Goa's Hidden Gem: All Seasons Guest House - Your Paradise Awaits!
Goa's Hidden Gem: All Seasons Guest House - Your Paradise Awaits! (or Does It?) - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! I've just returned from the mystical land of Goa, and like a seasoned explorer returning from a particularly spicy expedition, I'm here to spill the beans on the All Seasons Guest House. They promise paradise, but let's face it, paradise always comes with a little…sand in your swimsuit, right?
SEO & Metadata (because, well, the internet):
- Title: All Seasons Guest House Goa Review: Paradise Found? (Accessibility, Amenities, & Honest Truths)
- Keywords: Goa, All Seasons Guest House, Review, Accessibility, Swimming Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Goa Hotels, India Travel, Vacation, Beach, Relaxation, Hidden Gem, Honest Review
- Meta Description: An in-depth, honest review of All Seasons Guest House in Goa, India. Covering accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, restaurant), cleanliness, and the overall experience. Read before you book!
Getting There & Getting In (Accessibility and the Initial Impression – Kinda a Rollercoaster!)
Okay, so the hype. The website promised a hidden gem. Let me tell you, finding the darn thing felt like a treasure hunt! It's tucked away, alright. Really tucked away. My taxi driver looked like he'd seen a ghost when I told him where to go. "All Seasons? That's… a secret place," he muttered. That's a good sign, right? A secret place, far from the madding crowds…
- Accessibility: Now, here's where things get a bit…tricky. The website claims to offer facilities for disabled guests. I’m not a wheelchair user, but I did notice the lack of ramps in some areas. (Maybe I should have asked the taxi driver for a ramp…just kidding, of course, but the thought did cross my mind!) The front desk, though, was easy to get to, and the staff were friendly.
- Check-in/out [Express/Private]: They had a very efficient check-in. Like, too efficient. Felt a little rushed, to be honest. Less time to soak it all in
- Elevator: Thankfully, there was one! My room was on the upper floor, so that was a lifesaver with my luggage.
- Doorman: There was a doorman, which was a nice touch.
The Rooms: Comfort, Convenience, and the Mystery of the Missing Slippers
My room? Ah, the room. It was…pleasant.
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning (thank God! Goa heat is a beast!), free Wi-Fi (more on that later), a desk (for pretending to work, of course), and a mini-bar (which was sadly lacking in anything actually exciting).
- Air Conditioning: Crucial. Absolutely crucial. Without it, I'd probably have melted like an ice cream cone.
- Wi-Fi [Free]: Mostly free. Let’s say Wi-Fi was in the “iffy” category. Sometimes it was blazing fast, other times…well, let's just say I spent a lot of time staring out the window, contemplating the mysteries of the universe (or, you know, refreshing my Instagram feed).
- Bathroom:
- Bathtub: Hooray! A decent-sized tub, perfect for soaking after a day of exploring. (Although, it could have been cleaner, if I'm being honest)
- Hair dryer: Surprisingly powerful
- Bathroom phone: Who even uses those anymore?!
- Complimentary toiletries: Meh. Nothing to write home about.
- Extra Long Bed: Definitely appreciated!
- TV: Satellite/cable channels, but really, who needs TV in Goa?
- Reading light: Actually effective, which is a rare win!
- Closet: Big enough!
- Room decorations: Basic, nothing truly special.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Worrying Reality
- Daily housekeeping: Yep, they showed up every day and made up the bed, replaced the towels, and generally cleaned.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Supposedly… but didn't see any evidence of this.
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: Maybe… though I'm pretty sure I saw a dust bunny the size of a small dog in the elevator.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Claimed.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and CCTV in common areas: Present. Which is always a good sign.
- Safe: In room.
The Food Situation: A Mixed Bag of Deliciousness and…Well, Let’s Just Say I Had Some Epic Adventures
- Restaurants: All Seasons has a restaurant (or two? I kind of lost track).
- Breakfast: Breakfast buffet. The usual suspects: eggs, toast, some questionable sausages. The Asian breakfast (noodle soup) was actually decent.
- Cafe: I remember a coffee shop. Good coffee.
- Room service [24-hour]: Which came in really handy at 3 AM when I was starving. (Seriously, why is it always at 3 AM?)
- Happy hour: YES! A lifeline after a long day. (But the cocktails… mixed, to say the least.)
