Pleasure Doubled – DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Arpora-Baga

Goa’s sun-soaked land has lately welcomed another top name in the world of hospitality with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Arpora-Baga. 

We welcome into Goa the newly-renovated, upscale, full-service Double Tree by Hilton Goa-Arpora-Baga, the third DoubleTree by the Hilton chain in India.

Ideally situated by a beautiful lagoon, the hotel is located centrally just a few kilometers from the picturesque Baga and Anjuna beaches and in the heart of the popular shopping, dining and entertainment district. The Saturday Nite Bazaar and Splash Water Park are both within walking distance from the hotel, and the Anjuna Flea Market is also close by, making the hotel a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the  buzzing coastline of North Goa.

Formerly known as Riviera De Goa, Agnelo Machado Braganca, Chairman and Managing Director and Francisco Braganca,  Director, Riviera De Goa Resorts and Hotels Private Limited, the owning company of the upscale new property, will mark the new affiliation with a range of renovations.

These include refurbished guestrooms and public spaces, extensive landscaping, a new business centre, up-to-date technology and an enhanced dining experience that will encompass the new restaurant Flame which will offer an extensive menu of Goan, Indian, Chinese and Italian delicacies.

Says Agnelo M Braganca, “We are delighted to be associated with DoubleTree by the Hilton brand in India. The hotel enjoys a loyal clientele, and with this conversion we are confident that it will become the first choice of travellers to North Goa.”

The restaurants

Flame, the multicuisine restaurant serves Indian and Western delicacies and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Famous for it signature Wake up DoubleTree Breakfast, it’s a great way to start the day.

CoBa, the Waterside Grill Restaurant operates for dinner, conjuring up some delectable specialties from the coast.

Caffeine, near the lobby, is a perfect venue for a quick drink and some starters. Room Service is available round the clock. Executive Chef Mr Apoov Bhatt says “Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or an in-between snack, ordering room service, on the go, or sitting down in one of our restaurants, you’ll find we always have something fresh, tasty and healthy on the menu”.

The accommodation

Ensconced in a quiet setting, the hotel boasts of 104 well appointed rooms, including six suites. It has a varied choice of guestrooms that suits the need of every traveller – from  solo to the entire family or groups. Each room is outfitted to ensure every comfort.

Guest Rooms are comfortable and contemporary, lagoon, pool or patio facing and connected with WiFi and HDTV,  with elegant bathrooms and a comfortable balcony.

The six suites feature a large balcony offering stunning views of either the lagoon or the pool. They offer interconnecting rooms to impart a home away from home feel for family holidays.

 Conference and banqueting

Appreciating the needs of today’s travellers, the hotel features 3000 square feet of flexible conference and banqueting facilities that can  accommodate up to 200 people and is ideal for business meetings, conferences, trainings, seminars, social gatherings and private receptions. 

The experience

Arriving at the newly branded hotel in its full glory, I was met by a very proud General Manager, Mr Rohit Bajpai.  With a warm welcome of a chocolate chip cookie on check-in, I knew I was in for a treat for the rest of my stay. Delighted with the Guest Room, I immediately took advantage of the mod-cons the room had to offer.

Taking a walk around the hotel, the gardens overlooking the lagoon had to be my favorite location. Pushing the boat out, I asked the obliging staff if we could enjoy this space in the glory of a sunny monsoon day and have lunch there the next day.

We started with roasted chicken and wild mushroom bisque followed by Caesar salad and, for our main course,  spinach and  mushroom risotto chicken parmesan with hot potato mash. All served and washed down with a chilled bottle of Moet Champagne!

Overview

With its great ambience and facilities, this hotel offers its guests a perfect holiday experience.  DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Arpora-Baga is a distinctively designed property that has arrived in Goa to provide true comfort to both business and leisure travellers.

(Published in the September 2012 issue of Viva Goa)