Country Inn Tarika, Goa, Varca Beach

The property looks nothing like its website. Our room smelled and had seepage, and after booking three days I left after only one because of the service and amenities. The room had no intercom, mobile signal was weak, and ordering food meant going to the restaurant in person. Then the food took a very long time. If you enjoy drinks, buy them elsewhere, since the resort couldn't provide items listed on its own menu. On arrival, the swimming pool was being filtered. The manager said that would take 2 to 3 days, so getting to use it would be a matter of luck. They seem more interested in making guests leave and benefiting from a no refund policy than providing a pleasant stay. They say refunds take 60 days, but mine is still pending despite constant follow ups. Don't waste your hard earned money here or spoil your stay and mood with the poor service and amenities.

We arrived at Country Inn - Varca at 230pm today, finished check-in, and were told we'd been upgraded to a premium room. That excitement didn't last. Agoda.com lists it as a 4 star property, but in my view it wasn't even 2 star rated. The room had a manual lock and key, stained walls and curtains, a small hall-like area with a wobbly wooden table, cobwebs on the bedside lamps, and a brown bathtub that should have been white. The towels and sheets were a little stained too, as if they thought yellow lighting would hide it. Paint was peeling from the walls, and the whole room was awful. We wanted to check out right away, but customer care was no help. We called three times and each time they promised to get back within an hour, but never did. This hassle was especially difficult while travelling with a 6 year old kid. A horrible experience with both county inn and Agoda. I definitely wouldn't recommend either.

For the 5 nights I stayed, the good parts were the poolside, cozy bar, and nice night view. The location and first impression of the hotel were also good. But the rooms were just okay, with insects in them and around the perimeter, and we had problems with warm water and power failures. Staff were moderately experienced, though not as welcoming as I'd expect at a 4-star hotel. They charged 2800/- for birthday room decoration, something other hotels provide for free. The buffet came from a very basic kitchen, and the restaurant had basic seating and atmosphere, not what I'd expect from a 4-star hotel. The rate was just above 7k per night. At that price, it would be better as a 3-star hotel costing no more than 4k per night.

The rooms smelled and were in very poor condition. After we changed rooms, we found a swarm of mosquitoes and a lizard in the washroom. The staff seemed unable to help. I paid 11k for a night and expected much better. The place was a total letdown and left my family thoroughly disappointed. With last-minute hotel prices so high, I don't have the option of booking somewhere else now. I can't tell whether management cares about cleanliness, quality, or value for money.