16 Degrees North is an intimate boutique hotel just outside of the heart of Baga, that's popular with Indian and international tourists, especially Russians. The main entrance sits just a few paces from the main road, with a grassy patch and a footpath leading up to the main lobby. A small daybed sits off to one side and there's an open terrace for smokers, furnished with a few wicker chairs clustered around a coffee table. Inside, the lobby has a borderline industrial-woodsy-chic vibe, with driftwood-inspired wooden art pieces and knotty-pine furniture, plus a large front desk with wooden chairs and matching wooden table legs. Recessed lighting keeps things dark and low key. Dark-gray tile floors and matching painted walls complete the look. 

Beyond the lobby is the hotel's Cafe 1969 restaurant, which blends seamlessly with the lobby thanks to the continued dark-gray and natural wood motifs. Seating is at bench tables and there's a flat-screen TV. A second section with booths is made from a blend of chocolatey-hued woods and tan tiles, all illuminated with basket-style lanterns. Just beyond this section is the outdoor pool deck, a small space with lounge chairs -- plus a huge row of tall palms off to one side.

This hotel is located on the narrow Marinha Dourada Road that runs along the Baga River out towards the coast. It's a relatively busy thoroughfare, with the riverbank on one side and a series of shops, restaurants, and other hotels on the other side. Expect a 10-minute walk to the northern tip of Baga Beach. Getting down to the main Baga area -- with tons of shops and nightlife, including Tito's nightclub -- takes around 20 minutes. Anjuna is a 10- to 15-minute drive away and it's about seven minutes to the Saturday night market. Calangute takes 15 minutes to reach, and it's a good 45 minutes to get to Panjim. The airport in Vasco de Gama is around 90 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

This hotel offers 16 rooms (eight Deluxe and eight Premium) plus a suite that sleeps up to five people (but is only available via direct booking). All units are similar in terms of decor and amenities. Expect high ceilings framed with dark-wood paneling with recessed lighting, dark-wood floors and furniture, off-white walls, and pinstriped bedspreads flanked by Thai-style bamboo lanterns. Second smaller canopy-style beds are provided for kids or extra guests. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, kettles, and mini-fridges. Premium Rooms are generally a bit larger than their Deluxe counterparts and can accommodate extra mattresses; they also have nicer views -- some of the river. Bathrooms feature a mix of black tiling and marble and all have walk-in rainfall showers; those in Premium Rooms add soaking tubs. Soap is provided. Many of the rooms come with balconies with a couple of chairs. 

This hotel doesn't offer much in terms of amenities, though there is a pleasant restaurant and bar with Indian and international fare, plus drinks and room service. Food and beverages are also served next to the pool, a narrow lap pool with an attached children's pool. The small electric fountain feature doubles as a jet for shoulder massages. Breakfast is included in room rates and includes hot items (namely Indian vegetarian specialties) plus standard continental fare. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there are a couple of free parking spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. The front desk can also help with basic services such as airport transfers and laundry.