Oceanique Hotel, Colva

doofus

Have only just got back from a two week stay at this Hotel.

One little bit of advice.

When staying at the Oceanique you will definitely be met by Ally during the first few days. he is a Taxi driver and tries to control everything out of the Oceanique. He is a very nice man and will impress you. However, be very careful with him. He will rip you off with his prices which will seem cheap compared to UK prices.

As an example. We went to the Spice Plantation in Ponda with him. He charged us 900 rupees but wanted 1000 rupess at first. He also wanted us to go early in the morning. He was also on the phone nearly all the time whilst driving , which is dangerous out there. He also tried to 'hurry us up' to leave the resort.

When we got back we spoke to other taxi drivers around Colva and they would charge about 500 rupees. They did not know I had already been and how much I had paid when I enquired with many of them.
The owner of the hotel is greatly disliked by the locals as he will not allow local taxi drivers to stay outside the Oceanique. He gets commission from the taxis he allows to use the hotel.

You can, however, ask the hotel receptionist to phone a taxi for you if you have the number. if not, they will get Ally to rip you off. It is not their fault -- just what they are ordered to do.

A very reliable taxi driver we found that actually drove as safe as he could was a Joseph Fernandes , his mobile number is 9850211621. Another is Edwin 9881286114.
For local tuk-tuk journeys you could ring Franco 9822480180 or Uday 9890055510

Other than Ally taxis everything ws absolutely marvellous!!

niccidean

Hi Pete
We used ally all the time as wendy the first choice rep had recommended him, we did not realize that he was overpriced,
hope you had a great time other than that,did you find a nice restaurant for your anniversary
nicci

doofus

Hi Nicci,

Yes, we did have a great time. I was particulary annoyed about Ally-- but that is me.

For our anniversary we went to Martin's Corner. I don't know if you managed to get there at all. It is a great place. Surprisingly cheap for a restaurant that is recognised as being a bit up market. Prices were no more than what you would pay at a beach shack. The service and food was excellent. They have many waiters at hand. Good music and atmosphere as well. It is about 4 miles or so from the Oceanique.

We went to the Silver Spoon a couple of times. They spoke of you well and mentioned something about the menu being put on the site. they now have a 'party night' every sunday evening from 9pm onwards. Fireworks, dancing, music etc. Sheek organises it.

The last time we went to Silver Spoon we noticed that the food was not as good. Another couple at the Hotel said that as well. I think their chef had been poached away from another shack. This , apparently, is a common practice and I daresay they will also get a good chef to re-raise there usual high standards.

We enjoyed eating at the Lucky Star and Domnicks Shack.

The all day boat trip out of Betty's Place in Cavalossim is to be very very highly recommended.

hope you are well. regards, Pete