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Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat

3.5 star property
Family-friendly 3.5-star hotel with a children's pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat

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

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Vainguinim Beach, Panaji, Goa, 403004
  • Place, Vainguinim Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Goa University
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Dona Paula Beach
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Goa (GOI-Dabolim)
    ‪96 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms

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

Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1001 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Panaji

Seaside stay .Stay at this Panaji hotel and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Vainguinim Beach and 2 miles (3 km) of Goa University. Dr. Jack Sequeira Statue and Dona Paula Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Vainguinim Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Goa University - 5 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Caranzalem Beach - 8 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Dona Paula Beach - 8 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Miramar Beach - 9 min drive - 2.2 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Padaria Prazeres - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Goan Room - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Arcangela Bar and Restaurant - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Peep Kitchen - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Qi Pan Asian - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat

Family-friendly 3.5-star hotel with a children's pool
There's a restaurant on site. Public spaces have free WiFi. A children's pool, a terrace, and an arcade/game room are also featured at the family-friendly Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat. Free self parking is available.

This 3.5-star Panaji hotel is smoke free.

  • 30 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 3 buildings
  • Built in 2009
  • Supervised kid's activities
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Front-desk safe
  • Game room or arcade
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
  • Dining venue
Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat offers 30 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and complimentary bottled water. Rooms open to balconies. Memory foam beds feature premium bedding. 36-inch LCD televisions come with cable channels. Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads, and complimentary toiletries.

This Panaji hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and ceiling fans. Irons/ironing boards and hair dryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.

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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

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 36-inch LCD TV with cable channels

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

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! 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

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

  • 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 may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Children 5 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.

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

How close is Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat to the airport?

Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat is 18 mi (38-min drive) away from the Dabolim Airport (GOI) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

As of Jun 17, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat on Jun 18, 2026 start from $43, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat.

How close is Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat to the beach?

This hotel is a short 3-minute walk from Vainguinim Beach and 13.9 mi (56-min drive) from Baga Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat, but buffet breakfast is offered for a fee of INR 550 per person. It's available every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Deltin Royale Casino (9-min drive) and Casino Paradise (12-min drive) are nearby.

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

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:30 PM.

Is there free parking at Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat have a pool?

Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat features a children's pool.

Does Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat to downtown Panaji?

Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat is 0.1 mi away from Vainguinim.

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

Reviews

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

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

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.