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Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat

3.5 star property
Dive into seaside fun or unwind poolside at this family-friendly retreat, where express check-in/out options make stays seamless.

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Photo gallery for Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat

Beach nearby - Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat (Panaji)
Premier Room | View from room - Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat (Panaji)
Pool - Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat (Panaji)
Property grounds - Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat (Panaji)
Exterior - Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat (Panaji)
The Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat offers a seaside atmosphere with a pool, arcade/game room, and babysitting services. Enjoy in-room WiFi and quick check-in/out. Guests praise the attentive service.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms

Premium bedding, memory foam beds, in-room safe, desk

Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms

  • 93 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Compact Room

Premium bedding, memory foam beds, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Compact Room

  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Premier Room

Premier Room | Premium bedding, memory foam beds, in-room safe, desk

Premier Room

  • 41 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

Suite, 1 Bedroom | Living area | 36-inch LCD TV with cable channels, TV

Suite, 1 Bedroom

  • 50 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Panaji, Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat is near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Candolim Beach and Calangute Beach. Traveling with kids? Consider Goa Science Centre, or check out an event or a game at Poriat Football Ground. With water skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water. Visit our Panaji travel guide
Map
Vainguinim Beach, Panaji, Goa, 403004

What's nearby

  • Happy New Year from Goa!! Had the most surreal night ever!! Drinks under palm trees, an incredible live Blues band, yummy Chicken Burgers, conversations about why Ben is not welcome in Perth, sneeking into a party from the back door, being kicked out - just to do it all over again and successfully remain incognito until having to bribe the doorman with a beer, an Estonian being kissed by a New Zealander (she appeared out of nowhere and the look on his face was priceless), new Indian friends who thought they had a British accent, a random Dalmatian walking around, being invited for drinks meaning it was the cheapest New Year's ever, more Chicken Burgers, Goan beer tasting like Chocolate, pink flying lanterns and so much more....what a random night!! Happy New Year to y'all!!! May 2015 bring you more of the unexpected, one serendipity moment after another and immeasurable BLISS - because YOU, like everyone else, deserve to be happy!! Serendipitilicious Hugs and Kisses, Tess #alifefullofserendipity #serendipitytess #travelblogger #travelling #travel #traveltheworld #rtw#aroundtheworld, #inspirationalblog #foodblog #adventureblog #yoga #yogablog #fundraising #love #laughter #happiness #bliss #serendipity #expecttheunexpected #palmtrees #goa #newyear2015 #photooftheday #randomnightout #dancingonthebeach
    Dona Paula Beach
    8 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • Miramar Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and a sunset
    Miramar Beach
    12 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Vainguinim Beach
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Goa University
    15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Caranzalem Beach
    7 min drive - 1.1 miles

Getting around

  • Cansaulim Verna Station
    28 min drive
  • Dabolim Airport (GOI)
    38 min drive

Restaurants

  • Padaria Prazeres
    5 min drive
  • Peep Kitchen
    4 min drive
  • The Goan Room
    3 min drive
  • Bar Outrigger
    4 min drive
  • Arcangela Bar and Restaurant
    3 min drive

About this property

Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat

Family-friendly hotel by the sea
Consider a stay at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat and take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and an arcade/game room. In addition to dry cleaning/laundry services and babysitting, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • A children's pool along with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge), express check-out, and express check-in
  • A front-desk safe, a 24-hour front desk, and smoke-free premises
Room features
All guestrooms at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat include thoughtful touches such as premium bedding and air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi and safes.
More amenities include:
  • Childcare services and cribs/infant beds
  • Memory foam beds and rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and free toiletries
  • 36-inch LCD TVs with cable channels
  • Balconies, coffee/tea makers, and ceiling fans

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: INR 550 per person
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (once per stay)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 3 floors
  • Built in 2009
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Crib (surcharge)
  • Memory foam mattress
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 36-inch LCD TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:30 PM
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
To register at this property, guests who are Indian citizens must provide a valid photo identity card issued by the Government of India; travelers who are not citizens of India must present a valid passport and visa.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 5 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for INR 2000
Cribs (infant beds) are available for INR 1000

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately INR 550 per person
  • A late check-out fee will be charged
  • Cribs (infant beds) are available for an additional fee
  • Rollaway beds are available for an additional fee

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property
Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision

Property is also known as

Hotel Retreat
Hotel Sandalwood
Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat
Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat Dona Paula
Sandalwood Hotel Retreat
Sandalwood Retreat
Sandalwood Retreat Dona Paula
Sandalwood Hotel Retreat Dona Paula
Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat Goa/Dona Paula
Sandalwood Hotel And Retreat
Sandalwood Hotel Retreat
Sandalwood & Retreat Panaji
Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat Hotel
Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat Panaji
Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat Hotel Panaji

Frequently asked questions

Does Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has a children's pool.

