Rooms, Raju, and Rain-Faded Signs: Staying in Goa the Old School Way

As monsoon fades and the skies clear, there’s a quiet buzz in Goa. Locals sweep porches, cafés reopen shutters, and motorbikes hum to life after a long, rain-soaked break. The season is near. And for those of us who know the Goa before social media guides, this question hits different:

Where will you stay?

Back in the day, we didn’t refresh booking apps or scan boutique homestays. We did it the old-school way — guided by instinct, chance, and the smell of sea breeze.

Ask the Taxi Guy

First stop: the airport or the Thivim station. You jump into a cab, strike up a chat, and soon the driver becomes your unofficial concierge.

“Arre baba, I know a nice place — clean room, close to the beach, and aunty makes killer chai.”

No reviews. No photos. Just trust and vibes.And somehow, it always worked out.

Walk Till You Find One

No plans? Perfect.

You stroll through Anjuna or Palolem, backpack slung low, and spot those hand-painted signs:“Rooms Available” or the more hopeful “Vacancy AC/Non AC.”

You knock on a gate, call out for aunty or uncle, peek into a room, negotiate a bit, and move in by sunset. A bed, a fan, a line to dry your swimwear — what more did you need?

Call a Friend Who Knows a Guy

There’s always that one friend who “knows someone” — usually an artist, DJ, yoga teacher, or expat who’s lived in Goa too long to leave.

“I’ll connect you with Raju — he has a place behind Curlies. No listing, just WhatsApp him.”

And so, your stay begins with a voice note and a stranger's welcome.

Why It Still Matters

In a world of filters, algorithms, and overplanned travel, there’s something romantic — almost rebellious — about finding a room in Goa the way we used to.

You don’t just find a place to stay. You find stories. You meet people. You let Goa happen to you.

So this season, maybe skip the listings for once. Land with an open heart, a few contacts, and see where the road — or your taxi guy — takes you.

Goa’s ready. Are you?