'
La Estoria, Goa - IHCL SeleQtions' is appreciated for its advantageous and family-friendly location in the vibrant locality of Candolim. The hotel is conveniently situated near the bustling Candolim market and serene beaches, making it an excellent base for both beach lovers and shopping enthusiasts. Despite its central setting, guests find it a peaceful retreat with a charming Goan rustic aesthetic. Families, in particular, praise the location, ambiance, kind staff and excellent hospitality.
The breakfast experience garners mixed reviews with many guests praising the complimentary breakfast buffet for its wide variety and good quality food, often enjoyed in a pleasant garden setting. However, there are critiques regarding the repetitiveness of the menu, limited options and occasional issues with wait times and food temperatures.
Dinner experiences also vary with some guests enjoying the food and special buffet events featuring Rajasthani folk dancers. However, the dinner offerings sometimes fall short of the expected multi-star standards, particularly the a la carte Goan cuisine and buffet variety.
Rooms are described as spacious, clean and comfortable with some guests enjoying balconies overlooking the pool. However, there are frequent mentions of dated and worn-out furnishings, broken fixtures and occasional cleanliness issues, indicating a need for renovations and better maintenance practices.
Cleanliness reviews are mixed. Many guests commend the housekeeping staff and the well-maintained property, although some report problems with insects, outdated bathrooms and inadequately cleaned areas like bed sheets and the pool.
The staff receives largely positive feedback for their friendliness and helpfulness with special mentions of individual staff members contributing to memorable experiences. However, there are reports of occasional unprofessional behavior from some staff members, particularly at the reception and during breakfast services.
The WiFi service is inconsistent with some guests having a satisfactory experience while others struggle with connectivity, especially in rooms.
The pool area, when well-maintained, is a significant attraction, particularly for families with kids. Guests appreciate the clean and ample-sized pool. However, issues like broken tiles and excessive chemical usage have been reported, pointing to the need for consistent maintenance.
For family stays, the hotel is highly recommended, featuring a clean and well-maintained pool, spacious grounds, accommodating staff and convenient location, despite the property being older compared to others in the area.
Bed quality receives mixed reviews with some guests finding them comfortable while others report sagging, poor-quality mattresses and cleanliness issues.
Overall, many guests feel the hotel does not fully meet the expectations of a five-star property. The dated appearance and inconsistent service detract from the value for money with some guests suggesting it aligns more with a three-star hotel experience. Enhanced maintenance and service quality are essential to meet the expectations associated with its five-star designation.