Staying at Vilanova Service Apartments in Margao Goa - the location and tariff

For those looking for budget service apartments in Margao, Goa, look no further than the ones managed by Jovito Fernandes of Vilanova Holidays. 

Spacious, clean, quiet, not too far from the central market place of Margao - the service apartments are value for money. It really makes far better sense to stay together in one service apartment especially when travelling in a group, rather than booking multiple rooms in a hotel, so as to control the costs. First off, let me tell you about its location.

The location
The service apartment is part of a large housing complex called Vilanova Estate in Shirvodem, Margao. Rest assured, it is not a deserted complex, but fully filled up with local residents and guests. Jovito informed us that he has ten apartments here. His office is located on the first floor in apartment UG-2 (see contact info at the end of this post).

The complex has a security guard and CCTV cameras and is well lit. The place is totally safe for ladies (we were three ladies who stayed in an apartment here on the second floor). Ample parking space is available, but please inform Jovito at the outset itself at the time of booking & find out if any parking charges will be added on. There is a lift as well. 

There is a play area for children with swings and other playground equipment. A separate little garden area has benches and a well - the well is covered with a grate, so no fear of your kids falling in. 

The approach road though, note, is a little dark after sunset. This does not mean that the area is unsafe. Like in any other city, it is simply wise to take necessary precautions to return with somebody reliable if you are out on your own late. We had hired a car for ourselves through Jovito on the first day of our stay as we had wished to visit the Navadurga temple in Madkai. We got a very reliable service and our vehicle was an SUV in which we travelled comfortably.I repeat - it is not as secluded or scary to stay here as was implied in one review in airbnb.

The approach road to Vilanova is off a large side road which is none too clean, due to the presence of a buffalo shed and so when walking down to main arterial road you just need to look where you put your foot! Don't let this put you off into staying at Vilanova - it is just a minor blip!

Now you may think Vilanova is far from anywhere, meaning tourist attractions. However, it is not so. Even if you do not have your own vehicle and do not wish to spend on hiring one, you can still move around Goa with a base here by using public transport, which is an auto or the public bus service (the buses are white, the autos black and yellow.) An interesting and unique transport service in Margao was the hiring of a two-wheeler. These are parked near the center of the city, near the Municipal garden.

On our second day, we walked down for about 20 minutes to the main road. We saw a group of people standing there on the opposite side - that is where the bus stops. We decided though to simply walk as we were told by an auto driver that the new Margao market was just on the other side of the over-bridge (the flyover) which was to be approached via side road just ahead. It did take us a good while - nearly 30 minutes - but since we had decided to leave early, we did not feel the morning heat. The shops had not opened that early before 9a.m., but restaurants were, so we enjoyed a light breakfast at Tato's Cafe.

More details of the service apartment itself: Review of Vilanova Service Apartment

How to book
We booked our service apartment at Vilanova online at Airbnb. We had booked well in advance, in November, and got a very reasonable price for our stay. 

Tariff
This was the tariff as mentioned in the pamphlet we were given in the office, but please confirm at the time of booking as the rates are subject to change:
1. From 4th January to 31st May: 
2BHK (four persons) - INR3,000/-
1BHK (two persons) - INR1,500/-

2. From 1st June to 30th September:
2BHK (four persons) - INR1,800/-
1BHK (two persons) - INR1,000/-

3. From 1st October to 21st December:
2BHK (four persons) - INR3,000/-
1BHK (two persons) - INR1,500/-

4. From 22nd December to 3rd January:
2BHK (four persons) - INR6,000/-
1BHK (two persons) -not available

Apartment rules

• Check in time: 12 noon
• Check out time: 9a.m.  
• Four guests can stay in a 2BHK apartment, with an extra guest being charged @INR500/-. 
• Two guests can stay in a 1BHK

Note: For staying for a long period, ask about discounts on extended stay.   

Contact information

Jovito Fernandes
Vilanova Holidays
UG-2, Vilanova Estate,
Shirvodem,
Margao
Goa -403601
Ph: +91-8322710599 // Mobile: +91-8975840599. +91-9960073333
Email: jovito@vilanovaholidays.net