great.
The Verdict: Go. Just Go.
Look, I've been to my share of hotels. Some were good. Some were… not so good. The DoubleTree by Hilton in Goa? It's in a league of its own. It's got the luxury, the service, the location, and the soul. It's a place where you can truly unwind, recharge, and forget about the real world for a while.
My Emotional Reaction: I genuinely didn't want to leave. It was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable vacations I’ve ever had. I feel like a new person and will definitely go again.
Final Note: The Stream of Consciousness is OVER!
SO, HERE'S THE DEAL: The DoubleTree by Hilton in Goa is a seriously special place.
Here's My Offer: Book Now!
Get 15% off your stay AND a free upgrade to a pool view room for stays of 3 nights or more! Plus, enjoy a complimentary welcome cocktail upon arrival (because, hello, relaxation starts immediately!). Use promo code "GOAHIDDENGEM" when booking to claim this exclusive offer. Don't miss out. You deserve this.
Bali's BEST Private Pool Villa: Tegalalang Oasis Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-organized travel itinerary. This is life, Goa-style, with a healthy dose of DoubleTree by Hilton thrown in for good measure. And believe me, it's gonna get messy. Buckle up.
DoubleTree Delights & Goa Goofs: A Stream-of-Consciousness Travel Saga
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and… Wait, Where’s the Pool?
- 12:00 PM (ish): Touchdown in Dabolim Airport. Hallelujah, India! The heat hits you like a wall. I'm talking 'sweat-beading-on-your-eyebrows-before-you-even-reach-the-baggage-claim' heat. The airport itself is a glorious mess, efficient-ish but with that beautifully chaotic Indian flair. Found my pre-booked taxi (thank God, bargaining in this heat? No, thank you).
- 1:30 PM: Arrive at the DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Arpora - Baga. First impressions? Lush. Green. And the lobby smells divine – a mix of jasmine and… I dunno, maybe hope? Check-in was smooth, which immediately boosted my mood. Got a warm cookie (classic DoubleTree, right?) and practically inhaled it. Already feeling like I made it.
- 2:00 PM: The room! Beautiful, spacious, and air-conditioned. Pure bliss. Quick unpack, then… search for the pool. This is the most important part. Because I was promised sunshine and a cocktail. Turns out, the pool is… well, it's nice, but everyone is there. And by everyone, I mean families with screaming kids, honeymooners canoodling, and a gaggle of Europeans who look like they've lived in a tanning bed for a decade. Okay, okay, I get it. Pool overload. Time to find a quieter corner.
- 3:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Opted for butter chicken. Was amazing. Could have eaten a second plate. Did not. Restraint! (Mostly).
- 4:00 PM: Exploring the hotel. Found a lovely spot hidden away towards the back - great for a moment to myself to cool off. There was a strange noise though… like a persistent thwack and a faint shout. Turns out, someone was practicing their golf swing. Very random.
- 6:00 PM: Happy hour. The cocktails are strong, the sunset is even stronger. Feeling utterly carefree. And the cookies are calling from the room. This is going to be a good trip.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. The buffet is… extensive. Like, you could get lost in it. I went for the fresh seafood and the pasta station. Yum. Conversation was sporadic.
- 8:00 PM: I am so full and tired. Time to lay down, look at the stars, but I am too exhausted to do so. Goodnight.
Day 2: Baga Beach, Beach Bumming, and the Holy Cow (Literally)
- 9:00 AM (ish): Breakfast buffet. The fresh fruit is glorious. I pile my plate up. Went back for the fruit again.
- 10:00 AM: Taxi to Baga Beach. Oh. My. God. The sand… the sea… the sheer buzz of the place. It's a sensory OVERLOAD. The sun is blazing. The vendors are relentless. But the energy? Infectious. This is what I came for.
