For Candolim i would recommend Darolinas Guest House on beach Rd, very central, close to beach, clean and reasonably priced; e mail darolina@rediffmail.com.
as for the south we really enjoy Colva. nice beach and resaturants .
Have stayed at La Ben Resort, good value accomodation close to the beach.
Hope this helps,
Enjoy

Have a look here http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/india/in285.htm
Will be 2nd time we have stayed here come March, nice and clean great position (more or less opposite Ruffles) on the main road.

Hi HelenV - We've also stayed at Darolina and echo IrishNoel's views. Another option, although it is more expensive, is Albuquerque Villas. Have a look here: http://albuquerqueholidayvillas.com/

They're very nice and peaceful and yet only yards from the action. We used to stay there but as we now stay for a longer period, it got too expensive.

thanks everyone - have emailed both Darolinas and the owners of the studio/room. will await to see which are available.

spike do they only have the one room ....colleen

No think there is 9 possibly 10 ? Think they just advertise through O/Direct now, they used to have a website for JJ's (maybe in the future).
Paul who owns it also has this place http://www.casapraiagoa.com/ and if not successful with e-mail replies then contact through this website.
GEC off HT (Gail & Ray) are also staying there again same time as us, nice little place to stay in and got it for 900rps per day as last year.