O Pierre

The quiet, central setting in Fontainhas was a real plus, with plenty of cafes nearby, and we felt safe there. The staff were courteous all the way from the security guard to the hotel team. Mr. Manas at reception was especially helpful, and the Mr. Accountant gave us generous tips about nearby places and suggested their restaurant in Dona Paula by the sea, which is a beautiful property too. The rooms are spacious and have the basic facilities. Breakfast comes in several delicious complimentary options, while lunch and dinner are available if you call. I’d suggest a Kind Deluxe Rooms for the front-facing position and extra space. It’s a comfortable, peaceful place in Panjim’s late-18th-century, UNESCO-recognized heritage neighborhood, known as Asia’s only Latin Quarter.

The checkout experience left us feeling let down. We asked about staying later on Tuesday and offered to pay an extra fee or half-day rate, but the receptionist said neither was available under any circumstances and told us to book another night, even though the suite was empty the next day. We left at the agreed time and stored our bags at the desk. When we came back at 6:00 PM, we overheard another guest, a foreign traveler, thanking the staff for allowing a late checkout. That made the policy we’d been given seem uneven. I would have shared this feedback directly if anyone had asked. We’d booked O Pierre’s suite for its large, lovely bathtub, but there wasn’t enough hot water for more than just about a shower. The AC also rattled loudly, making a restful night hard. And while the room looks prettier in photos, I really had wanted to love the place.

What soured the stay was the checkout situation. We requested a late checkout and offered to pay, but were told we had to leave by 11.30, even though the suite had no booking the next day. We accepted, left our bags, and went to explore the city. When we returned at 5pm, we saw a foreign woman thanking reception for giving her a late checkout. I don’t know what the circumstances were, but it left us angry and upset. Whether that was discrimination or poor staff training, there’s clearly room to improve. The suite was spacious and nice during the day, but the AC made a terrible racket at night despite our attempts to adjust it. Hot water lasted about five minutes, nowhere near enough for the jacuzzi tub. We’d booked it for one night.

The staff at reception and housekeeping were kind and helpful, but the room itself disappointed. It smelled bad and felt far smaller than I expected for something labeled queen-size. For over ₹5,000, I also expected basic bathroom items like a toothbrush. Breakfast was another letdown for vegetarians, with very few choices and no clear separation from non-veg food.