Goa in India looks small on a map, but one poorly planned booking could cost you three hours in a taxi. If you fly into the northern airport, Mopa (GOX), and head to Palolem in the south, you’ll cover about 100 kilometres by road, taking two and a half to three hours. Goa isn’t a single city: it’s an entire Indian state, where you choose between the livelier north and the quieter south. When deciding where to stay in Goa, start with your flight: fly into Mopa for the northern beaches and Dabolim (GOI) for the south.
Watch out for the word “beach” in hotel names, too, as not every property with that label sits beside the sand. In this guide, we explain whether each hotel is right on the beach or reached by a path to the sea. We’ve picked 18 hotels, cottages, hostels and historic Portuguese houses, plus several alternatives, so you can choose accommodation in Goa that suits your pace. Prices are approximate nightly rates for two people, quoted in euros. Before your trip, take a look at our guide to what to see in Goa; if you’re stopping in Mumbai, our article on where to stay in Mumbai will come in handy.
The full destination guide: Asia — guide and what to see
TL;DR
- Mopa Airport (GOX) serves northern Goa, while Dabolim Airport (GOI) serves the south, so choose your beach with your arrival airport in mind.
- For a family trip, choose convenient Candolim in the north or the long beaches of Colva, Benaulim or Varca in the south; head to Baga and Anjuna for nightlife.
- Ashwem, Mandrem and budget-friendly Arambol offer peace and quiet in the north. In the south, Agonda is the quietest option, while Patnem is the calmer neighbour of lively Palolem Bay. For culture, head to Panaji.
- The word “beach” in a name doesn’t guarantee a waterfront location: Beleza By The Beach, for example, is several hundred metres from the sea, as is Alila Diwa Goa, which doesn’t have “beach” in its name.
- Christmas and New Year are peak season, when prices rise and many resorts charge for compulsory festive dinners, so budget for the extra cost.
- During the monsoon season from June to September, most beach cottages close and swimming in the sea is prohibited. Only some permanent hotels offer rates for the monsoon months.
- India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 5% for rooms costing up to 7,500 Indian rupees (INR) per night, roughly €70, and 18% above that threshold.
Where to Stay in Goa in India: 18 Hotels by Area
North Goa is livelier, with plenty of cafés and clubs, while South Goa is all about long, quiet beaches and sprawling resorts. Check your arrival airport when booking your flight: the northern beach towns are closer to Mopa (GOX), and the southern ones to Dabolim (GOI).
Candolim and Sinquerim. This is the most convenient northern option for first-time visitors to Goa, families and couples, with a wider, quieter beach than neighbouring Baga and shops and restaurants within walking distance. The drive is 33 km from Mopa Airport (about 50–60 minutes) or 45 km from Dabolim; expect heavier traffic on Fort Aguada Road during high season. Taj Fort Aguada has its own access to Sinquerim Beach, with nights for two starting at roughly €195. At neighbouring Taj Holiday Village, rates start at around €300 per night, compared with roughly €60 at Holiday Inn Goa Candolim and €70 at Hyatt Centric Candolim.
Calangute and Baga. Goa’s busiest beaches attract groups looking for water sports, beach shacks—wooden bars and restaurants on the sand—and the nightclubs along Tito’s Lane. The drive is 27–29 km from Mopa Airport (about 45–55 minutes) or 46–48 km from Dabolim. The area stays lively late into the night, and local taxi unions operate around the hotels, sometimes preventing cars from other companies from reaching the properties.
Anjuna, Vagator, Assagao and Siolim. Rocky cliffs, cafés and Anjuna’s Wednesday flea market, as noted in guidebooks, draw young couples and digital nomads, while the inland villages of Assagao and Siolim appeal for their boutique villas. It’s 23–29 km from Mopa (40–55 minutes) and 51–54 km from Dabolim; with attractions spread out, you’ll need a scooter or car. Nights for two start at roughly €35 at Granpa’s Inn, €85 at Siolim House and €260 at W Goa. Alternatives include Circle, from around €35 per night, or CASA Anjuna, from roughly €85 per night.
