How2Day: Neelams Hotel in Goa, India

Neelams the Grand Hotel is located in Goa, India, a popular tourist destination. GOA image by Vassiliy from Fotolia.com
Located on the southwest coast of India along the Arabian Sea, Goa beckons both Indian and international tourists with its resort-lined beaches and laid-back lifestyle. A former Portuguese colony, Goa still retains its old European architecture along with more modern structures. Neelams the Grand Hotel is a 10-minute walk from Calangute Beach and close to shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

Neelams the Grand Hotel has 150 rooms and suites. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a fridge, a 32-inch LCD television, purified drinking water and an ensuite bathroom. Most rooms have a balcony. Prices for rooms change according to season. The high season runs from Nov. 1 through March 31, with the peak being Dec. 29 through Jan. 5. There are mandatory banquets, for an additional cost, on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. The low season runs June 1 through Sept. 30.

Hotel amenities include a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, a Jacuzzi, a fitness center, yoga lessons, spa treatments and massage. For business travelers, the hotel has a business center with conference facilities, including four conference halls that can seat from 50 to 250 people. If you're looking for a vacation package, the hotel provides four-day, three-night deals that include sightseeing in Old Goa and the capital city of Panjim as well as a boat cruise on the Mandovi River.

The hotel restaurant provides a multi-national buffet and à la carte menu serving a range of cuisine including Indian, Chinese, Thai, Lebanese and local Goan dishes. In the lobby, a 24-hour coffee shop offers mini-meals as well as Internet access. If you're a sports fan or looking for entertaining activities, you can patronize the hotel's sports bar. Along with serving mixed drinks and other beverages, the bar provides pool tables, table tennis and darts, as well as large screen TVs for sports events and karaoke.

If traveling by air, you will arrive at Dabolim Airport, approximately 25 miles from Neelams the Grand Hotel. Air India flies into Goa through connections in Mumbai, Delhi and other Indian cities. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service for guests staying three or more nights. There is a train route between Mumbai and Goa, which can take between 10 and 13 hours. Taxi service is available from the airport. For getting around Goa, you can travel by bus or taxi, or you can rent a car or motorbike.

How2Day