There is hardly any Indian traveller whose eyes don’t sparkle or heart doesn’t jubilate at the mere mention of Goa. There is a Goa for every kind of traveller. That’s what makes Goa special. In fact, Goa’s never-ending charm will captivate you whether you are backpacking with your friends, enjoying your honeymoon or relaxing with your family. And the success of a Goan adventure truly starts with picking the right hotel.
The options of accommodation in Goa are countless, both in number and type. There are economical BnBs, sprawling beachside resorts, exotic boutique hotels, heritage properties turned into guest houses and serene home-stays. Now, as for us, we always try to opt for homestays wherever possible, as they offer the best experience of the local lifestyle. Home-stays also make us feel more at home, thanks to their homely rooms and home-cooked meals.
While looking out for staying options in North Goa, we stumbled across Afonso Guest House of Panjim. And this was it! We booked rooms right away and loved every moment of spending our time here.
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About Afonso Guest House:
The Afonso Guest House is located in a quaint alley of the Fontainhas, the old Latin Quarters of Goa. The building is an Indo – Portuguese villa. It stands out owing to its peppy yellow coloured walls, along with a host of green plants adorning the entrance. In addition, the homestay overlooks the pristine St. Sebastian Chapel.
How to reach Afonso Guest House:
- The guest house is about 30 km from Goa’s Dabolim Airport. So, you can hire cab to reach here.
- From Panjim bus stand, Afonso is barely 10 minutes by foot.
Facilities available:
As per the mother-son duo who owns the guest house, Afonso aims to bridge Goa’s Portuguese past and Indian present. The décor of antique furniture also suggests the same. The guest house is decorated simply, but aesthetically.
The rooms are clean, spacious and provided with all necessities. Beds are immaculately made. Also, there are a supply of hot water, free wi-fi and air conditioning inside the rooms.
However, the clincher of Afonso is its pretty roof–top terrace. The terrace is adorned with bougainvillaea climbers, potted flowering plants and an aquarium. The vibe of the terrace is quite soothing. Hence, after enjoying the beach throughout the day, just grab a bottle of beer, laze on one of the chairs and enjoy the serenity of Fontainhas. We also loved the arrangement of books in a queue on the stairs leading to the terrace. You can just grab one and read at leisure.
Traditional Goan breakfast is served every morning on the terrace. The breakfast includes Goan bread, eggs and tea/coffee. It is available from 7-30 to 9-30 in the morning at an extra charge. However, the owners need to be informed beforehand, preferably by the previous evening.
Room tariff:
Room rent is INR 1950. We found it quite reasonable in Goa’s standard. Rooms can be booked from their website.
Nearby places to visit:
1.Explore the nook and crannies of Fontainhas.
2.Visit the St. Sebastian Chapel and Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
3.Take a walk along the Bambolim, Dona Paula and Miramar beaches.
Nearby places to eat out:
There are lots of eateries near Afonso Guest House. Some of our favourites are:
1.Viva Panjim, for its delectable Indo-Portuguese dishes.
2.Kokni Canteen, for lip-smacking local Goan food.
3.The Caravela Café & Bistro, for delicious breakfast spreads.
4.Bombay Coffee Roasters, for freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked breads.
5.The Black Sheep Bistro, for contemporary cuisine.
6.Route 66, for sumptuous burgers and fries.
