Let’s not dance around it – some hotels say they’re 5-star, but the only stars you’ll see are those under which you question your life choices. Case in point? The W Hotel in Vagator Beach, North Goa. I wanted to love it. I really did. But somewhere between the golf carts and the rodent roommate, this W went sideways. This is my W Goa review. Click here to read more about my trip to India.
In This Post
The Hotel:
Yes, it’s big. No, like really big. We’re talking 47 acres of sprawling land – the kind of size where you need golf carts just to find your way to breakfast. There’s a private beach path, a spa, a restaurant, a pool bar, and a bunch of villa-style rooms that are basically chic little boxes dotted across the hills. Sounds dreamy, right?
Well, here’s the kicker: it all looks great on paper, but maintaining a property that size clearly isn’t the W’s strong suit. Maybe it’s because I stayed during the off-season (read: lots of wedding guests, not many actual travellers), but the whole place had a slightly abandoned vibe – like it peaked in 2018, and no one told the staff.
However, it’s in a prime location, so they know people will book regardless. A bit cynical? Maybe. A bit true? Definitely.
The Booking:
I paid just over £900 for three nights. That’s a spicy price tag for Goa- even with Marriott Bonvoy points in the mix. I earned under 14,000 points for the stay, which is not exactly a win for the loyalty nerds.
The Check-In:
Smooth sailing. The W lobby’s got that signature quirky-funky energy – very “rich influencer on a wellness retreat” vibes. No complaints here.
The Room:
I had a garden-view room with a private patch of greenery, which was great until I opened the door one night and nearly screamed. Why? Because a rat the size of a Yorkshire terrier ran past. If you’ve been to India, you know. Other than that – solid cupboard space, a decent minibar, and a comfy bed. If you can get past the wildlife, it’s alright.
The Bathroom:
Ah yes, the classic W sink is a beautiful, utterly impractical piece of modern art that looks great in photos and works about, as well as a chocolate teapot.
W Goa Review: The Layout:
Here’s where things get weird. The hotel is built on a hill, so “Floor 1” might mean up or down, depending on where you are. It’s all a bit MC Escher. If you hate navigating holiday resorts like you’re solving a Rubik’s cube, pack your patience.
W Goa Review: The Verdict:
Is it a 5-star hotel? On paper, yes. In reality? Not even close. The property is too big to manage, the polish is wearing thin, and the layout is just confusing. Would I stay again? Probably not. Would I swing by for a drink at the bar and pretend I’m in a Vogue India editorial shoot? Absolutely.
Have you stayed at the W Goa? Got better vibes than I did – or worse? Drop your horror stories (or hidden gems) in the comments.
2 comments
I can only assume this was your first ever stay at a W hotel. Either way I’m really not sure what you mean by poor conditions, it looks like a perfectly nice room with quirky design & decor per the brand standard.
If this is ‘poor’ then I can’t fathom what you would consider actually good. Perhaps your highness would consider a four seasons that costs significantly more up to your very high standards.
poor because in some areas some of the basic things were falling apart like the windows, some of them seemed tired and dated, I do get that this property is absolutely massive so the upkeep is almost impossible, however compared this 5 star hotel to any other 5 star hotel especially in Asia this is below average of what you’ll find for sure.