Ronil Beach Resort Reviews

This was our first visit to Goa.

Dabolim Airport - bureacratic but not as bad as some other reviewers make out. Just keep all your documentation handy at all times, have water at the ready on arrival and departure and two £1 coins ready on arrival. Give £1 to a baggage handler who will find your cases for you off the carousel and £1 for a porter (insist on only one person), give him all your bags and he will take them all the way to your coach. You will also need a £1 coin for the guy that delivers your bags to your room at your hotel. Then get some money changed!

Ronil Beach Hotel - We read conflicting reviews about this hotel on this website but decided to risk it because of the hotel's excellent location. When we entered our room we were gutted. It was damp, dark and the walls were covered in mildew. We asked to be moved and after 2 nights another room became available in another block which was fine (maybe not 3* by European standards but this is India!). Therefore if you arrive at this hotel and get allocated to V Block - asked to be moved immediately. The staff at the hotel were friendly, courteous, the room was cleaned and the towels changed daily. There is no tip box so you will have to tip individuals such as the room cleaners and laundry people individually when leaving. Please do not be put off this hotel.

Baga is a great resort, reasonably lively, with fantastic restaurants - we ate somewhere different every night (inc the hotel) and weren't disappointed - no upset stomachs! Most beach shacks offer free sunbeds as you will almost definately be buying food and drink from them (which was always good). The sea was very warm, a little rough and has an undertow so take care if you are not a strong swimmer. I wouldn't advise trying parasailing as I witnessed a few near-misses on the beach (I think watersports are in the early stages here).
Ladies - be prepared to be stared at constantly by male Indian holidaymakers - it can be intimidating but they are harmless.

Trips we went on which we would recommend are:
Hampi (we booked with Daytrippers/Traveland which you will find on Baga Road - excellent service). An 8.5hr train ride inland and 2 night excursion which is an experience - you see the real India and a ruined historical city by a sacred river.
Old Goa and Panjim - hire a taxi driver for the day (we paid 500 rupees) and see the old and new capital.
We also went to a secluded beach at Mandrem, further up the coast, stayed in a beach hut and practically had the beach to ourselves (450 rupees per night at Sea Paradise).
Visit Ingo's Saturday Night Bazaar for some shopping - much livelier and cooler than Anjuna flea market - and live binds playing too.

We would also recommend travelling around to see other resorts nearby - Candolim, Calangute, Anjuna, Vagator, etc.
Goa is a very cheap place to holiday, taxis, food, drink, clothes and jewellery are all very cheap and it may take you a few days to adjust to the economy and figure out how much you should be paying/tipping people. Try to collect some small change/notes early on for beggars with disabilities (remember there is no social security system in India) - think twice about giving to others (especially children and women carrying babies on the beaches).

I would recommed Goa to anyone (although taking children may be a challenge with the mozzies [buy coils there and take plenty of DEET repellant] and the spicey food). The people have a great sense of humour and are very friendly, the country is beautiful and it makes for an unforgettable holiday. Another tip - buy the rough guide or get it out at the library - plenty of interesting facts and useful tips.

Long flight 11.5 hours with stop over in Bahrain.

Be prepared to pay a goan woman for a piece of toilet paper at the airport (they would rather our currency).

First time to Goa so wasn't sure what to expect (don't go for nightlife!).

Arrived at Ronil Beach, took a look around and really didn't know what to think. We were taken to our room which was very basic, but expected this.

The hotel has two pools, ample sunbathing areas and blazing hot sunshine.

The staff were extremely friendly and would go out of their way to accommodate you. Take clothes for them - they have nothing. What staff earn a year we would earn in a week.

Snacks available at hotel were fantastic.

Although hotel basic, extremely pleased.

Resort and beach fabulous. Market is a must (bit of a culture shock seeing beggars with lepresy). Children begging on street all the time.

Everything so cheap. Chinese fantastic! 4 people, 2 courses, including drinks £12 the lot and that was an upmarked restaraunt.

Lie on the beach and watch the dophins in the sea - or the odd cow roaming on the sand!

Would definitely go back to this hotel.