Arambol's Hidden Gem: Goa's Most Stunning Rooftop Hotel!
Arambol’s Hidden Gem: Goa’s Most Stunning Rooftop Hotel! - My Unfiltered Rant (and Rave!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to tell you about Arambol's Hidden Gem, and let me tell you, it's not your average hotel review. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions, a messy stream of consciousness, and maybe, just maybe, the urge to book a flight to Goa right now.
First things first: accessibility. Now, I don't have a wheelchair, so I can't give you a firsthand account of the ramps and whatnot. But the website claims to have "Facilities for disabled guests" and an "Elevator," so that's something. They're also listed as "Family/child friendly" so that's good. If accessibility is crucial for you, I'd recommend contacting the hotel directly to confirm details.
Internet access: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi everywhere! And FREE! In your room, in public areas, even for "special events" (more on those later…). They also offer LAN connections, for those who still live on the wired side of life. This is a win, folks. No sketchy Wi-Fi dropouts when you're trying to upload your Insta-worthy sunset pic. My experience, once, was that the wireless was spotty in the far corner of the outdoor bar (I'm getting there!).
Okay, let's get to the good stuff: Things to do, Ways to Relax… and the sheer bliss of it all.
This place is practically an experience factory. Let's see… Swimming Pool? Oh yes. And it's a Pool with a view. And I mean, a view. Like, "forget your worries and stare at the ocean for hours" kind of view. I lost an entire afternoon there, just bobbing and watching the clouds. Utterly sublime. Honestly, just the pool alone makes it worth the price of admission.
They've got a Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, and a Gym/Fitness center. Now, I'm more of a "lie-on-a-sunlounger-and-drink-a-cocktail" kind of gal, so I skipped the gym. But the Spa? Yes! The spa was amazing. I had a Massage. My back had been killing me from lugging around my backpack, and the massage therapist worked her magic, and the Body Scrub and Wrap…. oh, the Body Scrub. If you can, splurge. You won't regret it. It's a sensory overload, a total pamper fest. Pure, unadulterated relaxation.
And it's not just about lounging. They have a Foot bath, for goodness sake! And for the slightly more masochistic among us, maybe a gym (I didn't test it). They offer Fitness center and Gym/fitness
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Coma is Real.
Alright, let's talk food. Oh, the food! They have Asian, Indian, and International cuisine. Restaurant? It’s even got a Vegetarian restaurant and two Western cuisines! I started my day with the Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast… it was a feast, really! Seriously, the buffet was a masterpiece. Everything from fresh fruit to perfectly cooked eggs to… well, let's just say I may have tried a bit of everything. Coffee/tea in restaurant was also a plus in my book. And during the afternoon, the Poolside bar became my best friend. Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, and Soup in restaurant. So delicious! There's even a tiny Snack bar. And if you're feeling lazy, they've got 24-hour room service. Pure decadence.
They do Happy hour too, which is always a good thing. The drinks, the views, the company… it's all just perfect.
Cleanliness & Safety: Okay, This is Important, Especially Now…
Look, I'm a germaphobe, so I'm hyper-aware of cleanliness. And Arambol's Hidden Gem? They've got it down. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE! They do Rooms sanitized between stays and offer Room sanitization opt-out available. They've got all the right precautions. Plus, they boast Hygiene certification and a Safe dining setup (I saw them sanitizing cutlery!). They also have a Doctor/nurse on call. And a First aid kit. They're taking it seriously. They are also offering Individually-wrapped food options. The staff is trained in Safety protocol.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks You Didn’t Know You Needed.
Where do I even begin? Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and Air conditioning in public area. There are also Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange. I mentioned the elevator already. They even offer Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, and Invoice provided. You can also arrange for Babysitting service as well as Dry cleaning, Ironing service, and Valet parking.
Available in all rooms: (Let's just list it for efficiency, eh?)
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes (yes!), Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels…..you get the idea. Everything.
Getting Around:
They offer Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Plus, they have a Taxi service.
For the Kids:
I didn't have any kids with me, but the brochure claims Family/child friendly and the Babysitting service, and the Kids meal.
For the Business-y Types (Even Though You're Probably Like, "Vacation?"):
They have Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, and Seminars. There's a Projector/LED display and Wi-Fi for special events.