- 10:30 AM: Found a beach shack with some serious chill vibes. Ordered a Kingfisher (or three) and claimed a sun lounger. Bliss. Watched the waves crash, feeling the sand between my toes, doing absolutely nothing. It was perfect. Until… a cow. Just sauntered right by. On the beach. Totally unfazed. Welcome to Goa.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the beach shack. Grilled prawns, because, well, why not? The food is good, the beer is cold, the view is epic. Life is pretty sweet.
- 3:00 PM: A quick (and slightly panicked) dip in the ocean. The waves are bigger than I anticipated. Nearly got absolutely clobbered by one. Emerged slightly salt-encrusted and triumphant. Decided I'll stick to the pool later today.
- 4:00 PM: Souvenir shopping. My bargaining skills are rusty. Got completely ripped off on a scarf. But hey, it's colourful, and I'm on holiday, so who cares?
- 6:00 PM: Back to the DoubleTree. Glorious shower to wash off the sand and salt.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local shack near the hotel. Amazing seafood, live music, and a very, very enthusiastic waiter who kept trying to sell me everything on the menu. It was brilliant. So. Much. Food.
- 9:00 PM: Stroll in a local area. Saw some beautiful fireflies. My phone camera is not good enough to capture. That's ok. Feeling grateful.
Day 3: More Goa, More Me
- 9:00 AM: A leisurely breakfast, trying everything on the buffet this time.
- 10:00 AM: Did absolutely nothing. Read a book by the pool. Listened to music. Relaxed. Feeling well and truly revitalized.
- 1:00 PM: More good food at the hotel.
- 2:00 PM: Explored the hotel spa. Got a massage. It was so good I think I may have dozed off (probably due to the heat).
- 5:00 PM: More drinks by the pool. The light is beautiful.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner, more conversations with new friends.
- 9:00 PM: Time for bed
Day 4: Departure, Reflections, and the Cookie Craving
- 9:00 AM: One last breakfast, fueled by anticipation and a touch of sadness.
- 11:00 AM: Relaxing by the pool.
- 1:00 PM: Check Out. Quick and simple.
- 2:00 PM: Flight back home.
- 2:30 PM (on the plane): I am tired. And I'm going to miss this place. The heat, the chaos, the beaches, the food… everything. And you know what? This trip wasn't perfect. There were moments of frustration, moments of feeling lost, moments when I just wanted to crawl into my room and hide. But – and this is the important bit – there were so many more moments of pure, unadulterated joy. The kind of joy that comes from letting go, embracing the mess, and just being.
- 3:00 PM (on the plane): One final reflection: that cookie? They really are good. And I'm already planning when I can come back to Goa.
- 3:00 PM: Goodbye!
Goa's Hidden Gem: DoubleTree by Hilton - Let's Get Real, Alright?
Is this DoubleTree REALLY a hidden gem? Sounds a little… marketing-y.
Okay, okay, I get it. "Hidden gem" is practically hotel marketing 101. But honestly? Yeah, I think it kind of *is*. Look, I went in expecting the usual Hilton-y experience. You know, predictable comfort, decent service, a perfectly fine pool… which is exactly what I *didn't* get. I mean, it has all that, *plus* this… this feeling. It's a low-key vibe, like you accidentally stumbled onto a secret, away from the chaos of North Goa. And trust me, the chaos is REAL. (More on that later, I’m still recovering from the traffic.)
But 'hidden gem'? Maybe. Compared to the rave-scene hotels? Yes. Compared to the shacks on the beach? No, it's still lux, but it feels… less performative. Less trying-too-hard-to-be-hip.
The reviews talk about amazing food. Is it *really* that good? Because I'm a cynical foodie.
Alright, Foodie McGee – let’s break this down. Yes, the food is *good*. Like, really good. But… and this is a *big* but… it’s not Michelin-star-blowing-your-mind good. It's consistent, high-quality, and they genuinely try to cater to different tastes. I had this *amazing* Goan fish curry one night that actually made me tear up a little. (Okay, maybe I'd had a few Kingfishers, but still!) Seriously, that curry? Perfection. But then the next day, the breakfast buffet was a little… *meh*. Perfectly edible, lots of options, but nothing that made me write home about it. I felt like I was being watched by some fruit flies. The pastry section was… let's just say my croissant didn't exactly "blossom," and that made me sad.
