An amazing larger choice of Bali accommodations for such a tiny village...
At the end of the 60’s the Kuta beach area started to attract hippies and surfers who fell in love with its gorgeous beach, the surf breaks, the magic mushrooms and basic Bali accommodations under the palm trees.
After these first flow of travellers all kinds of travellers came to the Kuta beach Bali area to spend their holidays.
Basic accommodation is still widely available but now there’s also a choice of more luxurious Bali styled hotels while enjoying all that Kuta has to offer.
The scars of the bombing of the Sari Nightclub and Paddy’s Nightclub on 12 October 2002 are still visible on many of the hotels in the Bali Kuta beach area.
Some have survived, others have not and some are trying to hold on to the reputation they once had.
It’s of no use recommending Bali accommodations that are in need of maintenance and renovation badly such as the ’80 styled Kuta Beach Club hotel or those that still hang on to their former grandeur such as the Inna Kuta Beach hotel.
Here are a couple of Bali accommodations in Tuban, Legian and Kuta I came across on during my travels which have survived, improved and which are really worth staying at...
Poppies Bali
In the the heart of the hustle and bustle of Kuta beach there's the
quiet oasis of the Poppies Bali hotel with 20 great thatch
bungalows, swimming pool and beautiful garden. Breakfast is served
either at your terrace or in their restaurant.
Since it's a very popular place try to book way ahead...(around US$ 95-115 p.n.)
The
Kuta Lagoon Hotel:
At the Kuta Lagoon Resort all of the rooms have lagoon pool view and
the place is beautifully set among bamboo, tropical flowers and
Balinese statues holding jugs of water pouring straight into the pool.
It’s obvious where the hotel got its name from.
One of the big surprises along Jalan Legian with all its restaurants, clubs and shops... (around US$54-US$181 p.n.)
Hard
Rock Hotel Bali:
Just across the street from the sandy beach of Kuta where you can enjoy a ‘rocky’ but
comfortable holiday experience at one of the most beautiful and
original pools we’ve experienced till now.
Feel like renting a Harley Davidson for the day? Then this is one of the Bali accommodations to go to...(around US$175-US$582 p.n.)
Kuta Sea view Boutique Resort & Spa:
Looking for one of those small scale Bali accommodations along Kuta
beachfront? Then this resort is a great option. The 80 modern Balinese
styled guestrooms are nicely decorated and are surrounded by green
gardens. The deluxe rooms have a relaxing lounge seat on the balcony.
The pool is surrounded by comfortable sun loungers and their restaurant attracts many travelers passing by...(around US$112-US$294 p.n.)
The
Mercure Bali:
When I walked into the hotel lobby I was impressed the first moment I
saw the hotel lobby, the courtyard with the palm trees and the fish
pond in the middle of the building.
From their rooftop swimming pool you have the best view of the the Bali Kuta beach area and restaurants, shops and the famous Poppies lane is just around the corner. (around US$101-358 p.n.)
Grand
Istana Rama:
Their location is just perfect, it’s not far from shops, great
restaurants, bars and night clubs. Even though it’s located on the busy
Jalan Pantai Kuta the hotel is very quiet.
I was very surprised to see such a big hotel complex with
beautiful gardens on a location like this since it is a very congested
area...
(US$82-US$229 p.n.)
Ramayana
Resort:
What the hotel lacks in view or bungalows it makes up with their wide
range of facilities and their choice of luxury rooms. You don’t have to
go far... Bali Kuta beach with its beautiful orange/purple sunset is
only a 5/10 minutes stroll from the Ramayana.
This is also the place where you'll find one of our favorite restaurants; the Gabah Restaurant & Bar...(around US$95-US$462 p.n.)
Bali
Padma Hotel:
Right on the beach in Legian, this Bali beach resort got it right with
Balinese design and atmosphere surrounded by plenty of tropical flowers
and trees.
If you ask me they should have changed their name into Bali Flower Hotel instead. Great sunset views and popular restaurants... (around US$463 p.n.)
Ramada Resort Camakila:
This big Balinese resort is located at Legian beach and has two
attractive swimming pools. From their infinity pool you can gaze over
the ocean. And if you want to enjoy a cocktail while admiring the
sunset you should head up to their rooftop bar.
The minimal decorated pool and garden rooms are spacious and their suites have a living area...(around US$150-US$650 p.n.)
Bali Niksoma Legian:
This Bali beach resort has a classy feel to it with a modern Balinese
style throughout the resort and interior of the rooms. In their rooms
Niksoma has used dark natural colors and minimum furniture.
The Niksoma suites all have four poster beds, living area and warm dark parquet floors. An eye-catching feature is their two level pool with direct views of the ocean... (around US$153-US$400 p.n. excl Villa)
O-ce-n Apartments by Outrigger Bali:
If you want to be just meters from good restaurants and the beach then
this is one of the Bali accommodations you should consider. Their
contemporary styled condos are all fully serviced, very clean and the
staff are known to be very friendly.
The food at O-ce-n is particularly good. Break-fast is freshly prepared and the seafood buffet at the Flying Fish Restaurant should not be missed... (around US$162-US$353 p.n.)
All
Seasons Resort Legian Bali:
This is one of those Bali accommodations that is ideally located amid
shops and restaurants. Right in the middle of Legian you can either
walk to Double 66 or to Jalan Padma.
The rooms have minimum modern furniture with an additional seating area, balcony and even an ipod docking station...
