Haathi Mahal Hotel

We stayed at the Haathi Mahal on our honeymoon in December. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The pools were lovely and the food at the restaurant nicer than we expected, if a bit more expensive than restaurants outside. The only negative, was being placed on the side of the building below the generators. This did make the room extremely noisy at night and after prolonged negotiations we were finally moved to the other side of the hotel. The resort and beach were really nice too. It had the feeling of a small village and everyone went out of their way to be friendly and helpful. The restaurants served a wide range of food and we would highly recommend the beach parties! Also to recommend - a river cruise to watch the dolphins and hire a taxi to drive you further down the coast to Palolem. We would definately go back again.

Lovely Hotel, good airconditioning in rooms, we had a huge room, nice & quiet looking out to the back. I would suggest making sure you have a room looking out to the back as they are building flats oppostite the front facing rooms, although having said that we did not sit on our terrace once so it only would affect you if you let it. The staff are genuinly friendly. The only down side is that around the hotel are a mass of shops and hut style shops, and they are very persistant in asking you to look at their stuff which after 40 successive requests is very very draining, as you can't take an evening (or morning) walk in peace.

We went to Goa in April, not the best time of the year as it was a bit too hot, but this is our only real complaint! Arriving early (6am) from Gatwick we were quite suprised to find the rooms not ready and then to be allocated one with two single beds instead of a double. However the room we were eventually given was great. Huge balcony over looking one of the two big pools, a large freezer/fridge ideal for keeping your drinks cold and a very efficient air conditioner which was left on all day so the room was cool when you got back! The staff were extremely friendly and the 'time-share' guy was a bit persistent, but once we told him we weren't interested he left us alone. The beauty salon/spa was a bit random with the quality but was so cheap you couldn't really complain. The food was excellent and brilliant value, especially the 'fish' night on Sunday...however take your ear plugs, as the entertainment leaves alot to be desired. Thankfully he was the other side of the pool otherwise we may have gagged him! All in all a fantastic two weeks in Goa at a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere. Would definitely return.

Had a lovely 2 weeks in the Haathi last Nov/Dec.Staff very pleasant and helpfull.Stayed in a timeshare which was not up to European standards but was comfortable.Beach only 10 minutes walk or 50R in a taxi.Found a great taxidriver who would take us anywhere in Goa for very little money.I am not telling you his name as I want him when I return to the Haathi this Nov.

We have just returned from the most fantastic holiday at the Haathi Mahal, the hotel is spotless, the staff friendly and courteous and the food provided was fun and varied. Yes when we arrived we were a little disapointed to be facing a building site, as a travel agent myself the tour operator should have made us aware of this. However in Goa, no machinery is used - no noise heard and we were moved after a few days to a pool view room following a brief word with reception. The rooms themselves are huge with large balconies, double or twin beds on a request basis, full bathrooms, yes in need of some refurbishement, which will be undertaken in their monsoon season, however kept clean. The hotel has two pools, plunge pool, jacuzzi, squash court, gym and an Ayervedic Massage and Beauty Centre. They also have a games programme, however there is not much need as not many children. There is the hotel side, used by tour Operators and also villas that are owned in the timeshare scheme. We did go through the motions of the timeshare - even though it wasn't for us it is still a very good deal that they offer and under no obligation, you just have to be strong and say you are not interested. Only 10 minutes walk from Cavelossim beach, which is beautiful, you can organise fishing and birdwatching trips on the River Sal and taxi's plentiful for wherever you want to visit. Food is crazily cheap and many restaurants within five minutes walk. This holiday was amazing - the Haathi Mahal did us proud and I am hard to please!