Morjim. This wide sandy beach, home to a Russian community, is quieter than Baga. Guidebooks highlight its appeal to kitesurfers, and restrictions on nighttime lighting and music protect its olive ridley turtle nesting grounds. It’s a 29–30 km drive from Mopa Airport (roughly 45 minutes) or 60 km from Dabolim, and you should expect longer walks outside the resorts. A private room for two at Zostel Goa (Morjim) starts at roughly €20; alternatively, choose White Wharf Beach Resort Morjim, from around €65 per night.
Ashwem and Mandrem. The quietest beaches in the north attract couples with their boho atmosphere, yoga centres and seasonal eco-cottages or tents beside the sand. The drive is 31–32 km from Mopa (around 50 minutes) or 63–64 km from Dabolim. Nights for two start at roughly €30 at BeachStreet and €140 at Palma Beach Resort (check availability directly with the hotel). The Elsewhere beach tents in Ashwem list rates for international guests in British pounds, so check the hotel’s website for prices.
Arambol. In this far-northern area with a backpacker and hippie vibe, guidebooks describe sunset drumming gatherings, and Sweet Water Lake lies a short walk from the sea. It’s 30 km from Mopa Airport (about 45–50 minutes) or 67 km from Dabolim. Backpackers and visitors escaping the winter head here for Goa’s cheapest accommodation: basic huts start at around €12 per night, while nights for two at Nature of Arambol (NOA) start at roughly €16. Expect simple facilities and livelier surroundings, though.
Panaji and Fontainhas. Goa’s capital and its Portuguese quarter, Fontainhas, with its colourful houses, make a good one- or two-night cultural stop at the beginning or end of your trip. The drive is 33 km from Mopa or 34 km from Dabolim (50–60 minutes), while the nearest beach, Miramar, is 2–5 km away. The IFFI film festival fills the city in late November. Nights for two start at roughly €45 at Afonso Guest House and €35 at Hospedaria Abrigo de Botelho.
Dona Paula, Bambolim and Miramar. The coast around Panaji is home to large resorts beside the bay and smaller beaches, often hosting weddings and corporate events. It’s 27–35 km from Dabolim Airport (about 40–60 minutes) or 38–41 km from Mopa in the north. Nights for two start at roughly €185 at Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and €180 at Grand Hyatt Goa on Bambolim Bay.
Majorda, Utorda and Arossim. This peaceful stretch of long beaches in South Goa is the closest to Dabolim Airport as the crow flies (8–12 km), but the road journey is 32 km, taking roughly 45 minutes. The area suits families staying in large resorts, although there are hardly any restaurants within walking distance outside the hotel grounds. Nights for two start at roughly €140 at Alila Diwa Goa and €400 at ITC Grand Goa beside Arossim Beach.
Colva, Benaulim and Varca. South Goa’s long sandy beach attracts families and older couples to its large seafront resorts. It’s 6–7 km from Madgaon railway station, 35–39 km from Dabolim (50–60 minutes) and 64–68 km from Mopa. Guidebooks describe Colva itself as busy, while Benaulim and Varca farther south are quieter. Nights for two start at roughly €100 at Beleza By The Beach and €550 at Taj Exotica.
Cavelossim and Mobor. This narrow peninsula between the sea and the Sal River is the quietest area of large resorts in the south, but you’ll need a car to get around, and wedding season runs from November to February. The drive is 51–53 km from Dabolim Airport (about one to one and a half hours) or 80–82 km from Mopa. Nights for two start at roughly €500 at The St. Regis Goa Resort and €170 at Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort.
Agonda, Palolem and Patnem. The southern tip of the state, 72 km from Dabolim (1.5–2 hours) and 100 km from Mopa, is beach-cottage territory: long Agonda Beach is quiet, Palolem Bay is livelier, with kayaking and silent discos, and neighbouring Patnem is calmer. In 2025, a court ordered 67 businesses in Agonda to be sealed to protect turtles, while authorities in Palolem ordered the demolition of 28 illegal structures, so check that your cottage is operating before you book. Nights for two start at roughly €20 at Bhakti Kutir and €30 at Agonda Cottages on the sand. Other options include Patnem Beach Cottages, from around €35 per night, Goa Cottages Agonda, from roughly €115 per night, or The Ark Comforts in Palolem, from around €145 per night.
