The White Balcao

A charming piece of Panaji’s heritage! ☕️

Visited White Balcao in Panaji on 9th October, and it was a wonderful experience. This charming café, with around 100 years of history, beautifully blends old-world character with a subtle, elegant interior.

The place is very well maintained, and there’s something genuinely special about sitting in a space that has preserved its heritage while still feeling warm and welcoming. The ambience is peaceful and understated, making it a lovely spot to slow down and enjoy a good coffee.

Had a really nice coffee and an equally good overall experience. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in Panaji and appreciate heritage spaces, great ambience, and a relaxed café experience.

A beautiful little slice of Panaji’s history. Highly recommended!

I stayed two nights. Best hostel I have tried in India so far. It was way better than the ones in Delhi and Agra. I loved the little things here. It is always the little things that make the difference. The bathroom looked elegant and clean. The people were nice. The staff were amazing. The breakfast actually made sense.

Wonderful place, as in pictures! We stayed in deluxe room with balcony, big comfy bed, large bathroom, picturesque view from balcony, the dome of some temple, papaya tree and birds around. Owner gave us a quick lift up to the hill to Art museum at hot midday. The stuff is mindful. Recommend this lovely place!

I am in love with this place❤️! So good, so italish architechture... vibe is also so so great! You must book a room here to enjoy everything near by. So to locate this place... you need to go into the street opp to Cotton village shop. The host is also sooo lovely ❤️

I recently stayed at this place. I absolutely loved the room its so cozy and warm and private, the balcony gives you the best feeling in this rain ever.

Coming to service it was absolutely pathetic the receptionist alisha was so rude, so non-accomodating, she was not helpful at all she didnt listen to us. We stayed for 3 days and the room didnt get clean, i had a late flight so wanted to get a late checkout but couldnt.
The breakfast is worse than ever we had pur package with breakfast but skipped it after day 1 as they will give you one banana in the name of fruit half bowl of poha if you go for that and extra charges if you ask for ice in your coffee as in iced Americano. This was the most ridiculous thing ever.
Coming from hospitality industry and seeing guess literally

I dont know who the host was but i think people turn up coz of the room only.

The girl was very rude and so dismissive in nature even when we were trying to get direction of the place she couldn't understand or even heard a thing.
If i come back it will be for the room only
NOTHING ELSE ONLY THE ROOM IS WORTH IT.

The staff is courteous and extremely sweet. There were ants in the sugar jar. The ant flavoured chai did not taste good. The dormitory did not have a private changing area and the bathroom did not have even basic things like a hand towel.
One good thing about the property is its location. Old goa, casinos , nice cafes all of these are within walking distance.

Wonderful stay option in Panaji 😍🥰 A well maintained Neat and Clean, Small yet Cozy place, best fit for people who are Solo travelers and do WFH✅Fountainhas Panjim is the Instagrammable Heritage walk area. They provide good 🥪☕breakfast also.!!

I had a lovely time at the White Balcao, the property was very clean, the host Fahad was very accommodating and the staff was also very nice.
Ashwini and Ujwala the staff in the morning provide lovely breakfast.

Pros-

The ambience was very nice. It is located in the heart of the city in the Latin Quarters where you can see all the colourful buildings just outside the property. The staff is helpful and recommending you various things to explore around the city. There is a cafe as well in the hostel where you can get some delicious coffee and food. The breakfast was absolutely wonderful, some of the best eggs I've had in my life! The crowd is good and met some wonderful people.

Cons-

The bathroom was very small, the geyser didn't work even after 20 minutes and the exhaust fan was not working which is a BIG safety hazard for such a small shower room. Absolutely no toiletries were provided by the property which was a big downside. There was no parking available at the property and you need to park at the nearby public parking space.

I stayed in The White Balcao for 4 days. The room and commonspace is furnished and clean. All Staffs are so kind and very friendly. Breakfast is so good but its limited .🚶🏼 Walking Distance for Bus terminal is nearly about 1KM. 🚫There is no parking space for Car and bike. Especially cafe is good looking and price is little bit higher😂✌🏻

Such a cozy, beautiful hostel.
The rooms are clean, the breakfast is delicious and people are polite.
Would highly recommend.