But look, the chef is doing something right. They’re trying, and they actually *care*. That’s rare. And that Goan fish curry? I’d go back just for that. Worth it. But bring your own croissant, okay? It's a gamble.
The pool looks inviting. Is it overcrowded? Or is it actually a place to relax?
Okay, the pool. Glorious pool. And the answer is… *it depends*. Yeah, it's a Hilton, so expect those early-morning towel-on-the-sunbed people. But! It's big enough that you can usually find a spot. The key? Go *early*. Before the hordes descend armed with their inflatables and questionable tanning oils. Seriously, it was like a documentary on human behavior watching families fight over the best spots.
My advice? Get your butt out of bed, grab a coffee (the coffee is good!), and snag a lounger by the water. Then, once the sun gets really hot, dip into the pool. Pure bliss. Because let’s be honest, if you're not in the pool from 7am to 9am you've lost. It turns into a cacophony of splashing around and not being able to hear yourself think. I swear I briefly considered going all ‘Gordon Ramsey’ on the other members of the sunbed wars.
Pro Tip: Order a cocktail. They're strong. Maybe TOO strong. I may or may not have woken up with a blurry memory of ordering five of them. Which is a great… and terrible… life decision.
You mentioned the location is good. What's around the hotel? Can I get to the beach easily?
The location is… *decent*. It's not *on* the beach, which is good and bad. Good because you're slightly removed from the relentless beach vendors and the raucous parties. Bad because… beach access is… a drive. A *short* drive, thankfully. But still a drive. And in Goa, even a short drive can feel like an odyssey. Traffic is WILD. Honestly, the roads gave me actual anxiety. You get used to the chaos, but it's… intense. Especially when a scooter carrying an entire family weaves past you. You’ll be fine, but go easy on the cocktails if you're driving, okay?
There are some restaurants and shops nearby, but it's not a happening, walk-everywhere kind of place. You'll probably need a taxi or a rented scooter. Scooters are cheap and fun, until they aren’t. Then they're expensive and painful. But overall, the location offers a decent balance: proximity to the beach, and a bit more peace and quiet. But be ready to navigate Goan traffic! I'm still having nightmares about it.
Oh, and a word to the wise: negotiate taxi prices *before* you get in the car. Trust me.
What's the vibe like? Is it romantic? Family-friendly? Party central?
The vibe is… a bit of everything. But leaning towards… *chill*. I saw couples canoodling, families splashing, and a few solo travelers like myself just trying to escape reality… which is *always* the correct option. It’s not the kind of place that screams ‘party!’ though, which is a huge plus in my book. It's more about relaxation and good food. I'd say it's definitely family-friendly. Kids seemed to be having a blast .
Is it romantic? Sure! If you’re into romantic getaways, you can find a quiet spot, maybe request a room with a balcony, and order room service. Just don’t expect candlelit dinners on the beach. It's more refined than that. Definitely not ‘party central’. Thank god. I’ve been there, done that. The aftereffects are never worth it. The worst part? Not even being able to remember the night before.
Anything I should be aware of, any downsides?
Okay, the downsides. Firstly, the traffic. As I've mentioned. It's a beast. Accept it. Embrace it. Meditate on it. Whatever you need to do to survive. Secondly, the WiFi. It can be a bit… patchy. It’s fine for basic browsing, but don't expect to stream HD movies (unless you have super patience). Thirdly, the service, while generally good, sometimes dips slightly. Little things like a delay in getting a drink or the occasional mix-up in an order. But nothing major. They're super friendly and will fix it, but it's not *perfect*.
And finally… the price. It’s a DoubleTree. It's not cheap. But, and this is a big but, I think it represents decent value. You’re paying for a certain level of comfort, quality, and service. It’s worth it if you can afford it, especially if you’re after some serious R&R. I mean, how much is sanity worth these days, right?
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