Baywatch Express

The drinks situation at the Tavern bar was a letdown. Most menu items weren’t available, with only a few beers and whiskeys on hand, no cocktails, mocktails, breezes, or juices. Outside drinks aren’t allowed, and the available ones cost more than at other hotels, bars, and pubs. The bathroom also had issues: hot water took ages to come through and turned cold mid-shower, while the sink didn’t drain properly and left a puddle. Dinner could use more choices for guests paying for the buffet. The narrow lane outside the entrance has no U-turn, so cars have to reverse slowly one way, and multiple arrivals can cause a traffic jam. I stayed four days at Baywatch express, tucked away in the small lanes of Candolim, North Goa. It’s cosy and good, with more substance than style. Housekeeping, pantry, and front desk staff were helpful and courteous, well groomed, and especially attentive to small kids. Rooms were comfortable, clean, and hygienic, with complimentary tea, coffee, sugar, skimmed milk powder, and two mineral water bottles restocked daily. Towels and soap could be changed daily on request. The lounge was cosy, and staff were available 24X7. There’s a pool with clean water disinfected daily. Swimwear is available to rent, or you can bring your own. Pool hours are 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. Breakfast buffet is complimentary, with tasty, healthy veg and non-veg options. Dinner depends on your booking plan, and there are both buffet and A-la-carte options.

The balcony has a good view, and there’s decent parking. A market is nearby, though it’s a bit expensive compared with more reasonable options. Breakfast was really tasty, room service was great, and the staff were supportive. The washrooms and beds were especially delightful. It’s an amazing, good-budget hotel in Goa near the beach.

At checkout, the staff were extremely rude and wrongly charged us for a bottle from the room fridge, accusing us of using their precious water bottle when we hadn’t. Before that, we had to ask three times in one day for the room to be cleaned, and they still didn’t do it while we were inside. The property is extremely tiny. Rooms are clean, but some have a bad smell. The AC remote worked only about half the time, and even after several calls to reception, staff came at their own slow pace. Breakfast was horrible, and outside food isn’t allowed. A really bad experience.

I wouldn’t recommend this place if you want a smooth departure from Goa. The hotel doesn’t look much like the photos, and I couldn’t find any of the continental dishes promised in the package. When I asked, staff wandered around without giving a proper response. The manager’s handling of customers was poor, with no proper hospitality, and it felt like they were only after money. I wasn’t told the checkout time in advance, yet was charged a full day’s amount for being an hour late. When I refused to pay, he called security in a very harsh tone. The manager provoked me into writing my first ever review. Check how fake these guys are. Someone talking so good about manager after my post.