After five years of living in Goa and exploring just about every little hut and jungle setting, I’ve put together a list to answer your question, “What’s the best place to stay in Goa?”
It’s easily one of the best places to visit in India, and I highly recommend coming, even if you’re visiting during the monsoon season. From beach shacks, yoga retreats, and eco-resorts to luxury boutique hotels, Airbnbs, and 5-star hotels, I’m listing them all below!
Don’t forget to pick up my Insider Guide to Goa and my Guide to India
Where to Stay in Goa: North or South?
Most people wonder whether they should go to North Goa, South Goa, or somewhere in the middle near the airport in Panjim. Personally, I prefer North Goa with its lively scene. However, if you’re looking to relax, you may want to check out these quiet beaches in the South.
You can read this post comparing North and South Goa in this post.
What’s the Best Place to Stay in Goa?
There are SO many options around Goa no matter your budget, why you’re visiting, or for how long! I’m sorting these by accommodation style and then where the hotel is.
Best 5-Star Hotels in Goa
Photograph courtesy of Alila Diwa.
I have a whole post dedicated to my favorite 5-star and luxury hotels in Goa if you want a more in-depth review of each one, but for now, here’s my top list:
South Goa
- The Leela
- Alila Diwa
- The Lalit
- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
- Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa
- Resort Grand Hyatt
- Planet Hollywood
North Goa
Boutique Hotels in Goa / Luxury Villas in Goa
Amarya Paros
This is “fancy beach shack” style and is smack dab where you want to be in Morjim. Read my review here. The other Amarya property Shamiyana has since been closed and is a luxury boutique place now behind La Plage.
Sur La Mer
This is a hotel (sort of) but is kind of like a big open house that faces in. It’s in Morjim and is right by all the party places so is really popular. I go here for dinner but haven’t stayed the night here. Lots of people book it as a special occasion type of place. It’s got an amazing pool.
Noi Varo Goa
I LOVE this place! I stayed here with Ben and his brother, Josh. We had a good time and the food was actually the best Goan food I’ve ever had. I loved the prawn curry rice. Read my review of Noi Varo here. You can rent this out with a group of 5 or 6 people and save a ton of money if you’re here for a week or two. It’ll be cheaper than a hotel and much nicer. You’ll have cleaners and a cook.
Shanti Morada
Sadly, I haven’t stayed here yet, but I’m dying to! It’s ranked extremely high in Goa and friends tell me it’s amazing. It’s in a peaceful location of Saligao. This place looks insane online, with pools and waterfall style decoration all around the front. It’s heritage style inside (traditional, Portuguese style).
Pousada Tauma
Another boutique hot spot that I’ve yet to explore, this is one of the most popular luxury spots to stay in Goa. It’s the perfect way to stay in Calangute but not even realize you’re near the chaos once you want to relax. It’s got a huge pool that looks like a lagoon.
Siolim House Goa
Siolim House is a huge heritage house that’s pretty well-known. I stayed here with my friend Tia and hung by the pool. Read my review of Siolim House here. It’s a great option if you’re in a group of 2 and want to be out of the busy towns.
Coco Shambhala
This is probably my go-to if I had the extra cash to splurge out. I wish I knew about this place before my parents visited because I would have rented a villa. Other than the amazing pool you get your own jacuzzi, chef, and butler! Amazing. I stayed here with Ben for two nights. Read my review of Coco Shambhala here. If you have a group of 4 you won’t have to break the bank.
There are a few more luxury and boutique properties that I haven’t stayed at but are very popular and are on my list:
- Nilaya Hermitage in Arpora
- Ishavillas in Siolim
- Sol De Goa in Nerul
- Casa Colvale near Povorim
- Casa Britona near Porvorim
Best Eco Resorts in Goa / Best Homestays in Goa
Vivenda Dos Palhacos
This is located in South Goa and I’ve had lots of friends stay here and love it. It’s a homestay and you’ll get home-cooked local food. I haven’t had a chance to stay here yet, but it’s on my list and is known as the best homestay in South Goa.
Olaulim Backyards
I love this place, and since I wrote a review about Olaulim Backyards, lots of my readers have gone to stay. They have ALL said it was an amazing experience. Hang with nature, go kayaking, eat the best prawns and stay in a great little natural cabin just outside of Mapusa in the jungle.
I’m happy to see they are ranked #1 on Tripadvisor for specialty lodging!
Jamboree Creek
Jamboree is my little oasis in Ashwem. I head up to the eco-friendly resort owned by the adorable Priyanka for a swim or to just chill out.
She has around 12 cabins that are rented at a great price. It’s a good location; you can read my review of Jamboree Creek Goa here. Jamboree is listed on Airbnb (use my referral code and get $32 off your booking if you haven’t signed up before.) This is my favorite place on this list and I tell people to stay here almost every time they email me. She offers yoga as well.