Nice calm and very neat place. Alisha and Ujwala were very respectful and caring. Highly recommend to backpackers.

Ambience is very good. Friendly people. Nice rooms. Near and clean. Breakfast is complementary.

Everything is just perfect here and the breakfast was amazing too , coffee was good bed was good everything was so clean and aesthetic 🫰🏼

The most comfortable place we have stayed at in the 2.5 weeks we were in India. The rooms and common spaces are tastefully furnished, clean, comfortable, and well thought through. The staff were also very kind and helpful, and the breakfast delicious.

Very nice dormitory. Exceeded my expectations. Good value for money

I stayed here for 3 days
No courtesy no warmth
The breakfast was bad
The receptionist was rude
Only the room was nice with a balcony

The receptionist is extremely rude and not at all welcoming. She leaves around 7 and then for half an hour there is no one who will get your check in done or get rooms ready.
The woman at the reception is a lowkey argumentative and arrogant woman. Thd room was alright and rest of the other staff are more welcoming than the glorified qualified “receptionist”.

They give us a warm welcome and such a hospitality...... everyone is very sweet and very helpful...... totally worth the money

Terrible Experience – Would Not Recommend
Our stay at [Hotel Name] in Goa was extremely disappointing. From the moment we arrived, the service was noticeably bad. The staff was rude and unhelpful, making the entire experience frustrating.
The hotel itself felt more like a jail than a place to relax. The atmosphere was stifling, and there was no sense of hospitality. Adding to the discomfort, the water supply was inconsistent, with water coming and going throughout our stay.
The breakfast was another major letdown—same items every day, and the quality was subpar. For the high prices they charged, we expected at least decent variety and taste, but it was a complete disappointment.
Overall, this hotel was overpriced and failed to provide even basic amenities or decent service. I would strongly advise against staying here.

1. Room is decent and has retro look but full of mosquitoes and rats. Be ready to sleep eith them.
2. Service is poor, dont expect anything like other hotels such as housekeeping, room service etc.
3. Overpriced as compared to the condition of room and the ambience.
4. No TV in the room, no complimentary stuffs such as water bottle ,tea kettle, tea and coffee packets etc.
5. No hot water in the bathroom. No wordrobe for keeping your stuffs.
6. Has well furnished common areas.
7. Staff at reception desk are sweet and has beautiful smiles. They can speak fluent english,hindi & Marathi and maybe konkani as well.
8. Private room has a decent balcony but not so good view in front of it. It has a backyard view.
9. Poor maintenance and finishing works in the detailing of interior which cud have been better to enhance the experience.
10. Restaurant review - I liked the veg biryani alot but the frappuccino was yaak.. doesnt tasted good at all. It cud have been better with the appropriate amt of milk instead of water. It tasted like cold balck coffee made in water.
11. Every morning there's prayers and kirtans going on in nearby temple which is the best feeling i had. Felt really good.

Ambience is amazing, with plenty of space in the common area. The dorm is clean, spacious and equipped with a working AC. Bathrooms are well maintained. The staff are very friendly as well. Property is located on Fountainhas, so a lovely walk during the day.

Only catch, the two wheeler parking location is around 30 steps away.

Amazing place to be with yourself. Good options for bar nearby. Good stuff.

Amazing place. The staff is friendly and polite. Its a nice, cozy place. There are two floors in this hostel. The G-floor has bunkers, and the +1 has proper bedrooms. You can check out the photos and see for yourself. I personally had a great time here, and the breakfast served is delicious. Washrooms are hygienic, and cleanliness is maintained. Mineral water dispensers are available for drinking water.

Lovely place, was the highlight of my trip, the complementary breakfast options were always great. The staff always ready to help.
Located at the heart of the Latin Quarter a lot of the spots were in walking distance. They also had a resident cat <3
We went during the Goa Carnival, which was also happening close by. The rooms were clean, ours was big, shared by 8, but we had 0 issues, rather spacious and clean washrooms. We loved our time talking to other travelers. Old Goa, it's churches, Miramar beach and Salim Ali National Park are also close, we would travel with the locals by bus, spotted dolphins on the mandovi. All in all a Great experience!