The Haathi Mahal, Cavelossim, Goa. Some notes on Cavelossim too. Visited for two weeks late Feb 2005. Firstly I must say that if I were returning to South Goa, I would stay here again. The hotel has no significant faults and several bonuses, and there are few hotels one can say that about. Location: About a 10min walk to the beach (with 6+ beach-shacks) past rows of shops and restaurants. We saw this as a disadvantage when we booked, but in fact it was great fun and resulted in us immediately frequenting local restaurants and looking at the wide range of wares on offer. It is definitely an advantage. See later on shacks. Rooms: Large, comfortable. 3 tables, chest and sofa, gave plenty of space to put things. TV (we did not use). Ceiling fan and central (quiet) aircon would give you a serious chill at full bore. Kettle and coffee/tea provided. Exceptionally a 100L fridge meant all your water, drinks, chocolate and whatever could be kept cold. Large balcony with table and two chairs and still ample space left. Bathroom is acceptable, enough room around basin to put *all* your clutter on. Bath/shower has plenty of hot water (booster switch on wall) if slightly tatty. Usual proviso of towels/flannels/soap/shampoo etc. Lift. Some rooms can be joined, good for families, but might be a problem if singles and next door has TV on loudly. We didn't have a problem but they should have used double doors. Incense smells will go under the door. Pool: two pools, snack and bar service, free towels and recliners etc. Pools are spotless. A number of guests never bothered to leave. Breakfast (if B&B) is the usual "two eggs cooked how you like", hash browns/tomatoes/beans/indian choice/porridge/cornflakes/pastry/ croissants/toast/fruit/fruitjuice/unlimited tea/coffee etc etc. Dinners are somewhat dearer than town (except shellfish) and get the luxury hotel tax. In my opinion they are better quality than any of the restaurants so you get what you pay for. Usual choice of indian/european /chinese/thai/whatever.... Exchanging money at reception is efficient and about 4% less than outside. They will also change large notes into useful 50's, 20's and 10's. The in house shop is only marginally dearer than outside and very convenient. See later. Staff are particularly friendly and helpful. Wakeup calls can be erratic. If leaving very early in the morning a 'packed breakfast' can be supplied by room service the day before and put in your fridge. Beach shacks offer drinks, meals, sunshades, recliners all day till well after dusk. Pick your shack and use their facilities (including sit down loo, flush using water provided.) for the day. Lots of people come in the morning and don't leave till after dark. Sea is warm, shallow and can have modest waves, reputedly (and probably are) some currents. No rocks, all sand. Prices are very reasonable and similar to elsewhere in town. Shopping. First day basics: You probably should be drinking about 3L/day so get a 1L bottle of water (R15) (to carry in your bag- very useful) and a 5L (R40) for topping up, orange juice (diluted with water is most refreshing) and salted cashew/snacks etc. Buy indian-made spirits (about R100-150 bottle) and mixers. Store all this in fridge. Handiest shops turn right out of hotel about 150m, and also across street (or hotel shop). Trinkets. Shops are mostly displaced kashmiris. You are on your own here but beware that 'pashminas' are a minefield with identical patterns made in several different materials that are hard to distinguish. I suspect none of it is as described and I would resist going upmarket and buy what you like at the cheap end. Some of the jewellery is nice, probably not pure silver but OK and can be very cheap too. There is quite a range of stuff and happy hours can be spent. Transport. To get to mobor (eg for betty's cruises - the best) use the busses. Find a handy piece of roadside shade and flag down any with "Mobor-Margao" boards up. Clean, interesting, run about every 20mins and cost R4 to mobor, R9 to Margao (sunday closing) same bus. Best to avoid rush hours. Prices lower in Margao, particularly spices. Note 5gms saffron 100R. Taxis are pricey, boring, prone to contract shopping and can be uncomfortable. Trips: OK, you have to see the dolphins (250R) although not that inspired its a little trip onto the ocean. Did not do the all-day trip but the evening birdwatching (small group) should not be missed. Tours: Hampi and not through the rep (same tour cheaper anyway). Took this on impulse and the dreaded 2x8hrs on the train was actually great fun and definitely part of the trip. The early morning starts were even appreciated by my wife who HATES getting up before 10.00AM. Hampi is amazing and early start misses the crowds and done in cool of the day. Hotel fine if basic (can upgrade to aircon), the indian food there is the best I have ever eaten (particularly starters) but be warned can be hot (even biriani: check with waiter). Go if you possibly can. Tips: Wear dark clothes for train, take 3L water + snacks, omlette-whilst-you-wait at Hubli station (lunch), walk into Hospet from hotel when you arrive as you won;t have time later. Allow R1200/hd for food/tips/entry/misc as is NOT all inclusive (whatever rep claims). "Go Wild" via rep, is fine if overpriced. Maybe melotours does equivalent. Market, village, spice farm, cashew nut factory, jungle walk, wash elephant, ride elephant (extra), drinking-shack+feni, Dudhsagar Falls+swim, Tambi Surla Mahadeva Temple (small but lovely). "Taxi for a day". A diy one here. Negotiate a taxi and a price the day before. Do NOT get a 'van-type' (very uncomfortable) but a car (aircon not required) and be clear its for a day, take no notice of any queues they have because you are buying and should chose. Allow max two 'shop calls' and these afternoon only. We did it for R1000 but for slightly less that what I would do a second time which is (buy map and use it): 8.00AM start. Direct to ShantaDurga temple (take your time here) via Margao & borim bridge. Then Shri Mahasa then Shri Mangesh Temples. Do NOT go to spice farm even if pressed. Then Old Goa (allow 2 hrs then lunch) and Panaji . There is a good bird lake just off this road if your driver knows it. After Panaji checkout Margao if you have time. Finally look round (but don't buy) in shops for taxi driver as agreed. Note that you can bus back after Margao if driver gets difficult over contract shopping. General consensus is that its definitely not worth the taxi/effort/hassle to go to anjuna market. -- Oz

Our first and probably only trip to Goa was suffered at the Haathi Mahal. The initial room we were put in was on the ground floor and over-looked by a building site which will obscure the sunsets for which Goa is renowned .. the next room was clearly was not used by guests as the door could not be locked and we spent our first evening in the room waiting for a workman. On 3 days out of the 7 we were there, we had to ask reception to stop building works on our corridor so that we could sleep. We were subjected to a high pressure time share sale which lasted for half a day - despite one of us being clearly distressed by a stomach upset. If a overly friendly manager offers you a free 2 weeks holiday/dinner/anything say no! a bottle of cheap indian wine and a wasted days holiday is just not worth the stress. The food in the hotel was good, pool clean and the staff friendly. Tour operator trips very tedious due to the length of time travelling - well worth booking a taxi and getting places yourselves.

