Which room to book at Ocean Palms Goa: the six types compared

Ocean Palms Goa has 78 rooms in six categories, and the choice between them comes down to four things: floor space, the bed set-up, whether you want a bathtub or a jacuzzi, and the extras that come with the larger rooms. Every room has a balcony and breakfast is included in all six, so neither of those should decide it.

The trade-offs are simple to state. Superior and Premium rooms are the same size, the Sky Villa is the only category listed with a sea view (a partial one), and the largest rooms are scarce: four Junior Suites, three Suites and one Sky Villa.

The six room types side by side

Every category except the Sky Villa takes up to three adults, or two adults and one child. The Sky Villa takes two adults and one child under six.

• Superior Room (34 rooms): 230 sq ft (about 21 m²), king bed, balcony with seating and a village view, iron and ironing board in the room.
• Premium Room (28): 230 sq ft (about 21 m²), king bed or twin beds, smart TV, sofa cum bed, balcony over the countryside.
• Junior Suite with Bathtub (4): 471 sq ft (about 44 m²), king bed, freestanding bathtub and separate shower, dining table, 55-inch smart TV.
• Suite (3): 470 sq ft (about 44 m²), king bed, separate living room, two private balconies with a village view.
• Pool View Room with Jacuzzi (8): 403 sq ft (about 37 m²), king bed, sofa cum bed, private jacuzzi on a balcony overlooking the pool.
• Sky Villa (1): 600 sq ft (about 56 m²), king bed, living room and lounge, two bathrooms, private garden, private jacuzzi with a partial sea view, butler service.

What every room includes

Breakfast is complimentary in all six categories, served as a buffet at Nautilus, and there is no room-only plan. Every room also has air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a TV, a desk, an electronic safe, a mini fridge, a kettle with tea and coffee, a hair dryer and daily housekeeping.

The stay perks are the same in every category: a celebration cake for a birthday or anniversary, 15% off at the Coral Spa, 10% off laundry, and buy-one-get-one-free house-brand alcoholic drinks at The Terra from 11 AM to 6 PM. The inclusion that changes with the room is a food credit at The Terra: ₹500 with Junior Suites, Suites and Pool View Rooms, and ₹1,000 with the Sky Villa. Those four larger categories also come with bathrobes and slippers.

Superior or Premium: the same size, a different set-up

Superior and Premium rooms are both 230 sq ft with a village view, and together they make up 62 of the 78 rooms. The Superior has balcony seating and an iron and ironing board in the room; a third guest sleeps on an extra mattress. The Premium adds a smart TV and a sofa cum bed, with slippers and an iron on request.

Premium is the only category offered with twin beds, which makes it the natural choice for two friends, two colleagues, or a parent and grown-up child who would rather not share a bed. Ask for twin beds when you book. For a couple or a solo traveller who will spend the days out, either room is a comfortable base, with the nearest beach about 650 m away.

For couples: a balcony jacuzzi or a freestanding bathtub

For honeymoons and romantic breaks, we recommend the Pool View Rooms with Jacuzzi or the Sky Villa. Each of the eight has a private jacuzzi on a balcony overlooking the pool, plus bathrobes and a ₹500 Terra credit. That balcony looks onto the resort's social hub: the pool is open from 10 AM to 8 PM, and The Terra, the poolside restaurant and bar, has live bands, DJs and shows from Thursday to Sunday, 7:30 to 10 PM.

Couples who would rather have more space and a bath can look at the Junior Suites with Bathtub: 471 sq ft, a freestanding bathtub as well as a shower, a dining table and a balcony over the village. Our Pool View Room and Junior Suite comparison goes through the choice in detail.

For families of three: Suites and Junior Suites

Children aged five and under stay free when sharing their parents' bedding, and baby cots are complimentary, subject to availability. For families of three, we suggest the Suites and Junior Suites, for their extra space, sofa cum beds and living areas.

The Suite (470 sq ft) has a separate living room and two balconies, so one of you can sit up while a child sleeps. The Junior Suite has almost the same floor space, with a seating area, a dining table and a freestanding bathtub, the only category listed with one. A family of two adults and two children should speak to our reservations team before booking, as no room's published occupancy includes a second child.

The Sky Villa: one of a kind, with limits

There is a single Sky Villa, and it is the resort's most exclusive room: 600 sq ft with a master bedroom, living room and lounge, two bathrooms, a private garden and a private jacuzzi with a partial sea view. It comes with butler service, complimentary airport pick-up and drop, breakfast at any hour, 24-hour room service, a fully equipped bar and a ₹1,000 credit at The Terra.

It is one of the most popular settings at the resort for a proposal. The limit is occupancy: two adults and one child under six, so it does not suit three adults or a family with an older child. Our guide to whether the Sky Villa is worth it weighs up the extras in more detail.

Before you book

With only four Junior Suites, three Suites and one Sky Villa, book early if you want one on fixed dates. Full payment is taken at the time of booking. Cancellation is free up to 48 hours before check-in; after that, and for no-shows, the full booking value is charged. Bookings for stays between 21 December and 3 January are non-refundable and cannot be changed, so be certain of the room before paying for a festive stay.

Outside those dates, the reservations team can change your dates or room category, subject to availability and any difference in rate. Check-in is from 2 PM and check-out by 11 AM. The guest checking in must be at least 18 and carry photo ID, and pets are not allowed in any room. Photos and details of each category are on the rooms page.