Kyriad Hotel

This leisure hotel has a sleek air-conditioned lobby with arched ceilings, recessed lighting, and a row of dark-brown benches topped with muted jewel-tone throw cushions. Just beyond the lobby is the main resort, a lush area with lots of grassy spaces dotted with tropical trees and shrubs plus the occasional terra-cotta figurine depictions of crocodiles and other local animals. There's also a restaurant by the pool with low ceilings and recessed lighting plus big windows that let in plenty of light. While the space is air-conditioned, it's not kept too cold. Guests who prefer the sun can always sit outside on the poolside patio. Many of the rooms are situated in an atrium-style square with artificial grass floors and a single elevator for those who don't want to brave three stories of stairs with their luggage. The hotel gets a variety of guests, including lots of families and a good percentage of guests are here on charter tours from Russia.

Citrus Goa is located on a back street in Calangute, a 10-minute walk inland from the beach in an area with plenty of little shops, small restaurants, and other hotels. Travelers going by car or motorbike should note that Google Maps may lead them to the back staff entrance on the western side of the property, so double check by asking directions or simply take the road flanking the east side of the hotel to access the main entrance. Nearby attractions include the Saturday Night Market (a 15-minute drive from the hotel) and Anjuna Beach and flea market (about a 20-minute drive away). Old Goa is 35 minutes away by road. Getting to the airport in Vasco de Gama can take anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

This hotel offers three categories of room: entry-level Premier Rooms with king beds and uninteresting views; Deluxe Rooms, which are similar but have better views; and Superior Rooms, big units with either a king bed or two queen beds. Decor is classic, with dark-wood furniture and plush beds. Throw cushions and lightly patterned bed runners and beige or pale-yellow walls add a softness to the spaces while still keeping them bright.

All rooms have similar facilities, including flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and small safes. They also all have furnished balconies with tables and chairs. All have split air-conditioning units, but they point right on the beds, which can make them feel a bit abrasive if cranked up too high. Wi-Fi is free and reliable. Bathrooms are also consistent across categories, with large glassed-in walk-in showers, magnifying mirrors, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Bathrobes and high-quality toiletries from Indian natural products brand Biotique are provided. Deluxe and Premium Rooms feature windows that look out from the bathrooms into living areas, while those in Superior Rooms are frosted for more privacy.

Facilities at this hotel are geared toward leisure travelers. The highlight is the lovely outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs and poolside drinks service. There's also a bar off to one side and a restaurant, Biso, where all three meals are served indoors or on the poolside deck. Buffet and a la carte offerings are available, with Thai, Indian, and continental food on order. The free breakfast here is particularly impressive, with an espresso coffeemaker (a rarity in a country where instant coffee reins supreme) along with cooked-to-order eggs and masala dosa (South Indian crepes filled with mildly spiced potatoes). Room service is available, but note that the restaurant closes between meal times. Wellness facilities include a compact spa with a Thai-influenced decor scheme that includes a large Buddha wall-hanging and small succulent plants. The small fitness center offers a few cardio machines and free weights, but it closes early. Wi-Fi is free and surprisingly fast (by Goan standards) with service throughout the hotel. There's free parking, but really it's just a few spots in a dirty lot across the street from the main entrance.