Off the Grid
Sort of on the Karnataka border, this is an eco resort run by an English couple. It’s very hidden and 100% immersed in nature. The owner also runs the white water rafting in Goa.
Wildernest
Another super popular getaway into the jungle near the Chorla Ghats, this place has an infinity pool. This place is a little more expensive for an eco-resort but is one of the top ranked hotels in all of Goa. You can do trekking and it’s a good place to take kids.
Wildflowers Villa
This is an eco resort with an infinity pool and is located in Calangute/Candolim side of town so if you want to get away during the day but party at night, this could be for you.
Read my review here or Click here to book.
There are a few more homestay places that I haven’t stayed at but are very popular and are on my list:
- Capella in Candolim
- Casa Praia in Bardez
- Presa di Goa Country House in Saligao
Mid-Range Hotels in Goa / 3-star Hotels in Goa
Tamarind
This place is pretty popular and is the #1 3 star hotel in Goa. It’s located in the middle of Anjuna and is known for having good live music and North Indian food for when people are missing home. It also has delicious cakes. I hang out here sometimes but haven’t stayed, so have no photos of rooms.
Anahata Retreat
This is a new spot in Ashwem and I stopped by for lunch. Food is fresh and amazing. I looked inside of the circular huts and was really impressed. You can see the sea and they are decorated very modernly. I’d say this is a “boutique beach hut” if there is such a thing. Awesome spot to stay.
Bougainvillea Guest House “Grandpas Inn”
Located in Anjuna with a pool, this is as good of a place as any to book. The location is great. I come here for a swim sometimes since it’s the largest pool nearby to do laps. It’s not a hotel but has separate rooms/huts across the lawn.
Laguna Anjuna
There are a lot of rooms at Laguna Anjuna. This is a place that lots of expats and local people go just to use the pool and have lunch at the Italian restaurant. The food is really good! It’s affordable and a friend of mine stayed here for a month. They have live reggae on Friday nights. The rooms are old Portuguese/Goan style and it’s a cool place to stay.
Secret Beach Resort
On the secluded and hidden beach, one that not many people know about and very affordable. Rooms are basic clean huts and as you can see the views are spectacular. I won’t name it here, but please check out my article and review for the hidden beach resort or you can skip and just use this link to book and see where this resort is ;)
There are a few more mid-range places that I haven’t stayed at but are very popular and are on my list:
- Casa Tres Amigos in Assagao
- Hotel Astoria in Assagao
- Marbela in Morjim (it’s a club as well so can get loud)
- Casa Vagator
- Casa Anjuna
- Yab Yum in Ashwem
Budget Hotels in Goa / Hostels in Goa
Please check this article on the best budget hotels and hostels in Goa. These are the no-frills beach huts, hotels, and little guesthouses that you won’t spend much budget on (some less than 300 Rs. per night) and places that lots of tourists hang out so you can meet people.
North Goa:
- Roadhouse Hostel
- Evershine Guesthouse
- Red Door Hostel
- Bricks and Bamboo
- The Orange House
- Jungle Hostel
- Zostel
- Gabriel Guesthouse
- Wanderer’s Hostel
Panjim
South Goa
What do you think is the best place to stay in Goa?
Goa Travel Tips
- Check this guide for the latest hotel and shop openings in Goa.
- For all the tips, you need my e-book, Insider’s Guide to Goa. It’s 170 pages filled with the most up to date, comprehensive information about Goa plus it has all my secret places to go that I’ve found after living here almost five years. This book has 50x more information about Goa than my blog and is organized to make things easy for you to find. Click here to buy it now.
- PLEASE don’t forget that you need a visa before traveling to India, and unlike some countries, you can’t just get it on arrival or at the airport. You will be turned away (and waste a ton of money) if you come without one. I always recommend and use iVisa. It’s super straightforward and easy to use.
- For flights to Goa, I always use Kiwi. It simplifies budget air travel, so you can still save and not have to spend a ton of time in India’s overnight trains and buses (unless that’s your thing).
- Also if you’re worried about SIM cards and such, I also love Trabug. It will deliver right to your accommodation and be one less thing to worry about.
- Don’t forget to get travel insurance for India! I use World Nomads, and here’s a post on why.
- If you’re traveling solo, I have two posts on safety for female travelers in Goa and in India, in general, and how to meet other travelers in the area.
- If you’re traveling with a family, check these posts on tips for traveling Goa with kids and fun activities for kids in the area.
- For itinerary ideas, I have itinerary guides for 3 days and one week.
General Goa Travel Guides
For tips on what to wear in Goa
- I answer your bikini questions here
- Some of my exact outfits worn around Goa
- General guide on how to dress in India
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