Travreviews

Described as the beating heart of North Goa, the Marriott Resort and Spa Goa is a fantastic hotel with amazing offerings, exceptional hospitality and great food. This is the flagship property opened up in 1999, followed by other Marriott hotels opening up worldwide.

Location

Located only about 12 km, it was a very easy drive from the newly constructed Goa’s International Airport, after being picked up by cab from Marriott.

The drive was smooth and we reached the hotel in almost 40 minutes, and that was with morning traffic. There is both valet and self parking available at the hotel. Our cab reached the porch and we were escorted to the main lobby.

A whiff of fresh air as a welcome came as a beautiful surprise along with a greeting by the staff with wet towels and a garland as a gesture of Marriott hospitality.

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The hotel is in such a good location, it’s easy to walk either down towards the main street to get to the centre, or go out the other exit from the hotel and you can walk through the beach.  We loved the breezy lobby where the sight of rising tides tempted us to come and devour the experience of the sea. Yet we held on to our emotions and moved towards the check – in.

Accommodation

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With 190 rooms and suites (and the very unique garden and bay view rooms) there is a great selection for everyone. There is no bad location, but accommodations are spread across a few buildings and with it being such a historic hotel since 1999, it would be hard to give chapter and verse on all types.

We were in room 110 on the ground floor of what was the original hotel building.

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The room was huge, and beautifully presented in a traditional yet elegant style. The Bay view room had the most amazing view we have come across. The well maintained garden right outside the room had lounge chairs and coconut trees all lined up.

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The bathroom was vast, marble lined, and actually more the size of what a whole bedroom might be in another hotel. There was a single sink on a huge vanity unit, a walk-through overhead shower area, WC and separate bath. Toiletries were all ayurveda based – from shower gels and hand wash, to conditioner, body lotion – all wonderful.

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In the room itself, the bed was ginormous and so comfortable – felt like an expedition getting from one side of it to the other. There was absolutely everything you could want, and such a nice treat to come to a platter of fruits neatly decorated, set up on the coffee table with matching pink and brown macaroons   in the large balloon glasses so there was real attention to detail.

Dining

We had breakfast in the hotel every morning in the Waterfront Terrace and Bar with beautiful views of the seashore.  This was a sumptuous buffet with absolutely everything you could possibly imagine, as well as there being fresh food options from an a la carte menu too. Everything was so beautifully presented with stations inside for all sorts of foods; and a bakery corner too. You could also have eggs to order from a chef’s section or crispy dosas sent to your table.

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Being welcomed to a table either inside (air-conditioned) or outside overlooking the pool, you would be spoilt for choices from the breakfast menu. They have varieties of dips, salads, fruits, breads, cold cuts beside the usual Indian and continental fare.  Always such an experience every morning and a fab start to the day. We enjoyed a lavish Goan platter with all delicious flavors of the authentic spices.

The afternoon tea in the lounge or inside at The Az.ur bar is equally charming. We loved the high tea paired with sandwiches, burgers, banana chips, cakes and muffins. Sipping hot tea or a chilled iced tea feels great while enjoying the scenic view in front of you.

For dinner, we were pampered at their ‘ Simply Grills’ Restaurant. There was lobster and grilled fish on the first night we stayed. I would recommend highly this place for its seafood, chicken and also their mouth watering pizza curated by chef Aahana who comes from a rich and diverse experience in hospitality overseas.

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We were hosted near the poolside on our last night where we enjoyed a thin crust pizza and tortellini along with cocktails. We also loved drinks by the poolside – delicious Pink Mimosas – highly recommended where you can soak yourself inside the cool blue water and gaze into the gushing sea – perfect plan to beat the heat.

Facilities & Service

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There are so many exciting things to do in and around the hotel, with such expansive gardens and all the facilities you’d expect from a large hotel and of the standard of a Marriott; not to mention a backdrop view of the Miramar beach. Like a choice of two pools – one in front of the first wing and then another at the other wing, though available to all regardless of where you stay.

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Next to the Oasis pool is a poolside bar that offers a spectacular view of the beach.  

The first wing comprises of a spa, salon, a multi-functional gym with all different areas for weights, cardio, stretching, yoga etc.) Just below is the spa and salon. The other wing has a bakery with freshly made breads, cakes on order and gelatos.

Recreation

To keep children occupied, there is a recreation center with toys and games.  There are outdoor activities like beach walks or cycling around the block.

Spa

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The spa experience is one of the finest I have come across. Wide spaces, a large urn filled with flowers, aromatic entrance, subtle hues and soothing music enliven the ambiance of the spa. We opted for a Swedish massage in the spa and a facial and a hair spa in their salon.

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There are 4 spacious treatment suites (including 2 designed for couples) the main spa area houses male and female changing rooms, as well as a Jacuzzi and steam bath area. The male and female changing rooms are equipped with ample lockers and showers, a steam bath and sauna, with another outside shower and plunge pool open to the sky.

The experience in the spa was beyond words. While my daughter enjoyed a soothing Swedish massage, I opted for a deep cleaning facial that helped get rid of the tan and left a smooth finish on my face. The experiences were both calming and rejuvenating and the staff was very polite and hospitable.

Beach weddings

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Besides the facilities offered, the hotel is incredibly famous for beach weddings. The spacious venue is perfect for a large gathering where guests can enjoy the wedding and the venue.

You can contact the team for the best quotes to create a memorable wedding occassion.

Highlights

1.The location and the history behind the property, and of course because it’s Marriott.

2.Service was fantastic throughout our stay.

3.The pool, spa and other activities are worth experiencing.

4.Goan traditional curries are worth trying.

5.It’s always best to book appointments at the spa keeping in mind high occupancy.