1. Cute place and ambience if you like cozy hostels.
2. Good crowd if u r travelling solo and looking for a company in the hostel. I made great friends here.
3. The location is great. It’s right there in the centre so everything is close by.
4. The staff girls and watchman are cheerful and nice but do get cranky when asked for even a logical favour 😃 they would say no to mostly everything. The two maid aunties are cute though. Their main owner needs to chill, so the staff can become a little less stringent with their rules etc. This is the strictest hostel I have been to in my last 6 years of solo travelling.
5. The best part is they have breakfast complimentary. Lesser vegan or vegetarian options though.
6. They don’t provide quilts in an AC room. Oh they do, and it’s chargeable!! 😃

A very budget and customer friendly hostel in one of the best areas of Panaji; Fontainhas. Their dorms, washrooms and the common areas are clean. The staff is really very friendly and cooperative. Highly recommend for solo travelers. The only suggestion for them is that they should try to increase the number of washrooms if possible.

An amazing place in a quite and calm location. The rooms are well maintained and the more importantly the washrooms are clean. What I liked most about this hostel is their hospitality... The staff is really interactive, friendly and cooperative. If you're in Panaji and looking for a hostel, then this is the best hostel in the vicinity.

Not at all worth the money. Faced a water issue during our stay which hindered with our planning a lot. The common washroom had a flush problem which was never resolved and the blankets provided to us were almost like bedsheets. The breakfast was very mediocre and the staff took a lot of time to serve it. We were late on many occasions because of that. We had to park our two wheelers a bit far away from the hotel as we weren’t allowed to park outside. Overall, it felt as if we as customers were adjusting at the place even though we’d paid for it. The staff was rude at times, and all in all we didn’t feel very welcomed.

Overall, good experience here. Very authentic place in the great location. Staff is helpful and they organise musicians to come for an afternoon mini show.
I thought that was cool. The only thing I see as a problem is the dump walls, it is a bit off-putting and may be harmful if mould develops. The breakfast is good and so is the cafe. 😊

My partner and I recently had the pleasure of staying at The White Balcao in Panaji, and we were absolutely enchanted by the experience. This boutique hotel provided us with a serene and romantic retreat, making our couple's stay truly memorable.

Ambiance: As soon as we stepped into The White Balcao, we were captivated by its elegant and soothing ambiance. The hotel's colonial-style architecture blended seamlessly with its modern interior design, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury and tranquility. The tasteful decor, soft lighting, and meticulously chosen furnishings added a touch of charm to the entire space, making it the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

Accommodations: Our room at The White Balcao was nothing short of exceptional. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from the plush bedding to the thoughtfully curated artwork adorning the walls. The room exuded a sense of comfort and intimacy, providing us with a cozy haven to relax and unwind. The en-suite bathroom was impeccably clean and stocked with premium amenities, further enhancing our stay.

Service: The staff at The White Balcao truly went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction. From the moment we checked in until our departure, we were greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. The personalized service provided by the attentive and friendly staff made us feel like valued guests throughout our stay. They were knowledgeable about the local area and offered excellent recommendations for nearby attractions and dining options.

Location: The White Balcao enjoys a prime location in Panaji, making it convenient for exploring the city's charm and nearby attractions. We appreciated the peacefulness of the neighborhood, which allowed us to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while still being within easy reach of its vibrant energy. Additionally, the hotel provided a serene rooftop area where we could enjoy breathtaking views of the cityscape and unwind in privacy.

Breakfast: The complimentary breakfast served at The White Balcao was a delightful experience in itself. Each morning, we were treated to a delectable spread of freshly prepared dishes that catered to both local and international tastes. The quality and variety of the food were exceptional, and the attentive staff made sure we had everything we needed to start our day off right.