When to Visit, What You’ll Pay and What to Watch Out For
High season and the monsoon. According to travel guides, high season in Goa in India runs from November to March. The monsoon arrives between June and September, when lifeguards from the state-appointed Drishti service, which patrols more than fifty beaches, put up red flags and prohibit swimming and water sports. Beach huts are rarely available during these months. Only some permanent hotels offer monsoon-season rates, and at some of them prices are lower than in high season.
New Year’s Eve and Christmas. Christmas and New Year mark the peak of Goa’s season, when room prices rise sharply and many hotels sell out or require a minimum stay. Many resorts charge for mandatory festive dinners and celebratory brunches, so budget for a surcharge. Siolim House, for example, does not offer free cancellation over New Year.
GST. Prices come from Google Hotels, which does not specify whether the displayed amount includes tax, so always check when booking. India applies two accommodation tax rates based on the actual nightly room price: rooms costing up to INR 7,500 per night (about €70) are taxed at 5%, while rooms above this threshold, including those at large resorts, fall into the 18% GST bracket. Goa has no tourist accommodation tax.
Beach huts and temporary structures. State rules allow temporary beach structures and bars known as shacks to operate from September until the end of May, and the sand must be cleared by June 10. According to travel guides, those in Palolem, Agonda, Patnem, Ashwem, Mandrem and Arambol open in October or November and are dismantled in April or May. The tents at Elsewhere operate from mid-October to mid-May; for other huts, check the opening season with the operator.
Airports and taxis. Many international routes have moved from Dabolim (GOI) in the south to Mopa Airport (GOX) in the north. Neither Uber nor India’s Ola operates in Goa; instead, you can use the GoaMiles and government-run Goa Taxi apps. Based on older taxi association rates, a prepaid taxi booked at an airport counter to Calangute costs roughly INR 1,500 during the day and INR 2,000 at night (about €14 and €19). Regular taxis now charge around INR 300 (about €2.90) for the first 3 km, with a nighttime surcharge, but confirm the fare before setting off.
Busy periods. In late November, the IFFI international film festival fills Panaji, while travel guides note that the Feast of St Francis Xavier is celebrated in Old Goa in early December. Carnival takes place in February, and Indian weddings fill resorts in the south from November to February.
Noise. Under a court ruling, amplified outdoor music is only permitted until 10:00 p.m., with exceptions for soundproofed clubs and selected holidays. According to travel guides, additional restrictions on music and nighttime lighting apply to the turtle-nesting beaches in Morjim, Mandrem and Agonda.
Where to Stay in Goa in India: 18 Hotels by Area
Our selected places to stay are arranged by area, from the north through the capital, Panaji, to the peaceful south. The overview starts in Candolim, continues through Anjuna, Siolim, Ashwem, Mandrem, Arambol and Morjim, and ends near Palolem. The amounts shown are indicative nightly prices for two people, without specific dates; for hostels, they refer to a private room. Since prices and opening periods change throughout the year, check them before you travel.
1. Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa
Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa sits right on Sinquerim Beach in Candolim, within the grounds of an early-17th-century Portuguese fort that provides a historic backdrop to your stay beside the Arabian Sea. Operating since 1974, it offers 131 rooms, villas and suites. The grounds provide direct beach access and sea views, while mornings bring a generous breakfast buffet featuring Indian and international dishes.
This resort suits history lovers and anyone who appreciates beautiful views, including sunsets from Bayview Point overlooking the bay. A night for two starts at roughly €195. Next door, its sister property, Taj Holiday Village, offers garden cottages from around €300 per night.
💡 Tip: Check-in starts at 2:00 p.m., and check-out is by noon.
2. Holiday Inn Goa Candolim by IHG
Holiday Inn Goa Candolim by IHG, opposite Kingfisher Villa, is a reliable choice if you want to be within a five-minute walk of the sea in Candolim. It stands a short walk from Candolim Beach, and the hotel’s yellow buggy also offers free rides there when it’s hot. Expect clean, spacious rooms and an on-site pool.
