Cidade De Goa - IHCL SeleQtions

We were a family of four (02 adults and 02 kids). I had put in a request in advance to provide us a room with a smart TV since it makes life with small kids easier. Since the hotel doesn’t have smart TVs in their regular rooms, we were informed on arrival that we had been upgraded to a suite. The staff was extremely courteous and hospitable. The property was especially beautiful, having been designed by a master architect, and has a private beach, which makes it even better. An added advantage is that guests can avail of facilities of the neighbouring Taj Convention Centre as well, which has a rooftop infinity pool with a fabulous view, so that just adds to the experience.

The buffet spread was just about ok, and expectations from the Taj brand are higher. Certain aspects of cleanliness also need work. We noticed a cockroach in the restaurant during breakfast, and my wife found a hair in the sliced watermelon.

The welcome was exceptional and our room (following a complimentary upgrade) superb. It was a little disappointing that the full board package only gave us access to the self service buffet restaurant with no allowance made if we chose to eat in one of the other restaurants. This meant that we were unable to sample the full range of restaurants on offer! Having said that, the food in the buffet restaurant was always very good - if a little chaotic at times with call order items taking a long time to arrive. The pool area was beautiful but challenged by a lack of beds and sunshades - also the beds themselves were very basic - hardly five star! The beach and sea swimming were lovely.

See above

I love Taj very much We got an upgrade to a room with sea view and high tra included. No disturbing music at pool and in garden Nice live music at breakfast and in evening in the bar with the good old songs. MonaLisa from garden bbq restaurant arranged a special home cook meal for us. We love it. We also got a ‘See You soon’ treatment at our breakfast on our last day. We have got some great lobster at the bbq restaurant. Good coffee and alu pratha at breakfast. Very good service of all the staff. Quick checkin by Fiona.

Taxi fare are very high and not in proportion with distance and time. 15 minutes to Panjim = 1090. 25 minutes to Old Goa = 1900 rupees. That is like a scam. Please do something about. Sunbeds swimming pool are a little poor.

The best part of the hotel was the staff! I was greeted with a warm welcome and a Goan welcome drink. I am a solo traveler who booked this hotel for my birthday. I shared this with Ria and Shiv Oberoi from their staff who went absolutely out of their way to make my birthday special. When I entered my room after a beautiful night of live music, my room was decorated with these pretty yellow and blue balloons. A special thank you to Sunny Hans from housekeeping for decorating my room. They had a vegetarian cake waiting for me. Ria and Shiv then joined me in my room for a very special birthday evening, where I blow out the candles, they fed me some cake like their very own friend and even brought me a birthday gift. Ria did all of this after the end of her shift which goes to show that she really went above and beyond to make my day special. A massive thank you to Ria and Shiv Oberoi for arranging this beautiful birthday celebration so I don’t feel alone. I posted some of the highlights on my socials (sassykeets) and everyone really appreciated how they brought so much warmth with them. Also a special thank you to Ashley Alfonso, the live singer who serenaded me with Ria for a happy birthday song. All these gestures came together and made my 2023 birthday one I will remember forever :)

Everything was great. Just be sure to inquire about the view before booking any sea view rooms. Some of them don’t show the sea very much and have a partial sea view. At the end Ria gave me a lovely room with a beautiful sea view and balcony. It is also worth mentioning that the heritage side of the hotel does not have a lift in case you want to bring a senior. This was not a problem for me as I was happy getting the extra steps in. Overall, everything I needed was taken care of and I am so glad I decided to book my stay here

The heart of this hotel is the staff – to whom I extend much gratitude. Nikita in guest relations made me feel at home at the Taj. To mention just a few of the tasks she assisted me with would be – the sound advice she gave me on shopping locations and requesting a mehndi artist help me at the Taj. Amarnath, one of the chefs at the Taj, taught me about the food served and even helped me pair foods. He also packed me a delicious breakfast to take when I left before breakfast time. Cabral drove me to Panjim market. But he did much more for me. Cabral ensured that he found everything on my list – from fresh coffee beans to kurthas. Nisha also added a unique touch with her beautiful mehndi creations. Thank you for such an exceptional experience.

Liked dinners at Barbeque and Azul very much. Breakfast at Laranja was sumptuous with wide choices. Our room was right at the beach, and the beach was ideally situated within a stone's throw. Great secluded and uncrowded, uncluttered very clean beach. Loved live music by Ashley, friendly and courteous service by Sanjeev, Ashish, Avdhesh and Zeenal. Mr Carmin Pinto and Mr Nitin were very helpful and attentive. Ms Priyanki and Ms Fiona were very helpful and efficient at the reception desk. Mr. Dattaram at the concierge desk was very informative and assisted in resolving many queries I posted to him. Great staff.

Classical cocktails like Martini, Manhattan, Old fashioned, Pina Colada etc are not on the bar menu. Also, wine selection is limited to average wines. Some fine vintage wines on the menu will enhance the fine dining experience severalfold.

Ambience, cleanliness.

Room without a view!

This is our second time staying at the Cidade and the umpteenth time we have visited it, since my father lived nearby for many years. It's one of my family's favourite places on earth, a true home from home, so I am perhaps not an objective reviewer, but I am a big fan. The location is picture perfect; the modest, understated architecture by the late, great Charles Correa is inspired by traditional Goan-Portuguese styles and blends pleasingly with the natural surroundings; the beach is gorgeous; the Indian food buffet on offer as part of the half-board plan is excellent; the facilities are what you expect from a hotel of its class. What is truly exceptional is the staff, who were uniformly warm, welcoming, helpful, and efficient.

No complaints.

When its Taj, its starts with luxury, attention to detail, and extraordinary service. we dont have to worry about anything. i was there with my 70 year old mom n she was well taken care of. so, mom happy = me happy... Breakfast and dinner spreads were extraordinary. room was sea facing and very spacious. every need meticulously planned and taken care of. property is surreal n dreamy and maintained at highest standards. definitely revisiting this beauty...

The breakfast and dinner spreads were extensive, but taste was 95% on point...it could improve by 5% more and it will become 100%, bcoz at Taj, everything is always 100%...no halfhearted business here...

Amazing old touch property with all modern amenities. Very warm and supporting staff along with the great food options make this place ideal for all age group guests. Right on the beach and having large green area helps unwinding, relax and enjoy the great hospitality. Nikita Fernandes and Kritika (?) at front-desk made the check-in smooth. Nikita was on point for the entire stay to ensure no troubles or inconvenience is caused. Rahool / Zeenal in Laranja and Sejal at Café Azul were amazing in making the dining experience great. Ashish Panvelkar managing Café Azul and Alfama spent time in short guided tour of the restaurants and offerings. Nice to spend time with a proud gentleman And not to forget the chefs who crafted every dish carefully and made sure the guests are having an experience. Nice chatting with Bhalchandra Shanbaug, Amarnath and Satish(?). The last mention of Rohit managing the valet parking. Very helpful.

Nothing really to mention