Senhor Angelo Reviews

This was our second visit to Goa so we knew what to expect. Still had a little whinge about the accomodation on arrival then reminded myself where we were! The accommodation in Goa is very very basic but on the whole reasonably clean.

The goan people are the friendliest people in the world. If you want to win the hearts of the children take plenty chocolate with you. You will be asked for it on a daily basis. It is a standing joke that if you pass a child they will smile and say 'chocolate', if you pass an adult they will smile and say 'taxi'!

The Senhor Angelo hotel is very conveniently located for both the beach and the 'nightlife'. The hotel staff are extremely friendly and helpful.

Take a left when you leave the hotel and follow the dirt track. It leads you to main Calungute and off the main road - saves you atleast 10 minutes walking. Breakfast is very basic with a not so pleasant server. Find room in your suitcase for a jar of marmite to jazz up your toast in the mornings - keeps the mossies away aswell!

Eating establishments are in abundance. You've got everything from your cheap and cheerful beach shacks to moderately expensive (by goa standards) restaurants. For those of you who fancy a taste of home during your holiday visit Dominoes pizza on the Calangute-Candolim road. If you fancy a light snack visit 'Banana Moon' for a tasty home-made baguette.

Goa is a truly laid back relaxing holiday. There is no dress code whatsover. Hit the town in your shorts and vest and you'll blend in completely. Don't pack any expensive footwear. The dirt track roads will ruin your shoes so leave your gucci's at home.

Don't let the traffic intimidate you. Hire yourself a scooter and hit the road. You can visit Panaji and Mapusa quite easily. Just ensure that your horn works cos you'll need it.

My recommendations for eating would be 'Souzo Lobos'- beachfront, 'Little Italy' - Candolim and Delhi Darbar - Panaji. For an authentic indian bar look no further than 'Alexs' bar facing beachfront - Calangute. Watch the world go by whilst mixing with the locals in this shabby looking cafe with heaps of atmosphere and staff that will bend over backwards to accommodate you.

Take a trip down to Palolem for a night or two and stay in the treehouses. The beach is fantastic. It is an experience you will not forget. One word of advice - pack a loo roll.

We stayed at the Senhor Angelo Hotel in Calangute because we got a good late deal. The Hotel is small,(about 20 rooms), in a great location and very friendly. The pool area is lovely and you never have to fight for a sunbed. Beach is 5 mins walk away through the sand dunes.
The rooms are very clean, the only downside is the beds are a bit uncomfortable but it won't put us off booking again for 2005.

If you stay at the Senhor Angelo or in this area we recommend you visit SHOOTERS BAR on the Baga Rd (10 mins walk from the hotel). It's run by a young British couple who make you feel really welcome and try to get you totally sozzled every night on their FREE SHOTS!!! They even show British Premier League Football Live.

Next to SHOOTERS is a great restaurant called MAYA, run by Pradeep from BOMBAY. This is the best authentic Indian food around, nice surroundings and cheap too.
If you fancy Chinese try KIM FAH a bit further up the road, and ALTON GARDENS is fantastic - great steaks in pepper sauce.

You can't go to Goa without sampling a bit of SHACK LIFE down on the beach, our favourite was LOVE SHACK, which does the best ever Tandoori food. Sunbeds are free and the beach lads are great fun.

Taxi's are really cheap, but if you feel more adventurous hire a scooter. Great fun but watch out for the other mad people on the road. You can ask around but will usually pay about 100-150 rupeess per day. Most barmen, waiters, room boys will have a scooter for hire, in fact they usually approach you before you've even dropped your suitcase!!

Calangute/Baga are fantastic resorts but you should try heading off a little further North or South. You can be at Aswem Beach in 30 mins (Westlife filmed one of their last video's there in Dec 2003). Mandrem beach is a further 15 mins north and is so relaxing even the hawkers are too chilled to hassle you. Stay at Sea Paradise for a night it's fab, the food is great and the sunset is to die for.

There are lots of trips and excursions available through your rep but as we found out you can usually do it cheaper yourself.
Try the rice boat trip - cheaper if you book directly thru the Agent (Kennedy's Tours) on the Baga Road near SHOOTERS. And the Jungle Book trip just has to be experienced.

We love everything about Goa, especially the people they are the best you will ever meet. We can't wait to go back to see all our new friends.