A highlight is the breakfast buffet with Goan specialities, where chefs at live cooking stations make fresh paratha flatbreads to order. The hotel suits families and couples looking for good value and facilities in North Goa. A night for two starts at roughly €60. When booking, take care not to confuse it with Holiday Inn Resort Goa in the southern resort area of Mobor.
💡 Tip: The hotel is about 33 km by road from Mopa Airport and approximately 45 km from Dabolim Airport. Check-in starts at 3:00 p.m. Over Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the hotel charges for a mandatory Christmas brunch and New Year’s Eve dinner, so allow for the extra cost.
3. Hyatt Centric Candolim
Hyatt Centric Candolim is in Candolim in North Goa, where the beach is wider than in neighbouring Baga—a key reason to choose this quieter base. The drive from Mopa Airport is roughly 33 km, while the journey from Dabolim Airport covers approximately 45 km.
This Candolim location suits couples and families who want to spend their days on a wider stretch of coast. The hotel was previously called Hyatt Place. A night for two starts at roughly €70.
💡 Tip: When booking, make sure you are selecting Hyatt Centric Candolim itself, as Google Maps also has a separate Hyatt Place listing.
4. W Goa
W Goa is a design-led hotel on the cliff above Vagator Beach, which opened in March 2017 as the brand’s first property in India. It offers 121 rooms, suites, villas and cottages, though only the beach villas sit directly on the sand. The whole resort has a lively atmosphere, with spacious rooms, appealing breakfasts and the Rock Pool, where you can watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Outside the monsoon season, the hotel suits couples looking for a luxury party atmosphere and sunsets over the sea. A night for two starts at roughly €260. For a more intimate alternative, CASA Anjuna in neighbouring Anjuna has prices starting at around €85 per night.
💡 Tip: A walking trail to Chapora Fort starts right beside the grounds, and the vegetarian restaurant Saudagar is roughly 910 metres from the hotel.
5. Granpa’s Inn Hotel Bougainvillea
Granpa’s Inn Hotel Bougainvillea occupies a roughly two-hundred-year-old Portuguese manor house beside the road between Anjuna and Mapusa. According to the hotel’s website, Anjuna Beach is about a ten-minute drive away, so you’ll need a scooter or car. Among the greenery of the garden, you’ll find a large, clean, bean-shaped pool decorated with mosaics, a good restaurant and rooms with outdoor verandas.
This is a good fit for an easy-going traveller with a scooter or car who wants an old Goan house and good value for money. According to the hotel’s website, continental breakfast is included, while GST is charged separately. A night for two starts at roughly €35. An alternative inland from Anjuna is Circle, with prices from around €35 per night and the chance to swim in a flooded quarry.
💡 Tip: The hotel asks to know in advance whether you are vegetarian, so mention this when booking. Check-in is from 1:00 p.m., and check-out is by 11:00 a.m.
6. Siolim House
Siolim House is a restored Portuguese house that, according to the hotel’s website, was built in 1675. It stands opposite Wadi Chapel in the village of Siolim. This historic home has just ten rooms, making for a peaceful stay. Expect restored Portuguese architecture, high ceilings, four-poster beds with mosquito nets, and a large swimming pool. The nearest beach is a 15- to 20-minute drive away.
Breakfast, served from 8:30 to 10:30, is included. The kitchen prides itself on homemade pastries and jams, while the long-standing staff prepare dinner by request. This is a good fit for couples with a rental car who are looking for peace, history, and good food. A night for two costs around €85.
💡 Tip: Children are welcome from age 13. Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out by 11:30. Arrivals after 21:00 must be arranged in advance. Free cancellation is available up to 14 days before arrival, except over the New Year period.
7. Elsewhere
Elsewhere, officially known as Otter Creek Tents & Beach Houses, is a retreat in peaceful Ashwem, about 31 km by road from Mopa Airport. On this seaside property, purchased by Anjelo Zeferino Sequeira in 1886, you’ll find three tents overlooking a saltwater creek and four or five British-style houses right on the beach.