- Vegetarian Restaurant: Yes was available
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Available
- Asian Cuisine in Restaurant: Available
- Snack bar: Provided light quick bites to stay hungry.
Here's my big 'food' moment… or rather, a 'food' episode.
One evening, I ordered a salad from room service. It looked gorgeous on the menu, all fresh greens, balsamic drizzle, the works. What arrived was a… thing. The "fresh greens" were wilted. The balsamic tasted suspiciously of vinegar mixed with regret. And there was a fly in it. A tiny fly. I called room service, they apologized profusely, said they'd replace it and they did. But you know what? I wasn't going to order anything else ever again. It made me start to question the entirety of my life!
Things to Do (or the Art of Doing Nothing – Goa Style)
- Swimming pool: Yes! A beautiful outdoor pool with a view of…well, other buildings.
- Poolside bar: Yes! Which was a lifesaver on those scorching days.
- Spa and sauna: (It got me excited, I'm in)
- Gym/fitness:
- Spa: Yes, there's a spa, and I thought I'd treat myself to the spa, where I spent an hour and a half having the most amazing massage, including a scrub, wrap, foot bath, and steamroom.
- Things to Do/Ways to Relax: The hotel offered a lot of options, but some were better than others. The pool was great. The massage. The rest… well, take it with a pinch of salt.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Wi-Fi for special events: Meh.
- Luggage storage: Yes, and thankfully so.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Invoice provided: Provided!
- Laundry service: Fast and efficient.
- Business facilities: They had a business center, for those who, God bless them, have to work.
- Currency Exchange: Yes, which was handy.
- Car park [free of charge]: Always a bonus.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Thank goodness, because you never know!
- Cash withdrawal: Yes, though it's a bit of a walk to the ATM.
- Safety deposit boxes: In the rooms.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always good to know.
The Verdict: Paradise…with a Few Quirks
So, is All Seasons Guest House a paradise? Well… not quite. It's got its flaws, its quirks, and its moments of "seriously?" But, and this is a big but, it's also got charm. The staff are lovely. The pool is inviting. And, hey, it's Goa! You're there to relax, to explore, to embrace the chaos.
My Final Thoughts:
- Would I go back? Maybe. If I was looking for a relatively affordable (but not dirt cheap) place with decent amenities, I'd consider it.
- Would I expect perfection? Absolutely not. Embrace the imperfections. That's the Goa way, right?
- Remember: This review is based on my experience. Yours might be different. But hopefully, this gives you a (mostly) honest picture of what to expect. Now go forth, book your trip, and try not to get a fly in your salad!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Room for improvement, but ultimately… kinda worth it.
Mailaku House Bali: Your Dream Indonesian Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is… ME, adrift in Goa, wrestling with the Indian humidity and the existential dread of a tourist who's supposed to be having a good time. And I'm starting at All Seasons Guest House. Let the chaos… begin!
Goa, Baby! (And Me, Trying Not to Melt): A Stream-of-Consciousness Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Mosquito Battle of the Balcony
- 10:00 AM (ish): Touchdown at Goa International Airport. Oh sweet mother of – is it always this hot? Immediately regret wearing that linen shirt. It's clinging to me like a needy lover. Find a pre-paid taxi. Haggling is an art form. I'm a toddler with a credit card. Eventually, get a ride to All Seasons Guest House. It looks… charming. Dusty, but charming. The gatekeeper tries to sell me some spices, no. Not today, gatekeeper.
- 11:30 AM: Check-in. "Room?" I ask. "Room!" they say. Fair enough. The room is… compact. But hey, it has a balcony. Score! Unpack, which mostly involves throwing everything onto the bed.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at the guest house's tiny restaurant. Settle on a plate of veg thali. Spicy, flavorful. Love it! But then, the monsoon's in full swing. The water is dripping in the room.
- 1:30 PM: First attempt at balcony lounging. Fail. Mosquitoes. They're EVERYWHERE. Literally, a squadron. This is a full-on battle, armed with a spray and a will to survive. Victory is… fleeting.
- 2:30 PM: Rescued some dried clothes from the ceiling. Not the way a day should begin.
- 3:00 PM: Afternoon nap. Thank god.
- 5:00 PM: Explore the neighborhood. Walk, sweating.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a small shack close to the guest house. Some local food. Very cheap. Delicious. It's worth it. The owner's kids are playing cricket. Everything's alright.
- 7:00 PM: Stare at the rain washing the roads. This is life.