My One Minor Complaint:
Okay, here's the only tiny thing I can nitpick. The internet in the OUTDOOR BAR was a bit spotty. Okay, that's it. Now, for the love of all that is holy, let's focus on the good stuff.
The Vibe: Pure Goa Magic.
This isn't just a hotel, it's an experience. It's that perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. It is worth the trip. You could spend all day by the pool, you could get a massage every day (wish. I. did.), or you could go out and explore Arambol. The hotel is close to the beach, to the local markets, and to the delicious aromas of food stalls. I wandered around, ate everything in sight, and felt more alive than I had in ages.
Overall:
Arambol's Hidden Gem is, hands down, one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in. It's a little slice of paradise, a place where you can truly unwind, recharge, and just be. There might be a few minor imperfections, but honestly, who cares? The pros far outweigh the cons. The location is amazing, the staff is incredibly friendly, and that rooftop pool… swoon.
My Unofficial, Unsolicited, and Highly Opinionated Recommendation:
Go. Just go. Book that flight. Pack your bags. You deserve this.
And now, my super cheesy but totally heartfelt offer:
Tempting Offer to Book Arambol's Hidden Gem:
Escape to Paradise & Get Pampered! Book your stay at Arambol's Hidden Gem before [Date - like end of this month], and receive:
- A complimentary couple's massage at the spa (trust me, you need this!)
- A free upgrade to a room with a stunning sea view (because, why not?)
- A welcome cocktail at the poolside bar upon arrival (cheers to you!)
- A guaranteed good time (or your money back… just kidding… mostly)
Use code [Your Promo Code] when booking. Don't miss this opportunity to experience Goa at its absolute finest. Book now, before I book all the rooms!
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-photographed Instagram itinerary. This is… The Rooftop Rhapsody of Arambol, a messy, sun-kissed, slightly-hungover adventure. And trust me, you're going to want that second bottle of Kingfisher before you dive in.
The Rooftop Rhapsody of Arambol: A Messy, Magical Goa Misfit
Day 1: Landing & The Discombobulated Dawn
- 8:00 AM: Arrival in Goa (Dabolim Airport). Okay, so the flight was delayed. Classic. And the baggage carousel… let's just say it felt like a cruel game of "find your backpack". My first emotional reaction? Mild panic. "Where's my damn sunscreen?!"
- 9:30 AM: The Pre-Pre-Trip Snack Panic. This is what I call the moment you're technically IN Goa, but haven't really started. The taxi driver (a charming rogue named Rajeev, who swore he knew the "best chai in Goa") stopped at a roadside stall. I ordered a samosa. It was incredible. But the thought of potential Delhi belly already danced in my head.
- 11:00 AM: Arrival at The Rooftop Hotel, Arambol. Whoa. Pictures don't do it justice. Especially after a night flight, the sun, the colours, the vibrant chaos of Arambol itself hitting you hard. (I thought a taxi, not a spaceship, had landed).
- 11:30 AM: Room Check-In & the "Oh God, I Need a Shower" Moment. Let me tell you, after a long journey, finding a room (with actual AC!) is everything. My phone died and I immediately began to hate the world, but a cold shower and a comfy bed made my day.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the Rooftop Restaurant. The moment I ordered the Goan fish curry, it all got…real. This is it. This is Goa. So delicious. I promptly ordered another Kingfisher; the stress of the travel disappeared into bubbles of joy like the ocean.
- 2:30 PM: The Arambol Beach Discovery Mission. Arambol beach is a riot of colour and energy. I spent a blissful hour just wandering, dodging stray dogs (some of them are ridiculously friendly!), and watching the waves. My first thought? "This is going to be expensive; there seems to be a lot of things I suddenly need to buy."
- 4:00 PM: Sunset at Sweet Lake. Okay. This is going to sound cliché but the sunset over Sweet Lake was…magical. I found a spot with a local dude selling coconut water, sat, watched the sun dip below the horizon, and actually felt myself relax. Pure bliss.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner & Live Music at a Beach Shack. I'm talking toes in the sand, cheap beer, and a band playing some reggae-infused tunes. This is what I needed to embrace the chaos of India, a night with all my senses awakened. I was beginning to feel like I was finally home. A few drinks in I was convinced I was a fantastic dancer.