A 60- to 70-metre footbridge crosses the creek, so the property is unsuitable for guests with limited mobility. It’s wonderfully quiet, with birds and butterflies for company. This place is aimed at couples seeking maximum peace and privacy by the beach. Breakfast isn’t included, meals from the menu are settled at the end of your stay, and GST is added, according to the website. International guests pay in British pounds, so check the price on the hotel’s website.
💡 Tip: The tents are open from mid-October to mid-May, while the houses operate from early October to the end of May and require a minimum one-week stay. The property closes during the monsoon.
8. Palma Beach Resort
Palma Beach Resort sits right on Ashwem Beach, about 32 km by road from Mopa Airport. The resort has 22 rooms and cottages, some with sea views, and direct access to a clean stretch of beach.
You can unwind at the spa and try the spinach and corn lasagna at the restaurant. The resort is a good choice for couples and families with older children who want to stay right by the sea. A night for two costs around €140. Check with the property before your trip to confirm its opening season and whether breakfast on the beach is included.
💡 Tip: Choose from four accommodation categories: Sea Front Cottages, Luxury Beach Cottages, Premium Sea View, and Garden View. The vegetarian restaurant Veg & Sea is just 70 metres from the resort.
9. BeachStreet Eco Resort & Spa
BeachStreet Eco Resort & Spa is about 32 km by road from Mopa Airport. Its bamboo huts, built by craftspeople from Tripura, sit right on Mandrem Beach. The resort’s restaurant is housed in a former summer palace more than a century old, once owned by the Viscounts of Pernem. Their family still runs the resort. The huts are described as having fans; check in advance whether air conditioning is available and whether the property operates year-round.
The relaxed grounds include a clean swimming pool, spa, and yoga area. The resort also hosts the Bizarre Bazar market with live music. It’s suited to travellers who want a simple, peaceful stay by the beach and don’t need evening parties. A night for two costs around €30.
💡 Tip: Check the accommodation category carefully when booking. Beach Front huts are in the first row by the sea, while Beach Hut units are as far back as the fourth row.
10. Nature of Arambol (NOA)
Nature of Arambol (NOA) consists of simple cottages tucked into a lush garden in Arambol, a short walk from the beach and local restaurants. It’s about 30 km by road from Mopa Airport and 67 km from Dabolim. Expect clean, cosy rooms with reliable air conditioning and hot water.
This is a modest, peaceful base without hotel luxuries, where you can settle in for several weeks. The helpful owner creates a friendly atmosphere, and the accommodation suits digital nomads and travellers heading to North Goa for a long winter stay. A night for two costs around €15. Check with the property before your trip to confirm when the cottages open for the season.
💡 Tip: For vegetarian food, try Garden Of Dreams, 2 km away.
11. Zostel Goa (Morjim)
Zostel Goa (Morjim) has a lively social atmosphere, a swimming pool, and Yaar Café. It’s about 29 km by road from Mopa Airport and 60 km from Dabolim. Choose an air-conditioned dorm for six to eight people, including female-only rooms, or book a private room. There’s a social event every evening, from karaoke and games such as Mafia to live music and group beach trips.
The hostel also has facilities for remote work and mainly attracts solo travellers under 35 who want to meet people easily. A private room for two costs around €20. If you’re looking for more privacy and a peaceful stay right by the sea in Morjim, try White Wharf Beach Resort Morjim, from around €65 per night.
💡 Tip: Guests must be at least 18. The hostel describes itself as a lively party spot, so choose another Zostel location if you’d prefer a quieter night.
12. Afonso Guest House
Afonso Guest House is run by the Afonso family in the Portuguese quarter of Fontainhas, just 300 metres from the centre of Panaji, Goa’s capital. There’s no beach here; the nearest one is about 2 km away. The highlight is the rooftop terrace and garden, with direct views of St. Sebastian’s Chapel. The area is also pleasantly quiet at night.
The rooms are very clean, and the owners, Clifton and Jeanette, are happy to recommend nearby sights and cafés. This guest house is ideal for couples and solo travellers planning a one- to three-night cultural stay. A night for two costs around €45. Another option in Panaji is Hospedaria Abrigo de Botelho, a 19th-century house with breakfast, from around €35 per night.