Overall Experience: Our stay at The White Balcao was truly unforgettable. The hotel's attention to detail, peaceful ambiance, impeccable service, and convenient location made it the perfect choice for a romantic couple stay. We left feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and with cherished memories of our time spent at this delightful boutique hotel.

Conclusion: If you are looking for an intimate and romantic retreat in Panaji, The White Balcao is the ideal destination. From the moment you step through its doors, you'll be enveloped in a world of elegance, tranquility, and personalized hospitality. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable couple's getaway, The White Balcao is sure to exceed your expectations and create an experience you'll cherish forever.

(Note: This review is based on my personal experience and reflects my own opinions.)

Had a really good time here. Really amazing place with all the amenities you ask for. Although I stayed in the private room, but their dorm rooms were also really awesome and quite hygienic.
Talking about the location, it is probably situated in a place from where most of well known places are close, Bombay Roasters coffee, Joseph Bar and also the Bus stand.
They also give complimentary breakfast in the morning with a quite a bit of option for customisation.

A big Thank You to Ujwala and Alesha who run this place exceptionally well. This was my first time using a dorm facility and I think I'm hooked thanks to the great experience at The White Balcao. The coffee and food served here is yummy, plus the complimentary Breakfast and the AC dorm rooms, clean and comfortable beds, what else could one ask for. The bathroomsa re clean and well maintained as well. I will definitely be back here the next time I visit Panjim.

Such a pretty place ✨❤️

I was looking for a place to stay in Fontainhas and found this one. This place is not only pretty and aesthetic but it will give you superb hospitality, cleanliness and great location. I was surprised to see that the bathrooms are clean throughout the time though so many people are using it in the dorms. Food is also good at this place. If you want to spend few days in the beautiful lanes of Fontainhas, give this place a chance.

Great rooms and service. Loved the complimentary breakfast. It was yum and tummy filling. The receptionist is very sweet and friendly.
Rooms are cosy and clean. wifi is available. Washrooms are very clean and spacious. AC and mon AC dormitory are available.

The whole stay is very nice. The living area is very asethetic. 1.1km from bus stand. In city center. They will also suggest and help you with nearby places and shopping centers.

Very artsy and relaxed hostel. The staff are very accomodating and kind and it feels really nice to hear the chitter chatter in the kitchen of the ladies managing it..well everyone has their share of experience but ultimately it's how the staff managed the situation..so I'm going to give a 5star. Sometimes the owners have certain protocols that don't make sense for a hostel, not logical sense.. however the only people who can take a decision are the staff working there..so very well handled. The highlight is the lovely breakfast you'll get every morning which is covered in the price per night..cheers...

I absolutely adored this place. I'm giving it 5 stars even though there was a leakage in my room because they fixed it immediately. The bathrooms are the cleanest I've come across someone far. The staff almost entirely made up of women. The place is too cute. Vietnamese Coffee is a must try here. Actually all their coffee was good. There are non-ac rooms which are okay in the winter. The location is also bang in the centre of fontainhas which is great if you're staying for a night and don't want to drive around. It's the best area to walk around and explore. You will find social media fiends at every corner filming reels and photos. But overall the hostel is a must stay.

If you are searching for a private room, then yeah this location is okay, but the dorms are the worst. They charge 1000 per person and the washroom is not even attached. The lockers are also not safe, and the blanket they provided was as thin as a paper.

Writing this review at 4.00 am in the morning after struggling entire night to find air. The dorms are suffocating. I have booked a 8 bed mixed dorm with AC in it. The dorm is so stinky and non airy since late night. Maybe they have shut the cooling of AC or the AC doesn’t work in dorm at the first place. There is no window in the room to ventilate. Other people in the dorm had similar issues too. They are charging pretty hefty amount for the kind of service they are providing. There is nobody at the property to ask for help in the night. There is a watchman who seems to care none. Ended up paying 4K for 4 people, to get nothing in return. Never coming back to this space. The old quarter right opposite to this seems a better option. Have stayed there before. They need to pull up their services if they wish to charge a certain amount from guests. There is no guest service whatsoever. Even at hostels, the host is supposed to provide basic amenities. Highly disappointed and feel cheated. Do not recommend.