- 10:00 PM: Rambling by the Sea. The post-dinner buzz is real. I spent an hour walking along the beach, the sound of the waves lulling me into a semi-conscious state of happy contemplation. Maybe it was the beer, but I started talking to a crab and felt no shame.
Day 2: Doubling Down on… EVERYTHING!
- 8:00 AM: A Wake-Up Call from the Sun. This is more of a gentle nudge. With a headache. I may have overdone it on the beach shack action last night.
- 9:00 AM: Yoga on the Rooftop (Attempted). Let's be honest, I'm not a "yoga person". But with the ocean breeze and the view, I gave it a shot. I lasted about 15 minutes before deciding that lying on my back and watching the clouds was more my speed.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast & People Watching. The Rooftop's breakfast spread is surprisingly good. I spent a solid hour just watching the kaleidoscope of humanity that is Arambol unfold: a yoga instructor, a dreadlocked surfer, a family from somewhere in Europe, and me, quietly trying to figure out what I should do during my stay.
- 11:00 AM: Sunbathing & Beach Bumming - a Deep Dive. Okay, so I got my sunscreen. Time to put it to use. I spent a solid chunk of the day simply existing on the beach. Reading, swimming (the water is so clear!), and just being. This is the part of the trip where I started to feel a quiet kind of happiness. You know, the stuff they can't sell in a souvenir shop.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a Beach Shack (again). A repeat performance. This time, I tried the prawn curry. Even better than the fish. And much less prone to making me feel ill, which was an added bonus.
- 2:30 PM: The Arambol Market Adventure. This is where things get messy. The Arambol market is a sensory overload: spices, clothes, jewellery, massage oil and everything in-between. I got completely lost, haggled badly, and came away with a tie-dye t-shirt I'll probably never wear.
- 4:00 PM: Repeat Sunset at Sweet Lake. Because repetition is the spice of life. This time, I met a guy who told me all about the healing properties of mud baths. I'm still not sure if I believe him, but the sunset was a good enough reason to chat.
- Day 2 Evening Ramble. I had the same feeling as the day before. That delicious and peaceful feeling of relaxation.
Day 3: The Imperfect Perfection
- 8:00 AM: Last Rooftop Moments Okay, so this is my last day. Feeling emotional.
- 9:00 AM: The Arambol Beach Discovery Mission Again. Because I needed to remember the magic.
- 11:00 AM: Breakfast and a deep, thoughtful moment Trying to come to terms with the trip ending.
- 12:00 PM: The Farewell Meal Ordering all my favourite food one last time.
- 1:00 PM: Goodbye, Rooftop Hotel Tears? Maybe. Definitely.
- 2:00 Pm Heading to the airport.
Arambol, You Messy, Beautiful Thing.
This isn't a perfect itinerary. It's not perfectly planned. It's not even perfectly written. It’s about the feeling. The heat, the humidity, the joy of the small moments. And the absolute certainty that I'll be back.
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Arambol's Hidden Gem: FAQs (Because Let's Be Honest, You NEED to Know!)
Okay, spill it – is this Rooftop Hotel *really* as good as the Insta pics? I'm talking actual, real-life, not-filtered goodness.
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because I'm about to get REAL. The Insta pics? Yeah, they're... pretty accurate. But here's the thing: Instagram doesn't smell the sea breeze, feel the sun on your skin, or *hear* the waves gently crashing below while you're sipping your *frikkin'* coffee. (More on that coffee later, it's a whole other story.)
Yes, the views are breathtaking. Like, took-a-breath-so-long-I-almost-fainted breathtaking. You're perched up there, practically *in* the sky, looking out at the emerald green of the Arabian Sea. Sunsets? Forget about it. Bring tissues, you'll cry. I, a seasoned traveler, a woman who’s seen it all, *wept*. But you know what? It's not just the view. It's the *vibe*. It's that slightly ramshackle charm – the paint chipped in the most aesthetically pleasing way, the mismatched furniture that somehow *works*.