💡 Tip: Breakfast isn’t included in the room rate and can be ordered from the menu on the rooftop terrace. Check-in is from 12:00 to 22:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
13. Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa
Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa sits right on Vainguinim Beach in Dona Paula, 5 km from Panaji and 35 km by road from Dabolim Airport. Some rooms open straight onto the sand, and the entire resort stands out for its Portuguese architecture and large swimming pool. At breakfast, enjoy live flute music and a Jain menu.
With its private beach, the resort is a good choice for families with children. A night for two costs around €185. Grand Hyatt Goa in nearby Bambolim is an alternative, from around €180 per night.
💡 Tip: Make sure the word Heritage appears in the name when you book. The neighbouring Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, with 299 rooms, is a separate hotel on a wooded hill, while Heritage has 201 rooms right by the beach.
14. The St. Regis Goa Resort
The St. Regis Goa Resort, formerly The Leela Goa, is in Cavelossim on the peaceful Mobor Beach, between the Sal River and the sea. The expansive resort has 206 accommodations, including 46 suites and villas and 14 suites with private pools. Butler service is available even in Deluxe rooms, and breakfast is well worth getting up for.
This resort appeals to couples and families with young children looking for luxury, a private beach, and peace in South Goa, outside wedding dates. A night for two costs around €500. Other similarly luxurious options include Taj Exotica, from around €555 per night, and ITC Grand Goa, from around €400 per night. A more affordable choice in Cavelossim is Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort, from around €170 per night.
💡 Tip: The resort is open year-round, but beach services along the coast are prohibited by government order from June to the end of September.
15. Alila Diwa Goa
Alila Diwa Goa, part of the Hyatt group, sits in peaceful Majorda in Goa in India, around 32 km by road from Dabolim Airport. Its standout feature is a large infinity pool overlooking lush green rice paddies. The resort isn’t right on the coast, but the hotel shuttle makes getting to the beach easy; check the schedule at reception. There are 153 spacious rooms and suites with terraces, including 35 in the more intimate Diwa Club section, which has its own facilities.
With a kids’ club, cinema and good breakfasts, it’s particularly appealing to families with children, who will also appreciate the manageable journey from the airport. A night for two starts at around €140. If you’d prefer somewhere with direct beach access, the luxury ITC Grand Goa mentioned earlier is in neighbouring Arossim, with rates starting at around €400 per night.
💡 Tip: According to the hotel’s website, The Diwa Club section is pet-friendly, and the vegetarian restaurant Ritu’s Kitchenn in Colva is 3.4 km away.
16. Beleza By The Beach
Beleza By The Beach lies between Colva and Betalbatim beaches, 35 km by road from Dabolim Airport. Don’t let the name fool you, though: the buildings aren’t right on the sand, and you reach the clean, peaceful beach along a path through the fields. On site, you’ll find Ayurvedic massages, a breakfast buffet and spacious, clean rooms.
The resort is a good middle-ground option for families with children who want to stay in the quiet south within easy reach of the sea. A night for two starts at around €100. If you’d like to treat yourself to a higher-end stay right on the beach, the more luxurious Taj Exotica is in nearby Benaulim, with rates starting at around €550 per night.
💡 Tip: The grounds have two pools and the Nazaré beach restaurant. Check-in is from 2:00 p.m. and check-out is by 11:00 a.m., while the vegetarian restaurants Ritu’s Kitchenn and Veg De Rasoi are 1.7 km away.
17. Agonda Cottages
Agonda Cottages puts you right on one of South Goa’s most peaceful beaches, with sunset views from the Goa Sunset restaurant. Of its 21 clean, air-conditioned cottages with thatched roofs, four face directly towards the sea: three are raised and one is at ground level. The remaining seventeen face the green garden. Your stay includes a simple breakfast served at your table, with tea or coffee.
It’s ideal for couples looking for simplicity, the sound of the waves and uninterrupted relaxation; the sea-facing cottages are reserved exclusively for couples. A night for two starts at around €30, but check the exact opening date for the season with the property before you travel. Another option in Agonda itself is Goa Cottages Agonda, with semi-open-air bathrooms and rates starting at around €115 per night.
