We've just returned home from our third visit to Goa and our third stay at the Cidade de Goa.

We love the hotel and the staff are excellent????
Not a private beach but no hawkers due to it being fairly inaccessible unless you are staying in the hotel.
The estuary water is not clear like most of the 'sea' beaches.

You are not staying in a 'tourist resort' like Candolim or Calangute, but this, to us, is one of the greatest advantages of the Cidade.
Go into Panjim and experience 'real' Goa, or to Friday market at Mapusa for a similar experience.
The taxi drivers will take you to Anjuna, spice plantations or even looking for crocodiles.

Ladies can have dresses etc made at Babu tailors, close to the municipal market in Panjim.

Guru Jeweller's have a shop in the hotel.

Unless you are all inclusive, don't rely solely on the hotel restaurants-quite expensive by Goan standards.
Walk to the top of the drive and buy water etc at Alice's shop - Shop On Top.
Use the taxis here too - they're cheaper.
The local bus stops at the hotel entrance - 6 Rs to Panjim, or walk to the NIO roundabout and get a tuk-tuk rickshaw at 80Rs.
Walk into Dona Paula, about 1.5 miles, eat at Sea Pebble, Dembo's, Goan Delicacy.
Go into Panjim and eat at Venite, Goenchin, Horseshoe, Ritz Classic, Shere Punjab Classic.

Have a ball

G&H