Listen, I’m a cynical New Yorker. I *expect* to be disappointed. But I wasn't. I was… charmed. It's like finding a perfectly imperfect diamond in the rough. So, yes. It's good. Really, *really* good.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually clean? (Because I've seen some Goa hotels, let's just say...)
Okay, honesty time. I’m a germaphobe. I carry hand sanitizer in industrial-sized bottles. So, when I say the rooms are “clean,” I mean… relatvely clean. Look, you're in India, so perfection is a fool's errand. You'll find the occasional rogue gecko on your wall (they're harmless, I promise!), and sometimes, the shower pressure... well, let's just say it's not exactly a power wash experience.
But! The sheets were clean. The bathroom was (mostly) spotless. The air conditioning blasted out a glorious arctic breeze, which after a day of sweating buckets, felt heavenly. They actually *try*. They *care*. It's not some grime-covered, soul-sucking hostel. It's a place you can actually relax in, even if you have to squint your eyes a little to avoid the dust motes dancing in the sunbeams.
Food! Is the food at the rooftop restaurant any good? Did you experience an issue or issues while eating?
Oh, the food. Gods. The food. Okay, so the menu isn't Michelin-starred. It's not fancy or pretentious. However, the fresh seafood? TO DIE FOR. I’m serious. I had the grilled snapper one night, and I swear, angels sang. Crispy skin, flaky white fish… and the view? Oh, the *view* again!
Now, here comes the messy part, the imperfections. One day, I ordered a "fruit platter" for breakfast. What arrived was... a *travesty*. It wasn't just that the fruit was slightly past its prime (a minor inconvenience, really). It was the presentation. It resembled something I wouldn't feed my worst enemy. I mean, it was practically thrown on the plate! I complained a little, I'll admit. I asked for a plate that looked "pretty", in a way that wasn't condescending. Then, the owner - bless her heart - apologized profusely and brought me a *new* fruit platter. Same fruits, different way of getting them there. Atleast it was a nice gesture to the mistake, I'll give the chef that.
How's the service? Are the staff friendly? (Because sometimes, in India, you get the feeling you're bothering people...)
Okay, this is where this place really shines. The staff? They’re amazing. Truly. They aren't just *service* people; they're genuine, helpful, and so darn *kind*. They remembered my coffee order (the aforementioned coffee, which, I'll repeat, is *excellent*). They offered advice, directions, and helped me sort out a taxi when I was hopelessly lost (again).
There was this one waiter, named... (Let’s just say, it was a long Indian name I can't quite remember). Anyway, he saw me struggling to open a stubborn coconut. He just *knew* I was going to be frustrated. He came over, with a gentle smile, effortlessly whacked it open with a machete, and handed it to me. He didn't ask for a tip; he was just being... helpful. That's what it felt like, at least.
What's the best thing about staying there? The *absolute best* thing?
Right. The *best* thing? It’s not just *one* thing. It's the *feeling*. That incredible sense of escape. You’re tucked away, perched above the chaos, but still *in* it. You can wander down to the beach, get lost in the markets, and come back to your little rooftop sanctuary, feeling like you've won some kind of travel lottery.
But… if you truly want to know what's the absolute best thing about the place? The view! It's like you can see the world! You could spend hours just staring out at the ocean from your room. What a dream.
Okay, the worst thing? Be honest! (Even if you love it.)
Ugh. Okay, the worst? While the staff is wonderful, the Wi-Fi can be… erratic. Let's put it that way. If you need to be glued to the internet, forget it. Embrace the digital detox! (Honestly, it was a blessing in disguise for me. I spent less time staring at my phone).
Also, the noise. While not absolutely deafening, sometimes the waves crashing all night long is still a lot. If you're a very light sleeper, bring earplugs, or request a room further from the edge... or, heck, *embrace* the sound of the ocean. It is the sound of being on vacation after all.
Also, the stairs! I mean, duh. It's a rooftop hotel! Be prepared to work those calves! (But hey, good for the glutes, right?)
Is it worth the price? Is it expensive?
Worth it! Absolutely, 100% worth it. Is it the cheapest place in Arambol? Nope. But I wouldn't call it "expensive" either. You're paying for the view, the experience, and the *vibe*. Think of it as an investment in your sanity. After what I went through this year, a mental reset was worth the money; I almost forgot where IRest Nest Hotels
