Just returned from my stay at The Crown, Goa. My trip wasn't meant to be a long extravagant stay in Goa; it was a weekend gateway for me. I went there to try my luck at the famous floating casinos. And hence, Panjim and The Crown, Goa.

The entrance to the hotel is unlike a hotel that I have been to, in Goa. You are expected to take the elevators to level 2, and that's where the property opens up. The property looks nice and very well maintained. The main lobby is at Level 2, and overlooks the swimming pool - a cute little pool. The level 2 deck offers a great view of the river Mandovi. It also houses their cafe cum restaurant.

We weren't treated to any welcome drink at the reception. Considering it is summers, a glass of water would have been appreciated. We reached at about 1pm, and found out that our room wasn't ready. However, we did not have to wait too long to get the room. While collecting the welcome letter from the receptionist, I was asked to pay a refundable deposit of INR 2,000/-. This was essentially, to cover charges towards any mini bar usage; this was a 'first' for me! I have stayed at many places, but no one as yet has asked me a security deposit. Considering the fact that people are paying close to INR 8,000/- (as per hotel booking wires) per room night, there is hardly a case for collecting security deposit.

After having completed all the front office formalities, we headed to our room. We were put up on the 3rd floor. From the lobby (Level 2), you have to again take elevators to the go to your room. The room was a pleasant surprise, and was done up really well. The linen was nice, crisp end clean. The walls were nicely done, the layout was also nice. While we were still checking the room, in came an attendant and placed some cookies in front of us - complimentary from the hotel.

Next up was the bathroom. It was spacious but could have been better. I felt that the shower piece was aging and it required a little more effort to get it working, than it ideally should. I am not sure if I checked this, but if my memory serves me right, bathrooms weren't well ventilated.

I did not have food there except for the morning breakfast. The spread was nice - can't compare with a 5star, but it provided everything one needed. Cold meat options were limited.

The hotel staff are a bunch of young people, who are working really hard to make a difference. They are quick, courteous and friendly.

Overall, I think it provides for a decent stay. I feel their price point makes people expect a little more than they offer. The reason I chose this hotel was because it's walking distance from the floating casinos. The Crown also has a casino in-house, but I could not check it out. May be next time!

If you really want to stay in Panjim, and don't really want to spend your money lavishly, this hotel is something that you can try. My overall experience has been good, and I don't mind recommending it to people.

When i received invitation for Conference by Goa Air Cargo Association and Hyd airport, Menzes at "The Crown "Goa I could not visualise exactly which is this hotel. When i landed in late afternoon and enter property i could recollect it was "Sun n Sand" which was under new management.

Location and view of this hotel is unbeatable!!!. great view from spacious river-facing rooms .The hotel is situated on a small hill and so you have to drive up an inclined road to get to the hotel. (approach roads a bit scruffy.)Once there, you have to take the elevator up to actual hotel grounds. A short walk and you are in an open lobby where check in was done .
The lobby and hotel have a holiday feel, to the right of the lobby is a small swimming pool.The room was spacious with a clean bed. The rooms are a bit worn out with stains on the curtains, and furniture. Bathroom was okay with basic amenities The flooring and decor of the room were a bit old.But i am sure some people must be very much liking same, old has its own charm.
Conference hall was ok . In night we have dinner at pool and restaurant, inspite of many guest, staff was really looking after every guest and was insisting to try different variety food and guiding them. Food was tasty and delicious, i have to leave dinner early and catch very early morning flight. In morning there was problems in billing and it took long to sort out same which was due to minibar billing. staff and hotel was having no courtesy to ask or give packed breakfast.

Pros: spacious rooms, good breakfast, clean, friendly staff
Cons: run down and in need of a paint and general upgrade, noisy at night time from people in the corridor (mostly staff!), my room backed onto a playground and anyone there could see into my room as the daytime curtains didn't close properly