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Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat

3.5 star property
Family-friendly hotel with a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat

Beach nearby
Exterior
Property grounds
Pool
Premier Room | View from room

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Parking included
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Vainguinim Beach, Panaji, Goa, 403004
  • Dona Paula Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Deltin Royale Casino
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Candolim Beach
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Goa (GOI-Dabolim)
    ‪33 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

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

Suite, 1 Bedroom

  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Premier Room

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

Premier Room

  • 441 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms

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

Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1001 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Compact Room

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

Deluxe Compact Room

  • 226 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Panaji

Located within a 5-minute walk of Vainguinim Beach, Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat is within a mile (2 km) of Goa University. This 30-room, 3.5-star hotel welcomes guests with a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Dona Paula Beach - 3 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • Deltin Royale Casino - 8 min drive - 3.9 miles
  • Candolim Beach - 22 min drive - 11.5 miles
  • Fort Aguada - 22 min drive - 11.5 miles
  • Sinquerim Beach - 22 min drive - 11.5 miles

Getting around

  • Cansaulim Verna Station - 28 min drive
  • Dabolim Airport (GOI) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Padaria Prazeres, Panaji - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Taleigao Community Center - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Goan Room - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bay 15, Oxcel Beach - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Baskin Robbins - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat

Family-friendly hotel with a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant
Guests of Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat enjoy features like a children's pool, free WiFi in public areas, and an arcade/game room. There's free parking if you drive. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day to help with dry cleaning/laundry and securing valuables. Other amenities at this family-friendly hotel include express check-in, express check-out, and a terrace.
36-inch LCD TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Memory foam beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer rainfall showers and free toiletries. Other amenities include balconies, coffee makers, and ceiling fans. Housekeeping is available once per stay.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a children's pool.

Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English, Hindi

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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
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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Children 5 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for INR 2000
  • Cribs/infant beds are available for INR 1000

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-11:30 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.

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

Is free cancellation available at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat offers free cancellation on select room rates. For specific requirements, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see close to Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

This hotel is located in Panaji, just steps from Vainguinim Beach. You'll also find Deltin Royale Casino and Dona Paula Beach within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat include a casino?

No, Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a memory foam mattress and a rainfall showerhead as well as a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat serves buffet breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat.

Are there connecting rooms at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

Yes, you can book connecting guestrooms at this hotel for your group or family vacation.

How far is the airport from Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

The closest major airport to Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat is Dabolim Airport (GOI), which is 16.5 mi away (45 minutes by car). Another top airport is Goa (GOX-New Goa Intl.), which is located 25.2 mi away (63-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

Yes, every guestroom at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat comes with a balcony.

Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

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

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

4.8/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Andraous, Richmond hill

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

8/10 Good

Fred

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

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

2/10 Terrible

Yash

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

Liam

Traveled with partner
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.

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

2/10 Terrible

Sanjeev

Business traveler
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

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

8/10 Good

santosh

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rach, New Zealand

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

KSK, NJ, USA

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

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.

4/10 Poor

Bernard, London

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

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

8/10 Good

Stephen, Hong kong

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.

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.

8/10 Good

Esther, TX

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.

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 .

10/10 Excellent

Xueming, Shenyang ,China

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

Only beach Hotel

It is too far away from the city, No buses

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.

8/10 Good

Sreekumar

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

4/10 Poor

Ryan, Seattle

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

You get what you pay for

Pros: friendly and helpful a staff. Cons: spotty wifi, dirty bathrooms, power outages, 2 star feel to the rooms. If you get a top floor room it could be nicer. My friends room had mold and he broke out into hives. They let him change rooms but mold... The staff were around the friendliest of all the hotels we've been to and seem to care about good service. The only saving grace. When I was there there were lots of kids running around. It's off and far away from a lot of things and the beach is a 5 min walk from the hotel. It isn't directly part of the premises like I originally thought. The price was a value so I didn't expect too much. I didn't take a shower in my room the whole time i stayed... I ended up sneaking over to one of the nicer resorts via the beach on my stay for an upgraded experience.

8/10 Good

shriprakash, Hyderabad

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful experience

A beautiful resort for a short getaway. They served a good selection of items for the buffet breakfast. The staff was very hospitable in attending to us.

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