Hotel Holiday Inn Bali Hay

In the south of Kuta, 1.5 miles from the airport or 5 to 15 minutes depending on traffic.

The hotel offers its clients free shuttle buses to the airport at any time of day. To Kuta at 10 AM and 3 PM.

Built in 1990, the Holiday Inn has 200 rooms spread accross a series of buildings surrounding the central reception building that also contains bars and restaurants. Despite being decorated in the Asian style, the hotel suffers from the same lack of personality as many international chain hotels. Between the buildings and the beach are a large pool and pool bar, lawns planted with coconut trees and a beach restaurant by the sea. The hotel has various facilities: swimming pool, spa, gym and childcare team. There are few ground sports options, bar a tennis court and ping-pong table. In terms of water sports, you need to go to Nusa Dua if you wish to pursue any form of water sport. Basically, this hotel offers sufficient services, but no more, and is rather lacking in charm.

The standard rooms offer the minimum level of comfort expected from an international hotel chain. Compared to other 4* hotels in the region, the Holiday Inn's rooms are rather small. The decor, whilst not unpleasant, lacks originality. There are sufficient facililties available: 9 channel satellite TV, variable air conditioning (rather old), telephone (no safe). We didn't really appreciate the empty mini-bar and lack of mineral water. The bathroom is along the same lines: bare, furnished with bath/shower, hairdryer and various products. It is worth pointing out that the Deluxe rooms offer a large outdoor bathroom with angle bath and two basins. 24 hour room service available.

Meditteranean, international and Indonesian specialities. Food is generally acceptable. The main restaurant is generally pleasant, with indoor air conditioned room and an exterior terrace with views over the swimming pool. Special mention is due for the pizzeria restaurant that, in the evenings, offers candlelit tables on the beach. However, we don't recommend the pizzas, unless the pizza chef learn how to make pizza bases. The restaurants are open all day. Lunch can be ordered directly from the pool bar. The bars are pleasant, particularly the "Brian's" - an enjoyable pub with live music and a large pool table.

The beach is a decent size, approximatley 490 ft/98, but is framed by two large concrete jetties. In addition, a large number of vendors hassle you systematically from the second you leave the hotel's area. Generally, the hotel's clientele tend to remain on the hotel grounds and swim in the pool. On the stretches of lawn, plenty of deckchairs are available and beach towels are available free of charge at the swimming pool area.