- 8:00 PM: Back to The Guest House. Have a beer on the balcony. The mosquito battle continues.
- 9:00 PM: Bed.
Day 2: Beach, Booze & a Failed Attempt at Yoga
- 8:00 AM: The sound of waves
- The alarm rings again. I am still sleepy. I roll over and hit snooze and fall back asleep
- 9:00 AM: Decide to watch the sunrise. Failed.
- 10:00 AM: Finally emerge, slightly defeated, but caffeine-fueled. Breakfast at a tiny cafe down the road. Omelet and coffee. The coffee's strong enough to raise the dead. Maybe I am already there.
- 11:00 AM: Beach time! Head to Calangute Beach. Oh boy. Beach chaos. Vendors, tourists, and the constant, insistent, "Come here, massage, massage!" The sand is warm, the water is lukewarm. I try to relax, but it's hard. This is way too busy.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a beach shack. Fresh fish thali. Actually amazing. I'm a sucker for grilled fish.
- 2:00 PM: Yoga attempt. Found a beachfront yoga class. I’m not flexible, but hey, I'm trying! Instructor is serene. I'm sweating. I make noises that may or not be yoga-approved. End up in a heap on the mat, defeated but smelling like sand.
- 3:30 PM: Reward myself with a Kingfisher beer. Or maybe three. Sun's going down. This is the life, I suppose. The beer is cold, the sun is low, and I'm starting to feel… okay.
- 4:30 PM: Walk along the beach. Watch the sunset. It's beautiful.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at another beach shack. More seafood. More beer. I'm starting to slur my words a little.
- 8:00 PM: Stroll around. See some live music. Watch people dance. Feel… slightly jealous. Probably because I can't dance.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the guest house. More balcony mosquito warfare. Eventually, surrender to the bitey invaders.
- 10:00 PM: Bed.
Day 3: Old Goa & The Unexplained Spice Smell
- 9:00 AM: Finally managed to get out. Today, it's culture time! Hire a scooter. That was an experience. The driving situation is… let's call it "organized chaos."
- 10:00 AM: Head to Old Goa. Churches! Churches everywhere! The architecture is gorgeous. I wander around, trying to look contemplative and not like a sweaty tourist who's about to stumble.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a restaurant. More Goan food. The food is good!
- 2:00 PM: Spice farm tour! I am genuinely starting to enjoy it.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the guest house. The air conditioner is dripping again. And there's a weird, persistent spice smell in the room. It's not unpleasant, exactly, but I can't figure out where it's coming from.
- 5:00 PM: Drink tea. Watch the sunset.
- 6:00 PM: Walk to the beach and eat food again.
- 8:00 PM: Beer again.
- 9:00 PM: Bed.
Day 4: The Day I Almost Missed the Bus & The Revelation of the Spice Smell
- 8:00 AM: Oh NO. My bus leaves for Mumbai at 10:00 AM. Panic ensues. Pack, shower, and frantically stuff myself with breakfast.
- 9:30 AM: Racing to the bus station. Finally get to the bus station. Success.
- 10:30 AM: Realize it's actually not a bus station… it is a small road side stop.
- 11:30 AM: The bus is here.
- 12:00 PM: The bus leaves.
- 12:00 PM: The day I left the guest house. Turns out, the spice smell? It was coming from the secret stash of cloves I'd accidentally left in my suitcase. Whoops.
Post-Goa Thoughts:
Goa. It’s a whirlwind. Hot, confusing, full of beautiful things and annoying things in equal measure. I'm leaving exhausted, slightly sunburnt, and with a suitcase full of spicy memories. Would I go back? Maybe. But next time, I'm bringing industrial-strength mosquito repellent and a full understanding of how to haggle for a scooter. Also, I'm making sure to check my luggage for hidden spice stashes. Never a dull moment!
Le Méridien Arlington: Your Dream Arlington Escape Awaits!
All Seasons Guest House: The Goa Guesthouse That Almost Broke Me (But Totally Didn't) - FAQs!
Okay, "Hidden Gem" sounds dramatic. Is it REALLY that good?!
Look, I'm usually skeptical of "hidden gem" labels. Especially when Goa is involved – everyone and their dog is hawking something. But All Seasons? Yeah, it's got that magic. It's not perfect. Trust me, I saw some things. But the *vibe*? The sheer, unadulterated *chill*? It's legit. Picture this: I arrived, jet-lagged and grumpy, after a nightmare flight. The owner, this woman with the most infectious laugh – let's call her "Aunty Sunshine" – just handed me a fresh coconut and a key and pointed me towards the beach. Instant reset. It's the little things, you know? And the big ones, too... like the actual beautiful beach.