I stayed at this hotel in March 2002 and I enjoyed my stay there. The hotel was clean and the rooms were clean, spacious and quite nice. The hotel is situated in a quiet area and is accessible to the beach which was only a 5 minute walk away. There were excursions available daily although there wasnt many activites in the hotel however, they had nightly entertainment twice a week. We didnt really eat in the hotel at dinner time because I didnt think much of the food. It wasnt horrible but it wasnt nice. There was a restaurant just round the corner which we ended up eating in every night and that was nice. However breakfast in the hotel was lovely and you had a wide choice. The staff were very friendly and helpful and we were even invited to dinner at a member of staff's house which was lovely. We were also given a voucher by the manager to return back to the hotel for two weeks for free! Unfortunately we didnt end up using this voucher and it has now expired! The hotel in general was nice and I would go back again. Its location is nice, clean and quiet and accessible to the beach. The only thing I did not like about this holiday was the sellers on the beach who used to bother you a bit too much.

i have stayed at the haathi several times and so have a lot more people i know .i stay in the hotel part and have had no reason to complain . i have never had anything go missing and find the staff very helpful. i know the haathi spray the hotel regular and are very helpful if you think you need more. the breskfasts are really good and if you are looking for something different there are so many high quality shacks near by . i can highly recomend the golden eye which is right next to the haathi the only thing i complain about in south goa is the taxi's they are becoming expensive and no longer value for money. so this time i used the local bus. i returned from the haathi onfriday 17 th dec i have just had 4 weeks and loved every minute

The Haathi Mahal looks great on the website but in reality is something quite different. We had a nightmare time there, its better to pay a few hundred more rupees for piece of mind and above all honesty! It told us we would get airport transfers and at the airport we waited and waited and in the end had to get a taxi, which they refused to pay when we told them they never picked us up. We were told by the taxi driver, they don't even have a transfer bus and he often picks up Haathi Mahal customers. Once there, they didn't have our booking, although I booked a month in advance and we spent 15 minutes going from one end of the hotel to another as they showed us two rooms, one overlooks a river and someones back yard, the other a bigger room with a balcony that was so dirty we never went out on it except to hang out our wet clothes. Its supposed to be 4 stars but having stayed in many hotels in India, in my opinion, it would have hardly reached 3 stars. Then, once in the room, there were many insects, cockroaches and mosquitos and during my 3 days there constantly had to ring housekeeping to spray my room. Also, there is no running hot water, there is a switch that no-ones tells you about until you call them, that you have to put on 10 mins before you want a shower, not my idea of a 4 star hotel. There is a kettle but it only plugged in the bathroom so very unhygienic and the wire was frayed so much that you easily could have got electrocuted. In our package we were told that the sauna, gym was free but as soon as we went there, they wanted to charge us. The jacuzzi did not work and once we spent 30 mins. in there waiting for an engineer who didn't turn up. The food selection is quite poor, we lived on sandwiches at lunchtime and fish and rice in the evening. The veg selection outside of dall and rice and a few curries, was non-existant. The phone in your room wasn't a touchtone phone just a normal phone so if you had to call an airline to confirm your return flight you were left with a massive bill for nothing. They charged us £35 pounds for one phonecall to London, I stayed in the Taj in Mumbai and even that worked out cheaper! We were told we would get 10% off all drinks and food and they said they never agreed this although I had an email printout saying this. The people we booked with Amlan and Albert denied all knowledge of anything. Another couple we booked for arrived on our second day there, and they were given single beds even though they were on their honeymoon, this was the final crunch! Even when we booked another hotel, they refused to transfer us to the other hotel saying we are not leaving to go to the airport. Also, they sell timeshares mainly and although we didn't have the opportunity to keep the appointment, the Sales person, Rahul was very charming, first we thought he was just a manager asking how our stay was, but the next day, another hotel customer was taken for a ride for most of the morning shown timeshare apartments but not told this previously. When we checked out and complained of all the things, they said we are mainly a timeshare place and not a hotel, so why take our money and give us false promises. Also, when I arrived at my second hotel, the Ramada which was much better and a 5 star hotel, I realised my perfume was missing from my toiletires bag which was the only thing I kept unlocked.