The Banyan Soul

I went there for a weekend getaway to celebrate our first anniversary. On a budget, I found the reviews of this place good enough to book it. Low points: 1) This was very far from Panjim (our destination). & it was a slight issue finding the place coz it's nowhere on the main road. Taxi fare itself came to about 250+. but then taxi's in general in Goa are expensive. 2) When we reached our destination, room cleaning was going on & it took them nearly 1 hour to hand over the room. We were on time, & tired so that was not something we liked, but then we used this time to have our 'Brunch' at close-by 'German Bakery' 3) Another major issue that happend was the entire grid (power) went out the night we were there & there was no bckup at the hotel. Not the best way to celebrate our anniversary night I'd say. Now coming to the plusses. 1) this place is close to Anjuna as the address reads and it is also close to vagator. The distances to other beachs - Baga, calungute etc are also not v high. Close to Club cabana, German bakery. Crowds that visit this place and around this place are very nice - mostly foreigners & overall pretty decent. Offers a lot of privacy. The owner is a wonderful person. Because of the grid outage, he agreed to refund 1 night's money without any hassles. I don't think so you'd get that kind of treatment that easy elsewhere. One suggestion however would be must improve on its food services within the place. Would like to go back again & stay there.

The stay was pleasant apart from the fact that during my stay of 3 nights at the hotel; one night, there was a power failure and the hotel does not have a power backup facility. I had to look for another hotel to stay for that night. However, I was refunded the rental for that night. The hotel is pleasant in terms of location, service and comfort!

not so bad.

When I first got to the hotel, I thought that the staff there (2 young boys) were pretty lazy. Then I realised that's just how things are in Goa - things are very relaxed. This hotel is lovely (though I hear it's pricier than other hotels locally) but the golden rule is that you just have to ask and ask for everything. I asked 3 times for the wifi code before it was given to me. I asked all the time for more drinking water. And after 3 days I realised I'd have to ask them before they'd even clean my room, as well. Once you learn this rule, you will grow to love this hotel. The location is great for the beach there as well as the market. The route on the way back from the beach is pretty difficult in the dark so make sure to buy/pack/borrow a torch. The hotel has a connecting taxi service which I can also recommend. The room itself was pleasant, and the shower was good even though it didn't have hot water 90% of the time. The bed was nice and hard and even though all the rooms are on the ground floor with just the sliding window doors, I felt safe there. I think I didn't have as good an experience as other visitors since I didn't see the owner during my stay. That seems to be the main factor in why everyone loves this hotel. The boys were nice enough, and even though their English was a little poorer than most locals I encountered, I felt we created a friendship by the time I left. The outdoor library was what sold it for me. I would stay in this hotel again.

The Stay Was good. But the location is bit difficult (which ay be a benefit for a boys/Girls group). But the staff is very less in numbers. (but they were nice). Nice for a Group. But the doors are transparent and have to be covered by curtains which doubts the privacy of a couple.

The stay at Banyan Soul is rewarding if you value privacy and want a feel of being close to nature. Try the open air library under the huge banyan tree for example. The property itself is very close to some great hangouts like Curleys which comes alive at night and German Bakery which serves the best food in the area. Just being close to the bakery is reason enough to stay at b.soul. The rooms are the right size for two (romantic) people and the patio outside is fantastic to sit (and smoke maybe), the bathrooms are a bit on the tiny side and the CRT televisions look out of place frankly in this day & age. However, for the price it surely is great place to be. A nice lawn and discreet lighting make the ambience very pleasant indeed. Sumit the owner adds his personal touch being available every day. The service staff can be moody if sought at the wrong time :) so make sure you ask for service and do that early in the morning...

The Hotel is comfortable and a great place to relax. The only disappointing thing is that they do not have a restaurant. However the German Bakery (Which is adjoining) to the Hotel serves great breakfast and lunch.

I was pretty lucky bumping to this hotel. Perfectly located, the hotel is very clean and pleasant to stay in. Its actually very pretty :) The owner - Sumeet is also a very helpful guy. Had an excellent stay there.

It was a decent place, althou can do better if looked upon carefully. D most imp feature is its isolated , good for couple oriented time together !there are no amenities at the. Hotel. Just breaakfast service available.

Worst atmosphere, worst people, worst rooms, worst location, no reception at all in this hotel