While I came across a lot of comforting budget-friendly stays in the Fountainhas area but the whole Parisian vibe this place carries grabbed my attention the most.

The decor, the small detailing of adding a silent workspace upstairs to the existence of its very own small café once you step inside is so beautifully convenient. A space that offers beauty on the eye and also makes working from Goa a lot easier.

The people and the hygiene maintenance is the cherry on cake. I would highly recommend Solo traveller's to give a stay, meet new people, relish on their free breakfast.

This place is at a very photogenic and famous location called Fontainhas.
If you are a solo traveller, you will find people from around the world here. I have made multiple friends here which were from different parts of the world.
I stayed in the 8-bed dorm and it was okay. The walls had some dampness but that didn't affect the comfort. The washroom was clean and spacious.
They provided the complementary breakfast which was very fulfilling!

Black mold, no air,
Worst hostel experience you could even imagine. Take a look at the pictures. We had to sleep with an open door, otherwise we couldn't breath. No AC just fans -not working because the power went off. The night guard went to sleep, so we slept with doors and hostel open for anyone. When the fans worked they have been so loud, you couldn't even hear eachother talking. Don't book that! Don't go there!!!! A danger to health!

Ambiance of cafe is Good, but basic things are not there, parking is not there , breakfast is very limited, floors of rooms are broken , rats are roaming and making sounds , pillow cover are not washed.

Very nice hostel. The double room was nicely decorated, even though not pitch perfect - a few of things were out of the place with respect to the overall design. Room was big. Foot mats were dusty, probably due the holes near the ceiling. Overall, the stay was pretty comfortable.

The biggest con, for which I deducted one star is the fact that it is situated in a small sub-alley, which is a little hard to find and not one that I have got the impression of from online pictures. There are probably better located stay options in the Fontainhas area.

I booked this hostel after seeing 4+ rating on Google. But my experience wasn't that great. I stayed in a 4-bed mix dormitory. There were two bunk beds placed in a very small room, and there were literally no openings for ventilation. The ceiling was very low, and because of that there was no scope for a ceiling fan. It was bit hot inside the room in January. There were 2 pedestal fans in the room, which were noisy, and they were only good for someone who was in the lower bed of the bunk bed. There was a unpleasant smell in the room all thetime, which was, i think, since there was no ventilation in the room.

Beautiful place, with a nice cafe as the reception. Breakfast is included and you will have 5 different options to choose from. The women at the reception are very sweet, caring and make you feel like you are at home from the moment of checking in. Coffee and Sandwiches are avaible from 9:30-19 other food at different times. Beds are comfortable with Ventilation and AC. The common areas are plenty and comfortable. You might don't feel the need to leave the Hostel and explore the City, because everything is there.

I am writing this review very late for the trip I done in 2021. But I really enjoyed the stay there. Located near the Fontainhas. The hospitality was very good. Also the guests there whom I met there time made the stay even wonderful with singing songs and playing games.

I don't know how the place is now, But hope they are keeping it up well.

Nice property very artfully decorated. Clean and great vibe. A bit more maintenance needed- our bathroom latch was broken and our roof leaked. The staff can definitely be friendlier.

The place to stay in GOA is in PANJIM The property is around 100 years old now converted to a hostel that gives you aesthetic vibes . We stayed in an 8 bed mix dorm .
The host Alisha ma'am was very helpful. All the staff were very nice . We also meet Mr. Dhananjay there he is a great person he guides you and gives a lot of information about the places and food . Overall a good person .
They also serve a complimentary breakfast & have 4-5 options .
Location itself is a heritage it's in fontantians
If in Goa must stay in this hostel.

Bit expensive for what it is. Dorm room was tiny, not even 2 people can stand at same time and walls with mold/damp. The boutique decor and everything in common areas was nice.

Bit of a strange guy staying in the dorm, staff had to ban him from talking to the female guests. Better vibes from other guests & staff 😀