Where To Stay In Bali – Best Locations By 10-Time Visitor

Bali, Indonesia By

The island of the gods. Australia’s favourite holiday spot and the tropical destination Americans dream about (well, ever since Eat Pray Love).  

Bali is our backyard. When we lived in Perth, Australia we would visit Bali several times each year. At only 3.5 hours away via direct flight, it was close and convenient.

On top of that it’s comparatively cheap, distinctly different and a whimsical world away from Australia.

If you have made the plunge and are heading to this tropical paradise here are our personal recommendations on where to stay. We have stayed in each of these hotels and would not recommend anything we had not experienced ourselves.

I hope this guide helps you with your choice… there are plenty of regions and hotels to choose from.

Note: Star rating is based on Google reviews and/or TripAdvisor. 

Nusa Dua

For divine beaches, brand shopping and luxury head to the southeast coast of Bali.

Tip: Find Airbnb properties in Nusa Dua.

Grand Mirage Resort 4.5*

The perfect family hotel situated right on the beach. Swim up pool bar, kids club, water sports in the sparkling ocean and delicious restaurants.

Check latest prices | Read our review 

Samabe Bali Suites & Villas 5*

This hotel is designed for the more discerning traveller and romantic getaways. But families feel at home too with spacious suites and a fun kids club. Impeccable food and service. Pure indulgence.

Check latest prices | Read our review

Romantic Tip: Even if you're not staying at Samabe, book a romantic secluded cave dinner for 2 on your own private beach. Find out more...

Peninsula Beach Resort 4*

Great location, close to markets and restaurants. Nice big pool for a leisurely break.

Check latest prices in areaRead our review 

Holiday Inn Bali Benoa 5*

Gorgeous pool! And with facilities like morning yoga, delicious on-site restaurants, family-friendly water park, and even fruit carving, the whole family will love every minute.

Check latest prices in area | Read our review 

Novotel Bali Nusa Dua Hotel & Residences 5*

Massive family suites, kids clubs and multiple swimming pools. Located near the Bali Collection shopping mall rather than the beach and restaurants.

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Recommended: Looking for a villa? Check out Bali Villa Escapes with over 550 hand-picked villas all over Bali at the best prices. You'll definitely find somewhere you love.

Jimbaran

For beachfront dining or a low-key stay, you can be a relaxed recluse in your resort or stay with the locals. Situated on the southwest coast just a few minutes south of the airport.

Tip: Find Airbnb properties in Jimbaran.

InterContinental Bali Resort 5*

A much-loved expansive resort right on the beach. Complete with lavish club lounge, pool bar, well-equipped kids club, multiple restaurants and of course, happy hour. A 2-minute walk to the famous Jimbaran seafood restaurants.

Check latest prices | Read our review

Le Meriden Bali Jimbaran 5*

This hotel is unbelievably scenic with a saltwater lagoon that winds around the hotel. Literally next door to the Jimbaran seafood restaurants and a 1-minute walk to the beach. The roof-top restaurant offers the best Jimbaran sunset views. On-site chapel is well-suited for destination weddings.

Check latest prices | Read our review 

Sun Island Suites, Goa Gong 5*

For the absolute private and exclusive escape. Your own large spacious villa with fully equipped kitchen and private pool means you needn’t ever leave.

Check latest prices | Read our review 

Kuta

For the hustle and bustle of tourist-centric Bali stay in Kuta. Closest to the airport along the west coast, packed with restaurants, waterparks, markets and malls.

Tip: Find Airbnb properties in Kuta.

Sheraton Kuta 4.5*

Looking for a kid-centric hotel in central Kuta, you can’t go past the Sheraton. Located right on Kuta Beach next door to the famous Beachwalk Mall. Amazing food designed by the Italian head chef, and a kids club that left our kids wanting more. Infinity pool overlooks the most famous beach in Bali, but elevated enough to escape the noise and bustle.

Check latest prices | Read our review 

Hard Rock Hotel Bali 4*

This rockin' hotel is centrally located opposite the popular Kuta Beach. It features the largest free-form swimming pool in Bali, free electric guitar rentals in your suite, awesome kids clubs, delicious on-site restaurants, and private cabanas. Oh, and waterslides!

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Sun Island Hotel Kuta 4.5*

Possibly the best location in South Kuta – 2-minute walk to Waterbom and Discovery Mall. Well designed family rooms and a kid-friendly swimming pool.

Check latest prices | Read our review 

Bali Dynasty Resort 4.5*

Use to be our favourite, but prices have increased significantly since our first visit. Great kids pool, adult pool bar and comfortable family rooms.

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Febris Hotel & Spa 4*

A budget option for families in Kuta, opposite the Dynasty Resort on the district’s most popular road.

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Harris Hotel & Residences Sunset Road 4*

Another great budget hotel with a 2-bedroom suite option and pool. Located on Sunset Road so a bit of a walk (or taxi ride) to where you want to be.

Check latest prices | Read our review

Waterbom insider tip: buy your ticket securely online via Voyagin (recommended) and save 15% plus skip the regular ticket queue upon entry.

Legian

Close to the action of Kuta, located further inland, but with an emphasis on nightlife. You can find well-known clubs and pubs in the area and loads of rooftop bars.  

Tip: Find Airbnb properties in Legian.

