The HQ

The HQ is an upper-middle-range business hotel that primarily attracts Indian business travelers with professional obligations in Vasco de Gama. Though it also gets its fair share of international tourists, primarily those seeking easy access to the nearby airport and/or train station. The hotel is housed in a modern eight-story building with glass doors that lead to a simple contemporary lobby with a mix of recessed lighting and large lantern-style light fixtures. Stairs and a pair of elevators lead up to the rooms. Decor here is minimal, though there is a red shelving unit housing old sculptures and pottery and a gigantic blue-and-white Chinese vase next to the elevators. Other common areas include a rooftop pool and bar area and a pretty Pan-Asian restaurant with a color scheme that seems to have been inspired by bamboo, plus lots of hanging lanterns and wood frame decor. Note that the air-conditioning is blasted to unreasonable levels in the lobby and other common areas, so bring a sweater if you plan to linger. 

The HQ is located right on Swatantra Path, one of the main roads that runs through the city of Vasco de Gama in the middle of coastal Goa. It's across from a small park in an area with tons of shops, restaurants, and cafes, plus a smattering of offices, temples, and banks. The Vasco de Gama Railway Station is about two blocks from the hotel (or a two-minute walk), while the Goa International Airport takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach by car. It's a six-minute drive to the nearest beach, Baina Beach. The Goan capital city of Panaji is about an hour away by car. 

All but two of the 52 rooms here are Deluxe Rooms (the other two are suites), and lots of interconnecting units are available. Some of the rooms were undergoing renovations during our February 2018 visit and were anticipated to be finished by June of the same year. Deluxe Rooms are spacious, with lots of storage space for clothes and luggage, plus white beds and floors, padded headboards, gray accent cushions and desks. All units feature 42-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars with free bottled water, and safes. Wi-Fi is free in rooms and throughout the hotel. Many rooms have city views. Windows (with blinds) look out from the bathrooms into the main living areas. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combos. Though hairdryers don't come standard, they can be requested from the front desk. Executive Suites are larger, with whirlpool hot tubs in the bathrooms and separate bedrooms and living areas with wet bars.

Features at The HQ keep business travelers in mind, with two meeting spaces for up to 170 people (namely a conference hall and a board room, each of which can be divided into two smaller units). Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there's plenty of parking just outside. There's no fitness center or spa, though there is a decent pool on the rooftop that's big enough for laps. Dining options are plentiful. There's a coffee and cake shop, Pleasure Pie, along with a 24-hour buffet restaurant, Grapevine, with a la carte options outside of mealtimes. The Pan-Asian lunch and dinner restaurant, Ori, offers everything from Thai to Japanese food. The hotel also offers a rooftop bar, though it was closed for renovation during our visit. Room service is available around the clock.