💡 Tip: The 1:00 p.m. check-in and 11:00 a.m. check-out times are strictly enforced. Cancellations made 21 days or more in advance receive a 50% refund; after that, there’s no refund. According to the property’s website, a taxi from Dabolim Airport costs 3,000–3,500 INR (around €30–€35).
18. Bhakti Kutir
Since 1996, Bhakti Kutir has offered rustic bamboo cottages tucked into a coconut grove in the village of Colomb, a five-minute walk from both Palolem Beach and quieter Patnem. The cottages have fans rather than air conditioning, and some have bathrooms outside the cottage. Daily yoga sessions take place in four yoga shalas, there’s a Kailas Ayurveda centre, and the open-air restaurant serves organic vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food.
The property’s natural setting puts you right among the tropical vegetation, making it appealing to travellers looking for an eco-conscious approach, yoga and plant-based food and drink, from morning smoothies to kombucha. A night for two starts at around €20; check the seasonal opening dates in advance. If you’d prefer traditional hotel comforts near the beach in this area, take a look at The Ark Comforts, from around €145 per night, or Patnem Beach Cottages, from around €35 per night.
💡 Tip: Live music evenings sometimes take place on site, so pack earplugs, as the property’s own website recommends. Check-in is after 3:00 p.m. and check-out is by 11:00 a.m.
How to Choose the Right Hotel and What to Watch Out For
When booking accommodation in Goa, it’s worth checking a few practical details to avoid surprises at reception.
The word “beach” in a hotel’s name tells you nothing about its location. Beleza By The Beach resort is several hundred metres from the sea, so you’ll reach the water along a path through the fields or take the hotel shuttle. Alila Diwa Goa doesn’t have “beach” in its name, but it isn’t on the beach either and also offers a shuttle to the coast. Holiday Inn Goa Candolim takes you to the shore in a yellow buggy. Taj Fort Aguada and Palma Beach Resort are right beside the sand. At Agonda Cottages, remember that only some of the cottages are right by the beach.
Hotels that have changed their names. The former Leela now operates as The St. Regis Goa Resort. According to travel websites, the former Park Hyatt is listed as ITC Grand Goa, with the full name ITC Grand Goa, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Dona Sylvia is now called Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort. When choosing your hotel, also double-check the exact names of Holiday Inn Goa Candolim and Taj Cidade de Goa, as they’re easy to mix up with other properties.
Cancellations and extra charges. It’s worth booking through a platform that offers free cancellation, as direct bookings on hotel websites often come with strict cancellation policies. Before paying, always check the total price including taxes and the conditions that apply if you need to cancel your stay.
Passports and registration. Indian law requires accommodation providers to report foreign guests electronically using Form-III within 24 hours, even for stays in beach tents. Operators who fail to comply face fines of up to 100,000 INR (around €940), which is why reception staff will photocopy or photograph your passport and visa. For private villas and apartments on Airbnb, check that the listing includes a Goa Tourism registration number.
Booking scams. In January 2025, North Goa police arrested four people over fake villa listings on Booking.com that had more than 500 victims. By July 2025, they had blocked 672 fake websites. Never pay a deposit by bank transfer outside the booking platform’s secure payment system.
Safety. The UK’s Foreign Office warns of strong currents at beaches without lifeguards. Be aware of the risks of methanol in alcohol and drink spiking, too. Drug possession carries severe penalties, including at least six months in prison. Women are advised not to be alone on isolated beaches.
Power sockets. Goa uses Type C, D and M sockets with a 230 V supply, so bring an adapter for Types D and M.
Vegetarian and vegan places near the hotels. “Pure Veg” in a restaurant’s name means it serves exclusively vegetarian food. A traditional thali is a tray of several small dishes served together as a set meal. The distances below are measured in a straight line from each hotel; walking distances are usually longer.
- Holiday Inn Goa Candolim: Kanha Pure Veg (1.5 km).
- W Goa: Saudagar Pure Vegetarian (910 m) and vegan restaurant Bean Me Up (1.4 km).
- Granpa’s Inn: Kailash Parbat Pure Veg (770 m) and vegan restaurant La maison (820 m).