Sun Island Hotel & Spa Legian 4*

On the main road, right in party heaven. Amazing roof top infinity pool with swim up bar, or enjoy the sunset from the 5th floor while the kids swim in the wading pool.

Check latest prices | Read our review 

White Rose Kuta Resort, Villas & Spa 4.5*

A beautifully traditional taste of Bali. This classic resort is hidden away in Legian, but still a short walk from shopping and restaurants. Relaxing pool and comfortable rooms.

Check latest prices | Read our review

Seminyak

For a more upmarket version of Kuta, head north to Seminyak. It’s a little more relaxed than Kuta and you’ll find more private villas, but still a wide range of good restaurants and markets galore.

Tip: Find Airbnb properties in Seminyak.

Anantara Vacation Club 4.5*

2-bedroom self-contained villas with a private pool… bliss! Add to this an on-site activities such as cooking classes, treasure hunts and local tours and you’ve found yourself a home.

Check latest prices in areaRead our review 

Sun Island Boutique Villas & Spa, Seminyak 4.5*

Similar location to our above villa, these villas are perfect for a hidden, quiet paradise with markets and restaurants still at your fingertips.

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Front door to our villa at Sun Island Seminyak

Adventure Tip: Take the ride of your life over a volcano in Bali! Check latest prices...

Flipkey Villa

We hired a 7-bedroom 7-bathroom home for a family reunion. Great location and came with breakfast daily.

Check latest pricesRead our review

Sanur

For a slower pace, Sanur is well-suited for families. Lots of beach activities and watersports. Check out the famous night markets in Sanur (also called “Pasar Malam Sindu”) from 6pm. Located on the east side of the island.

Tip: Find Airbnb properties in Sanur.

Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites 4*

A family-friendly hotel with kids club, apartments, beach access and plenty of pools. Located right in Sanur Village.

Check latest prices

Ubud

Retreat to the cool, lush jungle covered with some of the island’s best food. Ubud is located around 1.5 hours north of Kuta.

Tip: Find Airbnb properties in Ubud.

Hotel Tjampuhan Spa 4*

A bit of a walk out of town, but with views of Tjaumphan Ridge to die for. Relaxing and intimate.

Check latest prices | Read our review 

Flipkey Villa

We have used Flipkey several times to find our villas in Ubud. Penestanan is our favourite location at the northwest end of Ubud, offering a real slice of Bali mixed with a fun expat community.

Check latest pricesRead our review 

Bali tip: Pre-book transport from Bali's international airport to Ubud.

Uluwatu

We've taken a day trip to Uluwatu but haven't stayed overnight. If you're looking for luxurious accommodation overlooking the ocean, I'd suggest Alila Villas Uluwatu.

Tip: Find Airbnb properties in Uluwatu.

Looking for something to do in Bali? We've got you covered…

Did you know that Asia’s best waterpark is in Bali? Discover more...

Want to know how much it cost to live in Ubud, Bali? Find out here…

Best place to book discounted Bali tours and attractions online? Check this out...

Bottom Line

So what sort of holiday in Bali are you looking for? Seclusion, relaxation, shopping, or nightlife?

I hope this guide helps you choose where to stay in Bali. Or if you’re like me and can’t decide, why not split your time between 2 hotels and get the best of everything. Whether it’s your first visit or tenth to the island of the gods, the friendly culture and bargains galore will keep drawing you back.

Don’t sweat it. Just remember, you can always stay somewhere new next time. 

Reader Comments...

"I respond to every comment by direct private email. I look forward to your feedback" -

A useful and very tantalising list. You are definitely Bali connoisseurs! I love your recommendations. We've been quite a few times, the first time in 1983 (yikes) when I travelled to the Far East from Devon in far Western England ;) I'd also suggest The Melia (at Nusa Dua) and Maya Ubud (Ubud) and Samkhya Villas i(Ubud) - which I just happen to have written about on my blogs ;) Btw have Pinned :)

Jo from Lifestyle Fifty Feb 10th, 2016

These are all so commercial, not one b&b , like Sanurbnb ,in south Bali ,which offers Free Brunch , Bikes an Baby sitting in a peaceful,secure setting .

Kelvin Carlyle Apr 23rd, 2016

Recently I had a rest on the Bali. So on the third day I though I wanna go on Gili. To see those islands,
try to dive and have a good time of course. I called to guys from easygili. com and then they came and transfered
me to Gili on a speed boat. The road on boat took just a 2 hours. And then I was on this good islands. Cost -
225k. There was some problems with internet connection, but it is little things. Diving was really cool and
beach vacation, yeah. So I can say that you can safely try it.

Davie May 7th, 2016

i love it so beautiful omg .

hiddenvalley Aug 25th, 2016

Hi
I've wanted to go to Bali for sometime now and was due to do a stop over for 2 nights on a cruise in March, but due to terrorist threats the trip was cancelled.. So I'm trying to book for next year when we will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, but I can't decide where to go as it all looks fantastic. We both play golf and I love a market for bargains, can you help me decide ? Your photos look amazing
Would be great if you could point me in the right direction
Sandra

Sandra Sep 17th, 2016

Awesome pictures. Great information shared. Thank you or sharing.

Shobha Tours Sep 15th, 2017

Please suggest about what kind of weather we can find in Bali in the months of May & June?Is it rainy, humid, or hot or a very pleasant weather?
I am concerned if the weather is hot with a scorching sun.

Ankit Apr 30th, 2018

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