Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa

Not the Taj experience I am used to. I recently got married at the TAJ Agra and the way they took care of everything is worth every praise. Booked this Taj property for 4d/3N stay with an Indulgence pool villa and premium villa room (As recommended by the team as I needed the second room closer to the pool room). First called property to have the rooms assigned close to each other but the staff that answered my call twice refused to hear my requirements and transferred me to different department and calls were not being answered. Finally had to write them an email to get through my request. Even after all the efforts when we checked in, rooms were not provided close to each other. Called the staff right away to which a Duty Manager called back and advised to accommodate in the same room for the night and following day they will change the room through out the stay no cared to follow up they were only interested in deescalating the situation. This situation was not acknowledged post that call. F&B experience was horrible. Once we sat down for dinner the first night for good 20 mins no staff member even came to our table I finally had to chase a staff member to provide us with a menu. They messed up the order, asked for a chilled coke they brought room temp coke. We chose not to complain as we were tired and thought it's just us. Following day we chose to have buffet staff was not aware of inclusions in the pricing. The dishes were empty, one had to scratch the bottom to get food. Told the staff to have the dish refilled they didn't care. Finally called the manager to look into it thats when the staff actually started to move their feet. Throughout the dinner if we were able to get anything is because the manager took the initiative but once he left we had to wait for good 20 mins to get the breads. Staff left the live station unattended. When I stepped to the dessert counter there was no staff and only cake icing was sitting. When the responsible came back he simply stood there. Basic Margherita pizza was requested they ended up ruining it as well. Shacks at the beach were able to provide a better service and food. The following day we tried the food near the pool and believe me the worst burger I had till date. When called the Chef he started arguing with my wife. I couldn't believe the overall experience received especially with Taj that too in Goa even countries with less resources like Cuba can provide with better experience and food. They offered us dinner at Machaan but after the whole experience and taste we refused. They tried to upgrade our premium villa to Pool room on the last day and call was received at 4pm and sunsets at 6pm. We declined the upgrade as we already had a pool room and 2 rooms with pool would not make sense also the time left at the resort did not make any sense. When declined Duty Manager Joanne was like ARE YOU SURE YOU ARE DECLINING THE UPGRADE I mean they lack basic customer service. Every person in position had on

We stayed here for 4 nights after a very hectic 2 week tour of north and south India. Oh what a joy - a haven of peace and tranquility We arrived and were told they had upgraded our twin room to a room with a private pool - what an amazing upgrade. Thank you Veda for making us so welcome. The reception staff were so helpful. Housekeeping /evening turn down service were unbelievable. We have been treated to a foot bath and added goodies - such lovely extras. Thank you Laviston and Chandresh The grounds are really open and well maintained. Chandramni was so helpful sorting out sun beds etc. The beach is lovely and has a lifeguard. The spa should not be missed - fabulous massage with the most delicious detox tea I have ever tasted. I felt so fragrant and relaxed after my treatment The restaurant serves Indian and Continental food - generous portions and good quality. Overall a lovely place to stay

The hotel was good but needs to work on their buggy services and in food they need more food items. But need aloooot of work on bakery items. But must say the idlis and dosas were out of the world

Everything about the place is great. Huge and well maintained property, right next to the beach. Lots of activities throughout the day for the couples and children. Plenty of food options for vegetarians and goan food.. four restaurants serving all types of food. Great hospitality and comfortable stay.

We spent a wonderful week here following a gruelling 3 weeks of touring northern India. We opted to stay in a garden villa which was spacious and very comfortable. We ate at 3 of the restaurants during our stay. All served delicious food, but our favourite was Lobster Village, which served a great selection of fresh seafood. My wife availed herself of both of the spas on a couple of occasion's, which she found excellent. We found all the staff wonderful, and very friendly.

Location is great, the property is old but decently maintained the food is non spicy but ok the service is just slow - just as an example, it took 55 mins for a simple on-the-menu pizza to arrive, after placing the order. Faced issues in every meal with slow service either under staffed, or just incapable staff was polite and helpful - but all the help took very long to arrive - not just food related. Things like spare keys to the room took an hour to arrive when asked for. Overall, expensive hotel (for an old and just about maintained hotel, nothing great) but great location, below par service with no great standout feature would not recommend - just does not win the price value equation