- Palma Beach Resort: vegetarian restaurant Veg & Sea Beach Restaurant (70 m).
- NOA: vegetarian restaurant Garden Of Dreams (2 km).
- Afonso Guest House: Greenr Cafe (130 m) and Navrang, which serves thali (440 m).
- Beleza By The Beach: Ritu’s Kitchenn and Veg De Rasoi (both 1.7 km).
- Alila Diwa Goa: Ritu’s Kitchenn (3.4 km).
- The St. Regis Goa Resort: the nearest vegetarian restaurant is 13.7 km away, so rely on the hotel’s restaurants.
- Agonda Cottages: Zest Cafe Agonda (380 m).
- Bhakti Kutir: serves its own organic vegetarian and vegan food. Nearby, you’ll find the plant-based café Cantine indienne (430 m) and vegan café Bibhitaki (440 m).
Where to Go Next
Once you’ve chosen your base, our guide to what to see in Goa will help you plan your stay. If you’re combining your India trip with a stop in Mumbai, take a look at the neighbourhood and hotel recommendations in our guide to where to stay in Mumbai, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to stay in North or South Goa?
The northern resorts of Candolim, Baga, Anjuna and Vagator are livelier, with plenty of clubs and restaurants. If you want somewhere quiet in the north, head to the far northern beaches around Ashwem, Mandrem and Arambol. The south, with beaches such as Colva, Benaulim, Cavelossim, Agonda and Palolem, offers longer, quieter stretches of sand and large resorts. Choose your airport to suit the area too: Mopa (GOX) serves the north, while the south is closer to Dabolim Airport (GOI).
Which airport is closer to my hotel?
The northern beaches from Arambol to Candolim are roughly 27–33 km by road from Mopa Airport (GOX). The southern beaches around Majorda and Colva are about 32–39 km from Dabolim Airport (GOI). The drive south from Mopa Airport to Palolem or Agonda is roughly 100 km and takes 2.5–3 hours. Neither Uber nor Ola operates in Goa. Book a ride through the local GoaMiles or Goa Taxi apps, or use the prepaid taxi counter at the airport.
How much does accommodation in Goa cost?
Prices depend on the level of comfort you choose. A hut or basic room costs roughly €12–35 per night for two. A mid-range hotel costs around €80–140 per night, while a luxury resort costs roughly €380–540 per night in peak season. Check the GST when booking: rooms costing up to INR 7,500 (about €70) per night are taxed at 5%; above that threshold, the rate rises to 18%.
Does a hotel with “beach” in its name sit right by the sea?
Not always. Both Beleza By The Beach and Alila Diwa Goa are several hundred metres from the sea. At the former, you can reach the beach via a path through the fields or take the hotel shuttle; at the latter, a shuttle takes you to the beach. Holiday Inn Goa Candolim takes you to the sea in a yellow buggy. Taj Fort Aguada, Taj Cidade de Goa, Palma Beach Resort and BeachStreet are right on the beach. At Agonda Cottages, only some of the cottages sit directly beside the sand.
How much does New Year’s Eve in Goa cost?
Christmas and New Year’s Eve are Goa’s busiest times of the season. On New Year’s Eve, you’ll pay roughly twice the usual rate at a typical hotel, and more than three times as much at some resorts. Many resorts charge for compulsory festive dinners, so budget for an extra fee. Taxes are always added to the prices. If you want to celebrate the end of the year by the sea, book your stay well in advance.
Are beach huts open during the monsoon?
Usually not. Temporary beach structures are allowed along the coast from September until the end of May, and the beach must be cleared by early June. Huts usually open in October or November. For example, the tents at Elsewhere in Ashwem open for the season in mid-October, while the houses there open at the start of October. From June to September, the state-appointed Drishti lifeguards also prohibit swimming in the sea and water sports.
Do I need my passport at check-in?
Yes. Your accommodation provider must register foreign guests electronically with the authorities within 24 hours using Form-III, or face a fine of up to INR 100,000 (about €920). Reception will therefore photograph or photocopy your passport and visa when you arrive. For private villas and apartments on Airbnb, check that the listing itself includes a Goa Tourism registration number.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
