An amazing large 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 travelers all kinds of travelers 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 I came across on my travels which have survived, improved and which are really worth staying at...
Hard Rock Hotel Bali:
Right on 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? This is the place to go to.
(around US$135-155 per night)
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 over the whole of the Bali Kuta beach area. Their location is perfect if you want to have the shops, restaurants and bars just around the corner. (around US$95-140 per night)
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 per night)
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.
(around US$99 per night in high season and low season)
The Paradiso Hotel:
This is one of the biggest Bali accommodations in Kuta.
Their location is perfect: right in the middle of all the action, near the beach, restaurants, bars and shops but it remains a quiet oasis with ocean view rooms, beautiful pool in the courtyard, a piano bar, Japanese restaurant, bakery and many more... (around US$125-140 per night)
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$86-111 per night)
The 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 their name from.
One of the big surprises along Jalan Legian with all the restaurants, clubs and shops. (around US$48-62 per night)
Bali Padma Hotel:
Right at 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 well-known restaurants. This is one of the most popular Bali accommodations in Legian. (around US$215)
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 per night)
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 per night 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 per night)
All Season 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$60-US$135 per night)
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 USD$134-USD$316 per night)
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.
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 per night)
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 and 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? The rooms are furnished with a modern twist and have a balcony, verandah or terrace (around US$93-115 per night)
Febris Hotel & Spa:
This hotel is 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$70-US$180 per night)
Green Garden Beach Resort and Spa:
Green Garden manages several Bali accommodations in the Kuta area, of which one is the Garden Beach resort. The minimum age for staying at this resort is 17 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 per night)
The Patra Bali Resort & Villas:
Another family oriented resort is the Patra Bali located in Tuban. Set along the 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 per night excl Villas)
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 better 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 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 per night)