Have travelled through Goa (and stayed there) - don't have any recomendations but would "suggest " a plan : Get yourself booked in somewhere (near where you think you want to be) - for a couple of nights. THEN start your homework on the ground ...... on foot probably best. Whatever you find on line , or is suggested ... there will be somewhere much better and much cheaper just round the corner (as it were) (Cash talks) ... find it in those 2 days. Goa is NOT like the rest of India .... lots more money about and lots of tourists , and on line prices will probably reflect this. Bring some nice clean £ sterling or $ with you and change it there (get some Rupees at the airport to get you started - rate will be crap there)
I lived in S. India for two years , and covered most of it (lots of it) on two wheels .... an "interesting " experience. Spent a month on the road once - never booked ahead , never was stuck - most produce in India moves by road .... always places available for drivers to stay. We stayed everywhere from fancy hotels to less glamorous places - one complete with rat in the room (never did find it again)
Have fun - should be warmer than here , and the food is good (eat where the crowds are - rule of thumb : Quality is often inversely proportional to price !!)
