Park Hyatt Goa owns one of the best properties that I have ever visited. It is situated in the beautiful village of Arrossim and enjoys a long stretch of clean beach. Property includes a huge landscaped garden with man-made lagoons that stretches from the residential area to the beach (approx. 200m). The property is really very well maintained and is appropriate for a cool golf course. What more! They have one of the largest swimming pools in India, equipped with water slides and overhead fountains!
We (me and my wife) visited Hyatt in the last week of January, 06 for duration of 4 days. It was our first experience with Hyatt and I have to accept that it was not our first choice. Being used to the Taj hospitality, Taj Exotica was our first choice and we were skeptical about the property, service and F&B quality. However all the doubts are cleared as soon as you enter Hyatt property.
We had booked an executive suite, which includes a living room, a bedroom and a large balcony. The room was really spacious, well maintained and with awesome interiors. Attached bathroom comes with a big bath tub, herbal toiletries and a rain shower. Wooden furniture, relaxing sofas and chairs, fresh flowers, herbal baths really made our stay luxurious.
Staff here is polite and ready to help. Room service is quick and well managed. One reason to go for room service is that all the restaurants are located in a single building called ‘Town Hall’ and if the hotel is full; you just don’t get privacy and a relaxing meal. Thankfully, bar is separate and is a good place to chat, meet people and be away from crowd. Another better place to hang out is their beach bar.
Recreational facilities include games like tennis, volleyball, archery (paid) and various water sports. Landscaped gardens are tempting and one can’t resist the temptation of taking walks in the day as well as in the night. Vehicles are not allowed inside to keep the pollution free environment and even the hotel staff uses battery powered golf carts. If you are a lazy kind, ask for a golf cart cabby and get a cool ride :) Town hall has Spanish architecture and definitely gives a feel of being in Europe. This building has restaurants serving various cuisines like Italian, Indian, and Continental. Food is good but not something that will make you cherish it for long. My favorite was Caesar salad with cheese and garlic bread and stuck to it. Lot of options in breakfast too, but again, it didn’t make an impression. Note to the people going for a plan with breakfast included – breakfast ordered as room service is charged!
Now a quick comparison between Taj and Hyatt for the Taj loyalists like me :). Everything at Hyatt is good but still can’t achieve the Taj touch. If you have seen Taj hospitality, it leaves you expecting more at Hyatt. However I found interior design at Hyatt better. I recommend this property for couples. I have heard that SPA here is of world-class quality, but didn’t get a chance to experience it. Overall this hotel is in the expensive category. No problem in spending, but at times one does not get a feeling of getting true value for money.
Conclusion: A very good property. I liked it but won’t be my first choice if Taj or Leela are considered. They can make their web-site more informative for the benefit those who depend on the net to make holiday decisions (like us :)).