Amy Adejokun
Section editor
A stone's throw from the centre of Kuta, on the seafront, the Holiday Inn is an establishment offering standard levels of comfort and a decor lacking in originality. Nevertheless, it has a pleasant setting and offers a convivial atmosphere.
In the south of Kuta, 1.5 miles from the airport or 5 to 15 minutes depending on traffic.
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.
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.
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.
The hotel offers its clients free shuttle buses to the airport at any time of day. To Kuta at 10 AM and 3 PM.
massage, beauty salon, sauna, stretching
tennis, water skiing, gym, aqua gym, aerobics, mountain bike, jet ski, sailing, canoe, dance, step
A good reputation, a pleasant park, and various restaurtants, the Bali Garden is a "mid range" hotel, well located in Kuta. However, it does not quite reach the same standard as the majority of the 4* hotels on the island.
A small, unpretentious hotel, in the heart of Kuta. Despite the urban setting and lack of facilities, it offers a calm, pleasant atmosphere and a restaurant with an excellent quallity/price ratio.
Situated to the north of Kuta, on the sea front, the Jayakarta is a standard facilities establishment. Built just 10 years ago, the facilities and rooms could do with a serious facelift.
Direcly on the seafront, the Melasti offers its clientele a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere as well as a good level of facilities. The lack of leisure equipment is a shame, however.
The Meridien is a high standard hotel offering flawless comfort and facilities. Though it cannot offer direct access to the sea, its views over Tanah Lot temple and the coastal beauty of the location give the hotel real added value.
An friendly setting, a warm welcome, and simple, adequate facilities: the Wina is a great location in order to enjoy Kuta's attractions.
Located in the centre of Kuta, the Hard Rock offers a trendy setting, like the Hard Rock Cafe located next door. The hotel is full of very modern equipment and a well-considered decor that nonetheless has nothing to do with Balinese style. This hotel is better suited to those out for a good time than those looking to enjoy the best of Bali.
Set amid the greenery, this property consists of 4 atypical villas that are both huge and well spaced out. The Villa Mathis is in fact run by a Belgian couple and is the ideal destination for a group holiday with friends or family, in beautiful, comfortable, and modern surroundings that reflect the colourful Bali lifestyle. You might be interested to know that you can hire out the entire villa for a private reception should you so wish. It's a shame though that the beach, which isn't exactly nearby, isn't suitable for water sports or swimming.
Located in the centre of Kuta, the Hard Rock offers a trendy setting, like the Hard Rock Cafe located next door. The hotel is full of very modern equipment and a well-considered decor that nonetheless has nothing to do with Balinese style. This hotel is better suited to those out for a good time than those looking to enjoy the best of Bali.
The Meridien is a high standard hotel offering flawless comfort and facilities. Though it cannot offer direct access to the sea, its views over Tanah Lot temple and the coastal beauty of the location give the hotel real added value.
This hotel stands out from the rest of the establishments in the area for its rather daring and original concept: composed of a series of villas offering upscale hotel services, it is located in a very isolated spot. Edged by rice fields and facing the sea, the establishment is located an hour along the coast from Seminyak. It must be said that the concept has proven a real success, especially teamed with the hotel's very pleasant modern architecture and wonderful facilities mostly aimed at couples seeking a private retreat. What's more, those who enjoy face and body treatments will love the hotel's spa, with its elegant dim lighting, but if it's a beach you're after, you may be disappointed.
Set amid the greenery, this property consists of 4 atypical villas that are both huge and well spaced out. The Villa Mathis is in fact run by a Belgian couple and is the ideal destination for a group holiday with friends or family, in beautiful, comfortable, and modern surroundings that reflect the colourful Bali lifestyle. You might be interested to know that you can hire out the entire villa for a private reception should you so wish. It's a shame though that the beach, which isn't exactly nearby, isn't suitable for water sports or swimming.
A high standard hotel on the seafront close to the centre of Kuta. While the rooms are welcoming, the bars and restaurants lack charm.
Direcly on the seafront, the Melasti offers its clientele a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere as well as a good level of facilities. The lack of leisure equipment is a shame, however.
An friendly setting, a warm welcome, and simple, adequate facilities: the Wina is a great location in order to enjoy Kuta's attractions.
A good reputation, a pleasant park, and various restaurtants, the Bali Garden is a "mid range" hotel, well located in Kuta. However, it does not quite reach the same standard as the majority of the 4* hotels on the island.