In my opinion, over £900 each for 2 weeks in February is way too much. I think you should wait for the prices to come down.

BUT if I had to choose then I would probably go for Silver Sands Hideway (mainly because it's brand new and will be well finished by the time you go), Highland Beach or Silver Sands (not really a holiday village) in that order. Phoenix Park is well overpriced.

They all look overpriced to me but booking so far ahead I suppose does not help.

Agree the bewer hotel always would win for me but otherwise HBR is central to all the action.

Thanks for the replies, you've helped me to decide on the Silver Sands Hideaway! Just out of interest, if I left the booking till next year, would I expect to see the price drop by a few hundred per person?
Having never been to Goa before (normally Orlando), the only reason we normally book so far in advance is because the prices rocket due to popularity / availability, or do the Goa holidays not sell as quickly once first released?

Hi Gobofraggle I think those prices are rather on the high side for February. I would wait a while for some reviews to come out for the Hideaway see what people think, youve got time on your side to wait a while.

Thanks nejulie Not sure how long I can wait to book though as I'm impatient lol & looking forward to my 1st visit to Goa.

Sometimes its hard to gauge the prices for Goa. Take this year for example the prices for the next few weeks have dropped a lot some are half the price but that is really last minute. The charter prices dont seem to increase but I havnt booked a full package for a few years so not 100% sure but I certain someone will come on and advise you better than I can. I cant see many people paying more than that if the tour operators did increase them.

As for the hotels youve looked at. Highland Beach and the Silversands Hideaway are probably around the same distance away from the beach easily walkable in about 10 mins or so. The Silver Sands is as close to the beach you will get get in Candolim but I can assure you you will be spending very little time in the hotel.

I know what you mean about being impatient but try and wait for a few more replies and reviews before you book

Thank you, was a bit unsure of booking flight & accommodation separately for the first time as didn't fancy a stop in Mumbai or Delhi & so thought a package one would be easier.

we always book as early as possible.
For this season we booked in Nov 2009, obviousley we watched the price for our chosen holiday and it hasn't gone down at all. In fact it has gone up slightly.
I think the picture of the outside of the Hideaway is not a real pic, its a computer generated impression.
Phoenix park , we have stayed there 3 times and it does seem to be a bit overpiced for next season as the rooms are getting a bit tired. Still a good hotel though in my experience.Also not too sure which are the superior rooms there now. If in the new block then these are very nice rooms, only a couple of seasons old.

siilver sands holiday village, stayed there last season and have booked for there this coming season.
Have had no problem there with superior room but would be very dissapointed should we be downgarded to standard rooms as they are not really that good.
We would have considered the Hideaway had it been available when we booked.

Highland Beach gets good reports but is too big for me, strictly personal choice only.

I know lots will disagree with me but...... I have spoken to lots of people who are considering Goa for the first time next year and even with the recession etc I don't think that prices will fall much , if at all, because of the possible demand.
The bottom line is that if you book now and prices do fall you will kick yourself,,,,if you leave it to later you may find prices haven't dropped but choices have gone so you kick yourself
edit. checked the website first day next season on offer and our choices were saying "hurry, only one room left".
Whats that all about then?

Thanks del949 for hotel reviews Have now booked with First Choice - 2 weeks at the new Silver Sands Hideaway for 8th Feb 2012 for 2 adults with extra legroom seats for £1970.
Decided to book now so we could get the hotel we wanted, but if it does come down in price later, I'll remember that for future trips. The 'hurry only one room left' seems to apply to single occupancy bookings which they don't make very clear on the website.

Ang there's a 2 page thread here on your choice of hotel:- http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=147339&start=0

Thanks Glynis Looking forward to seeing a few more pics from KatieP.