Where exactly *is* this place? I'm picturing some remote jungle hut...
Okay, so it's not *quite* a jungle hut. Thank God! It's in a little village, near a beach that's still got some soul. You know, the kind where the only thing getting in your way is an occasional cow. It's close enough to the action if you want it (hello, beach shacks!), but far enough away that you can actually hear the waves. Think cozy, think authentic. Definitely not the concrete jungle of some resorts. You will be happy for this. Trust me. (And don't ask me exactly where. Part of the charm is the "hidden" bit, right?)
What kind of rooms do they have? Are we talking basic backpacker digs, or... something more?
They have different flavors of rooms, honestly. Some are super basic, perfect if you're on a shoestring and only care about the beach. Others are a bit more tricked out – AC, proper showers (essential!), maybe even a little balcony for sunset cocktails. I opted for the "middle ground" room, and it was just right. Clean, comfortable bed, and most importantly, mosquito net (because, Goa). Don't expect luxury – think comfortable, functional, with a healthy dose of Goan charm. And maybe a lizard or two. They're harmless, I swear. I named one 'Gary'.
The food! What's the deal with the grub?
Okay, so here's the thing: All Seasons doesn't have its own restaurant. Gasp! I know! But! They're surrounded by fantastic little shacks and restaurants. Aunty Sunshine will happily point you in the right direction. Trust me, you will *EAT*! Fresh seafood, spicy curries, *amazing* breakfast (order the masala omelette. Seriously). You'll probably gain a few pounds. I did. And you know what? I regretted absolutely nothing. It's paradise, not a diet retreat, remember.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Because, you know, life...
The Wi-Fi... is... *ahem*... "Goan". Meaning, it works, sometimes. Think of it as a digital detox, mostly. Embrace it! Read a book! Talk to the locals! Actually, I kind of loved it. It forced me to unplug and actually, you know, *experience* Goa. Besides, the point of the guest house is the feeling. That feeling of being removed from the world.
Is it family-friendly? Or more for, like, couples/solo travelers?
I saw a few families there, but honestly? I think it's aimed more at couples and solo adventurers. It's got that relaxed, intimate vibe. It's not the kind of place where kids are screaming at 6 AM (thankfully). Plenty of space for families, but a slightly better option for couples or solos. Maybe try visiting during off season to be safe?
Tell me a crazy story from All Seasons! Come on, spill the tea!
Okay, buckle up. The incident of the disappearing sandals. I'm usually pretty good about keeping track of my stuff, but a few beers in, the sun, the beach... you get the picture. Anyway, I left my sandals out by the pool. Gone. Vanished! I was *livid*. Accusations were thrown. Shadows were cast. I was convinced some rascally monkey-god was up to no good. The next morning, there they were. *Right* where I left them, partially submerged in the pool. Somehow, I had mistaken them. I'm still not sure how. I suspect it was related to a particularly potent feni cocktail. The shame... Oh, the shame! This will forever be a reminder of my (limited) drinking capacity. Moral of the story? Watch your sandals. And maybe the feni.
What's the best thing about All Seasons?
Ah, now that's a tough one. The genuine warmth of the people. The fact that Aunty Sunshine actually cares. The sunsets. The beach. The way you just... *slow down*. Okay, okay, I'll give you one thing: It's the feeling of being completely, utterly *unburdened*. Leaving the world behind. If you're lucky, you'll meet someone who will drag you to a party full of locals. Don't be afraid to dive in. It's that feeling. That's what makes it so special. That's what makes you feel like you've *found* something.
Anything I *shouldn't* expect? Prepare me!
Don't expect 5-star luxury, or spotless perfection. This is Goa, remember? Think "charming imperfections". Don't expect instant gratification. You *will* have to slow down. You'll probably see some stray dogs (they're mostly friendly!). You might encounter a power outage. And the mosquitos, of course. (Bring the repellent!) You know what else? One time, I was eating breakfast, and there was a *monsoon* of ants. An *army* of ants! I was a little bit horrified. I managed to finish my toast. I survived. Also, *don't* expect a roaring nightlife. The area's sleepier, for which I am eternally grateful.
Would you go back? Be honest!
