Hi, Just wanted to share my experience to all those who are apprehensive like me when it comes to choosing hotels outstations.
I had planned my Goa Trip all of a sudden on Oct 2014 and choosing a suitable budget hotel was the most tedious task. However having gone through many online sITES_Company I finally opted for Ginger and am happy to say we enjoyed our stay there.
Well here is how it all went:
I Called up Ginger Goa & opted for a 5 nights 6 day plan it was a package plan so I paid in all 13998/-(aishwaryasingh23ment @ginger Mumbai only after reviewing how Ginger Rooms are at Ginger Andheri).
A break through for someone like me looking for budget hotels in Goa whereas other hotels charged much more, well to be nest those charged as they held the tag of being a resort.
For Ginger one wouldn’t have to expect a pool or lavish kinda things. Things at Ginger are kept plain and simple.
Well post online transactions & prompt aishwaryasingh23ment receipts both hard & soft copy we reached Goa few hours earlier than expected, Checked in hotel at around 9:00 instead 12:00 need to mention our check in was smooth and ginger staffs had been supportive throughout our stay & no additional charges for early check-in(Early or Late 0-4 Hrs No charges).
Room: Second Floor Room No 219 I guess, Window facing KTC Bus Stand side. Room was standard size, it had queen size bed, a TV, Mini fridge with package mineral water, AC’s(that were old window ones yet mAnasultanged well to keep room cool), Wardrobe & Tea-Coffee-Water Jug Cum Heater with sachets.
Rooms & Toilets were clean, We found after service to be pleasant as every time we reached back, we found room & toilet clean with towels changed. Never once we had to remind service guys for anything. Window view was one facing the KTC Bus stop as going through online sITES_Company.
I had read about Garbage Dump on the other side facing so I had explicitly mentioned about having a room opposite side facing. However dump yard is far off & I don’t think it might be a problem but better stay safe and enjoy your trip facing the other way.
Food: Another factor where Ginger gets a thumbs up compared to rest hotels is how they charge for food. At Ginger you wont find much in menu list but still fares ok taking the nominal price they have kept.
Buffets I opted once & wouldn’t suggest anyone to have that, Except for Naans-Rotis-Kulchas(found cold) rest food of buffet is good.
Alka & her staff at Food Court has been utmost courteous and made our stay pleasant. There is also CCD inside but I have never been a CCD fan. Would recommend to venture out & enjoy local delicacies & shacks. We veggies have our limitations.
Travel Desk: Yes it is of great use, we opted for Bike. Had heard of Mr Satish but unfortunately he was not available instead the guy at travel desk(Sorry forgot his name) made sure we stayed on right track.
We booked a bike for 4 days & do ensure you bargain with the vendor and crack a fair deal. I found few folks hiring Activa’s for 500 bucks & made my deal for Stunner Bike for 350 Bucks(for 4 Days).
Travel desk offers you AC Cab Service, Or Two Day Bus Service- 1 day for North Goa & other day for South Goa. Would recommend bike & enjoy trip & roads on Our Own. Roads are good & not much issues about Pandus(Traffic Police).
Wi-Fi & Ironing Counter: It had a fair coverage throughout Ginger Premises. Iron your clothes in your self service Ginger.
Luggage Room with safe Vault: Well that helped us a lot, we had checked out at 12:00 but as our Bus was in evening 8:00 we had a whole day to pass.
With Luggage Room facility we were free to enjoy our last day instead of taking pain and moving with it.
Finally why Ginger: Ideally located between north & south Goa could travel fairly both areas with ease instead of staying close to beaches near Baga or Candolim. If you up only for beaches Ginger would be far off from your fav beaches however with bikes that shouldn’t be a problem I hope.
Overall it was a pleasant stay. Ginger is refreshing, its staff is pleasant & supportive. A budget stay for budget conscious people.
Hope I have covered all the aspects & provided utmost info to ya all folks. Have fun, Stay Safe & Enjoy your trip.