Sprawled across 25 acres with an exclusive 300 metres stretch of beach for its guests, Holiday Inn Resort Goa is one of leading properties in South Goa. The resort is popular not only among the Indian clientele who come from across the country but also plays host to a large percentage of guests, from overseas. In fact, during the high season months almost 50-60 per cent of guests are from overseas, in particular Europe.
R K S Kunde, vice president, Holiday Inn Resort Goa believes that the popularity of the resort is a result of the service excellence that the hotel management and staff have always strived to achieve. “We get very good response in terms of guest satisfaction figuring among the first three of the Holiday Inn brand in APAC countries. Consistently among almost 75 hotels we have a high rating. Before checkout we always try to ensure that the guest relationship executive meets the guest and the problems are sorted out. We see that whatever service the guest is expecting is given to the best of our ability. When he goes back his own experience is conveyed to other people, and that is how our clientele comes in. Social media is also contributing in this,” says Kunde. To maintain a high standard of excellence the feedback received from guests is translated into improved service. The staff are mostly Goans and also from other parts of country, including those from the North East.
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| R K S Kunde |
Established in 1990, the resort has undergone major renovation twice in the last twenty-two years. The last renovation happened in 2010. The 203 rooms property is known to host large events – from MICE to weddings. The in-house team takes the responsibility of seamlessly organising the special functions. The ballroom can accommodate 800 people in theatre style seating. It can also be divided into three smaller units where concurrent sessions can be organised. “We promote this property as a leisure hotel and also for MICE. While earlier MICE business was limited to only the off-season but now the response is good even during high season,” states Kunde.
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Holiday Inn Resort Goa has four restaurants and the Sun Downer Bar that is a wide and open area. The 24-hour outlet is called Cafe Mardi Gras; Whispers of the Orient is a Chinese restaurant; Fig & Olive is a Mediterranean restaurant and a seasonal F&B outlet, Fish Grill, is opened on the beach. The Chinese and Mediterranean restaurant is popular with the locals and guests staying in neighbouring hotels. “Our food is liked by everyone and we get a very good response,” asserts Kunde.
To make sure that families have a pleasant and memorable stay, the hotel staff organises many activities for children. “We ensure that children have a good time at the resort and have many activities lined up for them. Fun games for families are also organised. Consequently, not only do the children enjoy their stay here but also the parents,” says Kunde. There is a separate department that conducts activities like face painting and other games for children from the age of five to 14. There is also an open play ground for children.
The resort has a sprawling green lawn that not only adds to the beauty of the property but is also available for events and functions. According to Kunde, there are plans for expansion as the resort covers a large area of land.