Is Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property; nearby parking is also free.

What time is check-in at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:30 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee.

Where is Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat located?

This family-friendly Panaji hotel is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of Vainguinim Beach and Goa University. Dona Paula Beach and Odxel Beach are also within 2 mi (3 km).

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Reviews

Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat Reviews

7.6

Good

8.0

Cleanliness

5.8

Location

8.2

Staff & service

7.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 79 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 79 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 18 out of 79 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 79 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 79 reviews

Reviews

Verified

6/10 Okay

Andraous

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel it is far away from everything is very dirty. Hotel room is dirty. Hotel is very very old. Nothing around the hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rudra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good stay

It was a good place but the place wasnt in actual Panji. The hotel is split by 2 brother's and the pool belongs to the other half. The actual hotel room was large.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Patrick

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is overpriced given its very mediocre facilities. Major drawback: the only option to move around was to use the only taxi driver made available by the hotel, who was charging 2 to 3 times the normal rate and proved unreliable. Foreign tourists should avoid this hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Liam

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
The room was large and had more space than expected. It was clean also. However, there was a kitchen with no cutlery or plates. The restaurant was okay but empty throughout. The bar wasn't open. There were no sunbeds around the pool. There were advertised sunbeds on the beach but these didnt exist. The nearby beach is essentially a private beach for the guests in the neighbouring 5 star hotels. This means you cant use any pf the facilities on the beach (cafe, bar, sunlounger) unless you are a guest from one of those hotels. There are security guards who escort you off the property even when enquiring if the restaurant/bars are open to non-guests. The nearest shops and restaurants are 30 minute walk up out of the valley and into Dona Paula so it is not ideal unless you have your own transport. The reception staff, when asked if they could book us a taxi, simply gave us the mobile number for a taxi company and refused to assist in arranging. The same goes for laundry. We enquired about the laundry, were given a mobile number of someone who no longer works in laundry and when we explained this was now the case they shrugged their shoulders as if that was the solution. Overall not a great hotel. It is not 4 star, probably 3 at best.
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Sanjeev

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Most Pathetic Hotel

Terrible hotel rather it’s not a hotel it’s a lowest quality of railway she’s with no professionalism and ethics...I would request any one or every one do not book or stay at this hotel as they have no staff ..lowest quality of food and untrained staff to handle the hotel guests . The hotel management has no involvement and have no idea of the word meaning service or hotel or responsibility...
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Arica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely service, food, pool, clean

We were so well cared for and got to know the staff. Clean comfortable rooms, tasty and affordable restaurant. A fantastic bargain. The only take away is it is not a walk to Panjim and cabs can be pricey—but you’re next to the nicest cleanest beach in town.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2019
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Terrible

My suite was located on the 5th floor without an elevator. The room smelled bad. I complained to the reception, and someone came with a spray to spray a bit. Not enough light in nights. The restaurant was not hygiene. I ate a salad at the restaurant and became sick (food poisoning) for one day afterward. I complained to the hotel, and they said they do not have any medicine for food poisoning. The hotel was rated as 3.5 stars here (and 4 stars at other websites), but it should be ranked as 1 or 2 stars actually. I never used the pool. It was small and full of kids. BTW, I have seen two big rats in the yard.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

KENJI

Liked: Staff & service
ホテル内設備は若干古い部分もあるが、スタッフのホスピタリティでカバーしています。ビーチにも徒歩３分。レストランでの朝食昼食はローカル色もあり、充実。空港からは早くて３０分。混んでいる昼間でも１時間を見ればOK。エアコンは冷房が効き切らないので、外気で調整を。wifiは今回の滞在中ずっと使えませんでした。
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rach

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous authentic Goan food. Walking distance to a small, quiet beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Very noisy neighbours made for an unpleasant stay. Rooms were great for the price. Gym equipment wasn't great. Not the best location but it is walking distance from the beach and nearby Cidade Resort. All in all,
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jasmin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice hotel i Dona Paula

Lovely hotel, close to the beach. Very friendly staff and high level of service. Area is a bit boring because there are only two hotels more nearby but very nice beach where there are no high waves like on other Goa beaches. All in all, very positive experience.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Per-Eive

