The first room we were allocated to was as someone else described on here as being "a prison cell but not as clean". I expected basic but this took it to another level. The room was also extemely dirty,the AC was so noisy we could not use it and also smelt of urine. The room boy in charge of our rooms was very lazy and did not even bother to come into our room on the first day. He was heard saying to another guest "you look after me and I will look after you". The previous occupants of our room for the past six months must not have 'looked after him' because I think that was the last time the room had been cleaned. The room was located overlooking a neighbouring garden where chickens and several cockerills were housed who crowed from dawn til dusk. We asked to be moved and this was accomodated a couple of days later. Our second room was much larger, better furniture, better bathroom and cleaner, however the AC was still too noisy to use when in the room. Unfortunately one of the neighbouring properties had a dog which liked to bark 24/7.
The majority of the British clientelle at the Santiago were extemely loud, raucious and chainsmoking with some who liked to constantly sing at the tops of their voices as if in some kareoke bar, and shout from the bar up to balconies to each other. It made the television series Benidorm look classy. The other clientelle were Russians, who liked to be obnoxious, ignorant and party til all hours causing several complaints from lots of guests.
The pool area, although very nice, was no where near big enough and getting a sun bed was near impossible (13 beds for the whole hotel). The breakfast area was dirty and full of flies and doubles as the Thai resturant in the evening (which we did not try). The "Roof top bar" as descirbed by Thomas Cook was not the open air roof top space it implies. It was simply a bar in a top flooor room, which the two times we went there was closed.
Now the good bit - The staff, particularly Paulo, David, Pratesh and Walter were fantastic and could not do enough for you. We always chatted with them and had a good laugh. They were genuine people and were not just being like that in the hope of gettng tips, and when we did give tips they could not thank us enough. The food in the evening was fantastic and cooked to order and plenty choice.
Baga itself is absolutely manic so do not go there if you want a quiet time and unfortunately if you want a quiet, clean beach you will have to pay a taxi fare to get there
Very disappointed with this hotel. This was our first time to Goa but our friends who we travelled with have been twice before (to a different hotel and area) and they were also extremely disappointed.

just got back from our 9th visit to this hotel, great base for seeing calangute and surroundig area.fantastic staff ,rooms clean but basic but what the heck it's India,look out for david ,walter sunil and paulo,they are very helpful and will do anything they can to make your holiday enjoyable.Also whilst in goa visit a great jewellers called SHAMROCK JEWELLERS on baga road,if they've not got what you want they can make it and help with designs if you're not sure what you want.Also for trips around India try valeries travel they are very good at arranging all kinds of excursions around the country and are much cheaper than brochure prices.Always feel like you're at homeXXX

just got back from 2 weeks at santiago what a hotel looked after so well by all the staff 3rd time at the santiago and we will be back food is beautiful its like going back to see family xxxxxxxx

Nice rooms. Very little choices for breakfast(only omelette & toast available at the time we went ). The way to hotel is kaccha road & was somewhat tough to travel even on vehicle inside. Beach is not very near. 10 mins walking, minimum. Pool is nice. But very nice with the price you pay. As expected. You cannot ask more out of that price. You have a kitchen, TV, Fridge & convenient bedroom, so sort of good deal. No internet here.