DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji is Hilton’s 18th property in India. A unit of Goldfinch Hotels (part of MRG Group) and managed by Hilton, the 160-room hotel reinforces Hilton’s commitment to double it’s presence in the country over the next few years. In the month of April i was invited by the hotel to stay and write about my experience.

A stroll away from the capital city of Goa, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji is ideally located and easily accessible to the Dabolim International Airport, as well as to many landmarks, popular traveller destinations and beaches of Goa. The property features state-of-the-art technology, elegant interiors, thoughtful touches and exceptional service, making it a preferred choice for leisure travel, business conventions and special events.

Swimming Pool Sunset View

As I was escorted into my luxuriously spacious suite by the front office team, I was awestruck with splendid views of the river and the swimming pool from the living room and bedroom. The 160 well-appointed guestrooms, including nine suites, are equipped with signature DoubleTree by Hilton amenities such as DoubleTree Sweet Dreams® Sleep Experience bedding, a 42-inch HDTV, coffee maker and high-speed Wi-Fi. The rooms feature environment-friendly smart lighting with motion sensors and have outdoor balconies and walk-in showers. The expansive dining table was laden with customized welcome amenities which made for the perfect arrival experience.

The resort offers a 24-hour fitness centre, an outdoor infinity pool, a steam room and a full-service Nilaya Spa offering both Ayurveda and international treatments as well as a salon with efficient therapists.

Comida

I enjoyed a delicious dim sum lunch at Comida with General Manager Melville John over an interesting conversation. Comida, an all-day dining restaurant, offers a fusion of cuisines inspired by both Portuguese and Goan lifestyle. With an adjacent bar, it also offers an outdoor terrace seating option. After a while it was time for a relaxing spa treatment. The therapist was so efficient that I literally dozed off for about two hours in Nilaya spa.

Rio Salao

Perfect for leisurely afternoons or a quick bite, Rio Salao, the lobby lounge, serves an impeccable selection of international teas and coffees, along with an assortment of fresh sweets, chaats, ice-creams and savories. In the evening after my spa treatment I tried a plateful of paani puri served by a lady at a counter set up in the lounge. There is an alfresco space in this lounge which is a photographer’s dream and is perfect to light up your Instagram page owing to the beautiful scenery and panoramic views of the Mandovi River. Shruthi Katrathana from the food and beverage service team is a very talented photographer and helped me get so many brilliant shots for my records.

Rio Salao

As I walked into my suite after a rejuvenating spa treatment, the dining table in my suite was laden with goodies dished up by Chef Tapas Jana for a high tea experience. Amongst several interesting titbits what I enjoyed the most was a slice of sinfully delicious chocolate truffle pastry.

On day two I enjoyed a fantastic dinner with Anirudhya Basu-Assistant Director of Food and Beverage-DoubleTree by Hilton Goa- Panaji. Feliz serves a feast of coastal, Goan and Mangalorean delicacies overlooking the pool and the Mandovi River. This restaurant is perfect for those who enjoy coastal cuisine like me. Delicious neer dosas served with Goan prawn curry are a gastronomic delight.

Lobby

DoubleTree by Hilton – Goa Panaji offers a variety of spaces for exclusive meetings, private dinners and grand receptions. With over 4,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, the property features a grand ballroom, two additional ballrooms, two boardrooms and sunset lawns, along with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, intelligent lighting, exceptional service and inspired catering.

The property is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 15 world-class brands comprising more than 5,500 properties with nearly 895,000 rooms, in 109 countries and territories. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else, and free standard WiFi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using a Digital Key.

DoubleTree by Hilton is a fast-growing, global portfolio of more than 600 upscale hotels with more than 138,000 rooms across 47 countries. For more than 50 years, DoubleTree by Hilton has continued to be a symbol of comfort for business and leisure travellers around the world, from welcoming guests with it’s signature warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie, to serving the local community. DoubleTree by Hilton offers contemporary accommodations and amenities, including unique food and beverage experiences, state-of-the-art fitness offerings and meetings and events spaces. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits.

What sets Double Tree by Hilton Panaji apart from other hotels in Goa is the panoramic views of Mandovi river, experience dining at the coastal cuisine restaurant – Feliz, Infinity pool with views of the Mandovi river, the beautifully designed rooms and suites.