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
Hotellet var rent och snyggt, men det låg avsides. Rummet rent och städades väl. Wifi fungerade överraskande bra även på rummet. Man fick ta taxi för att kunna handla, för att gå på andra matställen etc. Personalen var trevlig men hade lite svårt att förstå vår euroengelska. Det var uppträdanden på innergården 8 kvällar runt nyår med en makalös hög volym, och då isoleringen var dåligt medförde det att vi blev väldigt störda av detta oljud på vårt rum. Stranden nära hotellet kändes inte fräsch, vi tog därför 5 dagar, taxi 3,5 mil söderut till de underbara stränderna som finns där.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2017
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It is difficult to find from Google Map. Also Collier food with less options for order. Far away from famous beaches. However nice breakfast
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

KSK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice Hotel with Amenities

We were in Goa for just 4 nights, and wanted a nice hotel with some facilities and amenities (pool, spa, restaurant, etc...). Sandalwood Retreat was perfect for us, while it isn't a 5-star hotel, it was a nice, affordable alternative close to our Where we wanted to be. Would strongly recommend it, keeping in mind it is nice, simple place with attentive staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Relaxing

Enjoyed our stay. Nothing much in the immediate area. Beach almost deserted. Sunbeds and umbrellas there. Free shuttle into town every day. Nice pool. Breakfast good. Restaurant good, Phillip the head waiter very helpful and good English. Good place to chill out and relax. Nothing hectic here.
Verified

4/10 Poor

Bernard

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Adequate, but not recommended

A very modest hotel. Some pleasant features, but rooms could be cleaner and more up to date. I asked several times for the AC to be fixed; it didn't happen. Requests seem to get lost in translation. A bit in the middle of nowhere, and the beach - 4 minute brisk walk away - not as nice as Miramar. A bit overpriced for the quality of the hotel. All in all, it is ok, but I wouldn't recommend
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Clean hotel, but expensive commute

The stay wasn't worth the money, especially because we spent a lot of money on commuting to and from beaches. The travel desk at the hotel was overcharging us just because there were no other cabbies available in the vicinity of the hotel. The hotel is fine if you intend to stay within the resort with kids. I wouldn't pay the same amount again for going there, especially because of the experience with the travel desk
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Ok place. Nice staff.

Lengthy check in process. Too many rules and regulations all laid out on a sheet of A4 paper. Not too impressed to begin with but then a couple of the staff made us feel welcome. Pradeep the guy in the restaurant befriended us and made us feel at home. Philip was great, a well travelled man on cruise ships for many years, he know what hospitality means. No view from our balcony. Asked for slippers but were not complimentary we had to pay. Hotel In the middle of nowhere so not much to do.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Family emergency

I had to go to Goa for a family member who was in a hospital near the hotel. The staff, especially the bellhops and those in the SeaPearl, were exceptional. The food was also outstanding although I don't recommend the malai kofta. Anyway, thank you Phillip and all the friendly young men who work in the restaurant.
Verified

8/10 Good

Esther

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice hotel, great breakfast buffet.

The beach was disappointing. Silt water, river beach, not like the other white sand beaches in south Goa. Quiet and uncrowded but still disappointing. The three minute walk to the 'beach' was along trash and stagnant, bad smelling backwaters.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

nice stay

Their phone was not reachable. Somehow i found a driver who knows the area little bit and found address with help of Google maps. Staff and services were good .
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Xueming

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Only beach Hotel

It is too far away from the city, No buses
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Schönes Hotel in Strandnähe

Wir waren mitte Oktober 2015 da, in dem Hotel steigen zu 90% Inder ab. Der Strand ist zu Fuss innerhalb von 5 Minuten zu erreichen. Das Hotel bietet einen kostenlosen Shuttelservice an zweimal am Tag. Einmal um 10:30 nach Panaji und um 17:00 nach Donna Paula. Um den Rückweg muss man sich selber kümmern. Der Pool ist ok und sauber. Um das Hotel herum sind kleine Hügel und einige weitere Hotels sowie viele Privathäuser. Für Unternehmnungen zu Fuss ist das Hotel meiner Meinung nach nicht geeignet, außer der Strand. Die drei Nächte waren für uns sehr angenehm. Unsere Suite hatte 2 Balkone. Das einzige was sich für mich etwas schwierig gestaltete, war im Restaurant den Indern zu erklären das ich mich vegan ernähre.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice Hotel Close to Beach

Overall very happy with the stay. Nice comfortable rooms, with great amenities. Only thing lacking is a good children's play area. Beach is close by.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Dovolená v Indii

Hotelové služby byly na dobré úrovni,personál příjemný a vstřícný,jen by bylo dobré zřídit nějaké občerstvení na pláži.