The friendly staff create a relaxing and informal atmosphere... (around US$72-US$232 p.n)
Legian Beach Hotel:
This Indonesian style resort is one of the few bigger Bali
accommodations that is located right at the beach. At this Bali beach
resort you can wander from the pool to the beach and straight into the
ocean. The bungalow rooms are highly recommended.
The resort is located between Legian and Kuta, so you can easily go to both villages to check out the restaurants, shops and clubs... (around US$142-US$483 p.n.)
Maharta Beach Resort Bali:
Managed by Bali Niksoma this resort has a clean and fresh appearance.
They have three types of rooms, all furnished with a Balinese touch.
The rooms however tend to be small.
The staff will take extra effort to make your stay more enjoyable here. The gardens are all well kept and the beach is just a minute from your door. This place is perfect for those who want to enjoy the Kuta area while staying at a quality resort...(around US$108-US215 p.n.)
Hotel Puri Raja Legian:
Bali accommodations right at Kuta or Legian beach are scarce, that is
why this small scale hotel is very popular. It has only 70 rooms but
with two attractive swimming pools. So enough space to swim around.
Their rooms have a balcony or verandah. If you want to stay near the
pool go for the deluxe rooms.
Shops and restaurants are around the corner and if you want to enjoy more action just walk along the beach towards the Kuta area... (around USD$103-US$180 p.n.)
The Patra Bali Resort & Villas:
Another family oriented resort is the Patra Bali located in Tuban. Set
along a clean beach there is a path that leads to Kuta in 20 minutes.
This big resort has shallow pools and a kids club. For the adults there are sun beds and a bar at the pool, restaurants and a spa. The rooms are found in Balinese styled buildings set in a tropical garden...(around USD$136-USD$225 p.n excl Villas)
Hotel Santika Premiere Beach Resort Bali:
Close to the hustle and bustle of Kuta with all its shops, restaurants
and bars you'll find this serene beach front hotel with lovely
gardens, swimming pools and plenty of sun loungers on the
beach and around the pools. Smiling staff is all over the place and
their buffet breakfast is extensive.
There are various rooms to choose from and some have even butler service...(around US$131-US$365 p.n.)
Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel:
One of the Bali accommodations that is ideally
located along the busy Kartika street with all its restaurants and
shops and the seafront (beach is a five-minute walk).
The hotel's garden is big and there is a swimming pool with bar. They offer a lot of entertainment such as water polo, beach volleybal, beach soccer and other stuff. Great resort for kids and those attending an onsite wedding...(around US$180-US$775 p.n.)
Ramada Bintang Bali Resort & Spa:
This is one of the Bali accommodations ideal for families with young kids as their Kid's Club
is for free (4-12 years old), there are family connecting rooms and they
even have cheap baby sitting options so the parents can have some
quality time as well.
The big Discovery Mall is just a 10-minute walk along the water front so you can avoid the busy Jalan Kartika with its many shops and touts...(around US$123-US$298 p.n.)
Green Garden Beach Resort and Spa:
Green Garden manages several Bali accommodations, of
which one is the Garden Beach resort. The minimum age for staying at
this resort is 18 years so this makes it a great get-away for couples
or groups of friends.
Despite the absence of an elevator the top floor rooms are popular as you can feel the sea breeze coming in over the spacious balcony. This place is also an excellent option if you need to catch an early flight...(around US$78-US$140 p.n.)
Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali:
This is another kid-friendly hotel in the south of Kuta, Tuban with big suites which have 2 rooms, one main bedroom and a smaller one with
bunk beds or sofa beds for the kids.
It is perfectly located along a clean beach area and there is a beach path that takes you straight to Kuta center. It takes you around 10 minutes to the Discovery Mall and the many bars and restaurants along Jalan Kartika...
(US$108-US$323 p.n.)
Bali
Dynasty Hotel:
Situated on the coast in Tuban, just next to Bali Kuta beach is one of
the most family-friendly Bali accommodations with a pool and activity
club specially designed for kids looked after by experienced staff.
Isn’t this how a holiday with the kids always should have been while dozing in the adult-only stone bed pool or spa? (around US$119-US$329 p.n.)
The Vira Bali Hotel:
This hotel is located just 10 minutes from the airport. So if you have
an early flight than this is one of the excellent Bali accommodations to stay at.
The pool, restaurant and rooms are well kept and comfortable. As it is located along the main street in Tuban so it's a bit of a walk to get to the Kuta action, but by taxi you are there within minutes. After crossing the street you will find the beach...(around US$95-US$200 p.n.)
Febri's Hotel & Spa:
This is another of the Bali accommodations with real value for money, ideal for families and is known for their service minded
staff, cleanliness and spacious rooms.
It is located just outside the 'craziness' of Kuta so ideal for those who want to enjoy Kuta's charm but at the same want to have some quiet moments too.
Restaurants, shops and beach are just a stone throw away, while the Febris' spa is highly recommended...(around US$68-US$174 per night)
From the very beginning Kuta has attracted a mellow surfers and backpackers crowd. Today this is still the case and while there are many Bali luxury resorts being built in Kuta area there are still many cheap Bali accommodations hidden in small alleys and streets.
From our experience it is pretty difficult to find a nice cheap place to stay in Kuta, unlike Sanur and Ubud. But if you just want to have a bed and bathroom behind a locked door then you can get very far in Kuta...;-) You can find rooms ranging from 7USD to 15USD per night. Here is a selection of Hostels and Budget Accommodation in Kuta including ratings given by other backpackers who stayed there.
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