February 12, 2014

My TripAdvisor Review No.5: Jasminn Hotel, Betalbatim, Goa

“Secluded Goan Getaway”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 November 2010
Jasminn Resort is located near the village of Betalbatim in South Goa. We stayed here for 3 nights in the month of October 2010, and had a very pleasant and rejuvenating break from the routine.
It was quite easy to get a rickshaw from Madgaon station to the resort, a distance of about 9 km, and we were there after a short 20 minute ride. We had reserved in advance and were welcomed at the reception with a cool refreshing drink.
In the evening we were invited to the Club House for an informal get-tobether. The Activity Centre was equipped with all the indoor games like table tennis, chess, and carom. There was even a small library and an internet facility. Bicycles were available on hire, and we did use them the next evening, to make a trip to Betalbatim beach which is about 2 km away. We got to see a beautiful sunset.
There is a small but well maintained swimming pool on the premises, and we did not miss not having the beach nearby to go for a swim.
The in-house restaurant, Branco, which served a-la-carte as well as buffet, was however quite expensive, with very few Goan dishes on the menu. On enquiring we were told that a Goan buffet is served only on Tuesdays. The nearest Goan restaurant, Kingslee, was near the Betalbatim church, less than a km away. The other retaurant, Martin's Corner, was 2 km away. The latter has become quite famous for it's delicious Goan cuisine, and is visited by quite a few celebrities.
Colva beach is about 4 km from Jasminn, and there are more choices for dining here, as well as on the Colva-Majorda road. It is best to have your own transport if you are in Goa. Taxi fares can be quite prohibitive, and the cab drivers have their union and even prevent other taxis or auto rickshaws from approaching your hotel. This we found out to our dismay when we tried to arrange for a rickshaw to take us back to Madgaon station.
Overall we had a pleasant holiday, with morning and evening walks in the Goan countryside, a daily swim in the hotel pool, a bicycle ride to sunset beach, and sumptuous Goan food at Martin's Corner and Kingslee restaurants nearby.
Stayed October 2010, travelled as a couple

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