FAQ

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Adults (Ages 5+)
Children (Ages 2-5)

These are some of the most common questions our guests ask us. Please check if your question is answered here before getting in touch with us.

 

TRAVEL
How much is a taxi from the airport?

It is 1100Rs for a taxi without air conditioning and 1600Rs for one with air conditioning. The taxi carries four passengers.

How do I book a taxi with you?

Send us an email or telephone us at least 48 hours before you arrive. We’ll need flight details to confirm your booking.

How long does it take to get to Palolem from the airport?

About 1hr 20 minutes, depending on the traffic.

How long does it take to get to Palolem from Margao train station?

About 50 minutes, depending on the traffic.

What is the nearest train station to Palolem?

Canacona train station, in Chaudi is the nearest train station. It is about 10 minutes away by rickshaw. Some rail services pass through it but most go to Margao.

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Most foreign nationals require an Indian Tourist Visa which we must see when you check in. Please check with your local Indian High Commission.

 

FACILITIES
You provide free water refills. Why?

We want to cut back on the amount of plastic bottles being used in Palolem, so we invite all our guests to refill their bottles with mineral water. We buy it in, so it’s exactly the same water as you would buy, except you don’t have to pay!

Do you provide towels and bed linen?

Yes we do. We also provide beach towels.

Do you provide soap, shampoo etc?

We do provide complimentary soap only. All other toiletries can be bought in Palolem very cheaply.

Do you have safety lockers?

Yes we do. They are free and big enough for a laptop, camera, passports, jewellery etc. and we do suggest you use them. For security reasons, please use your own padlock.

What facilities do you have at Ciaran’s?

We have a free library, wi-fi, a bar, restaurant and spa for our guests to use.

 

BOOKING & PAYMENT
Why do I have to pay 50% of my accommodation in advance?

Ciaran’s operates back-to-back bookings so in order to guarantee your reservation, we ask for a 50% deposit. We do this because unfortunately otherwise people book then simply don’t turn up.

Are all taxes included?

Yes, the price quoted is the full price you will pay.

Is breakfast included?

Yes, Ciaran’s rates include breakfast and afternoon chai.

Is Wi-fi included?

Yes, we offer free Wi- fi for our residents only.

How much is it for an extra bed?

It is 1000Rs for an extra bed/person including breakfast.

Can I pay by any other method than Paypal?

At this time, no. Unless you live in a country where you cannot currently use Paypal. In this case, please contact us and we can give you details to make an international bank transfer or demand draft payment.

Have your rates gone up this year?

No, in fact our rates have been frozen since the 2006/07 season.

 

GENERAL
How near is Ciaran’s to the beach?

We are right on the beach, so no matter what hut you are in, you’ll be twenty seconds from the sand.

Is Ciaran’s suitable for young children?

Many guests travel with young children to Ciaran’s and we love having young people around. We have had families stay with us for over a month at a time.

We don’t have any family sized huts but we do have extra beds for parents traveling with young people. However Palolem and India can be noisy at night, so it really depends on how well your children sleep. Also, depending on what time of year you come, the heat can be hard for particularly young children. Finally, if your children are light sleepers or easily disturbed by noise, we wouldn’t suggest coming at Christmas or New Year as there are often fireworks and music playing late at night throughout the celebrations.

What is the weather like in Palolem?

Unless you come here in monsoon, it’s usually sunny every day.

November-February are the coolest months when the weather is most pleasant at around 28 degrees centigrade.

Should I take malaria tablets?

Please ask a health care professional. A good preventative measure is always covering up early mornings and at dusk, when mosquitoes are most prevalent.

What about vaccinations?

Please ask a health care professional.

When are you open?

We are open from October 15th to around May 15th each season, depending on the weather. We close and dismantle the huts in the monsoon. However we do have five rooms in the main building that are operational off season. For details please call or email us.