I’ve been in Goa for nearly 3 years now and have explored so many areas up and down the coast, and inland to the jungle. From beach shacks and eco resorts to luxury boutique hotels and 5 star hotels, I’ve searched and researched for the best place to stay in Goa.

I am sorting this list of where to stay in Goa by type of accommodation not by area.

You do need to think about which area to stay at in Goa, like North Goa, South Goa, or the middle near the airport (Panjim). I prefer the North with the lively scene, but the South is great for relaxation. Check out my guide to Goa for more. There is no shortage of a place to stay in Goa with hundreds of hotels for every budget!

booking tips: I usually use booking.com, but in Asia (India) Agoda is cheaper so I’ve added links through there. When a place was available on airbnb I added a link there because if you sign up through my referral link you can get $25 off the booking. The Agoda links are affiliate links which means I do make a small percentage on a booking which I appreciate so so so much! When there was no booking agency, I linked to the website of the hotel so you can email them.

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Best Place to Stay in Goa

Best 5 star hotels in Goa

 

I’ve written a whole article on 5 star hotels in Goa, so please click over to check that out. I don’t have all of them listed, just my favorites. Photographed above is the Alila Diwa.

Boutique Hotels in Goa / Luxury Villas in Goa

Amarya Paros 

 

http://i1.wp.com/hippie-inheels.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3... 800w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px" data-recalc-dims="1" />This is “fancy beach shack” style and is smack dab where you want to be in Morjim.

 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. 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 choas 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. 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. If you have a group of 4 you won’t have to break the bank.

Best Eco resorts in Goa / Best Homestays in Goa

Vivenda Dos Polhacos

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! They are on Airbnb which means you can use my referral code and get $25 off your booking if you haven’t signed up before! 

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. Jamboree is listed on airbnb (use my referral code and get $25 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.

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 modern. I’d say this is a “boutique beach hut” if there is such a thing. Awesome spot to stay.

Bougainvillea Guest House “Granpas Inn”

Located in Anjuna with a pool, this is as good of 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 ;)