My stay at the Park Hyatt Goa—now called the ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa—was a reminder not to always let the blog dictate choice of hotel. Oh, the property was lovely. But unnecessary. Read on to find out what I mean.
As a reminder, I’m in the midst of a “vintage” trip report to India/Maldives. My wife and I spent over a week in India, spending New Year’s in Goa.
One reason for our trip to India was to visit the three Park Hyatt properties; Hyderabad, Goa, and Chennai. All three were in cities we had not visited in the past, so I figured we could experience new places and build valuable blog content. But there’s always a cost/benefit analysis and looking back I simply paid too much for this hotel. Too much indeed.
How much, you might ask? $540/night. And then the mandatory New Year’s party for $200 each. I get it. It was New Year’s in a beautiful resort when the weather is actually nice in India. I’m not complaining about the price per se, but about the opportunity cost of the stay. Just like eating at the resort versus eating a half mile down the beach, there were better options available for so much cheaper. But against my better judgement, I chose the Park Hyatt to review a luxury chain hotel for this blog. And now the property is no longer a Hyatt! What a tragic waste of money. Then again, the property was quite beautiful.
We arrived from Hyderabad and a representative from the hotel was waiting for us…this is a a better option than trying to negotiate a taxi. The drive to the hotel took us through a beautiful countryside of marshlands and estuaries until we pulled up to a long driveway which led to the resort. A bellman ushered us to a desk with chairs where we were checked in, then escorted to our room.
The 45-acre resort is sprawling and filled with lush greenery and the sound of flowing water.
Park Hyatt Goa Guest Room
Out room, 511, was not a suite, but nevertheless quite spacious…but what do you notice?
Yes, twin beds. Trust me, my wife and I were getting along just fine and did not request separate sleeping arrangements. Instead, the hotel was running full and this, again, was the price I paid to stay here.
But I did like this room. Not only was the bathroom spacious, but there was a large jacuzzi tub and also a private outdoor shower area with an open roof. I liked the set up of the room and the view from the balcony.
Park Hyatt Goa Breakfast
Breakfast each morning included an elaborate buffet with western and Indian dishes plus eggs cooked to order and fairly good coffee.
For more on the New Year’s Eve party, read this dedicated post. We also ate offsite.
> Read More: New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Park Hyatt Goa
Park Hyatt Goa Fitness Center
We worked in a couple of workouts during our stay. It seems most other guests were in holiday mode because despite the hotel being full, the gym was always empty.
Park Hyatt Goa Service
Staff were exceedingly kind at this hotel. I’m not talking Aman levels of hospitality, but that was never the expectation. Each interaction with the staff was warm and the same lady who checked me in greeted me as “Mr. Klint” when I checked out. I appreciate that attention to detail.
CONCLUSION
I won’t be returning to this hotel now that it is no longer a Hyatt…but that doesn’t mean I won’t recommend it. It was a beautiful property in a scenic part of Goa.
So, the hotel is a disappointment, and India is a dump. Why go there? That is one country to which I will never return…
Hotel was not disappointing, just not worth New Year’s price tag.
We stayed here 5 years back. Agree with your assessment of hotel / property being nice and breakfast being good. Our issue was that the other meals (lunch/dinner) SUCKED in terms of quality. Guy could not make good hakka noodles or tandoori tikka!! Yes – fish @ outside shacks was the best!!
Why stay/ review a Hyatt. Next time in India – stay @ Oberoi properties esp. the Vilas’s. They will beat any other luxury brand hands-down
Gene,
You seem like an amateur traveler who has traveled maybe once or twice outside of your home town.
I visit India 3-4 times a year, love the place, people, food and culture.
Did you eat sorpotel or drank feni.
No.
One wonders whether those crazy resort special occasion charges, like the compulsory dinners @$200, presaged the torrent of resort/destination charges in recent years. They annoy the hell out of me: it’s +++++ in some places.
I assiduously avoid anywhere that charges $200 for a dinner I don’t want and wouldn’t eat, usually in combination with cultural performances, including the dreaded/dreadful audience participation.