Seminyak or Tanah Lot or Nusa Dua hotel in Bali
Jan 13th, 2010, 08:44 AM
#1
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Seminyak or Tanah Lot or Nusa Dua hotel in Bali
We are wondering how important it is to stay in the Seminyak area for beach and Bali experience. We already have a 3 day stay planned in Ubud as well.
We have starwood points that we could use for Le Meridien resort in Tanah Lot or the Sheraton in Nusa Dua. They appear to be about the same distance from Kuta/ Seminyak area, but the hotels have decidedly different flavor. We are thinking that we would drive in to Seminyak for a day experience from either Tanah Lot or Nusa Dua. Or are we missing something by not staying at a Seminyak hotel....Sofitel seems to be mentioned here some times.
We will be in Bali mid-March after a short trip to Borobudur.
Thanks for your thoughts on this.
We have starwood points that we could use for Le Meridien resort in Tanah Lot or the Sheraton in Nusa Dua. They appear to be about the same distance from Kuta/ Seminyak area, but the hotels have decidedly different flavor. We are thinking that we would drive in to Seminyak for a day experience from either Tanah Lot or Nusa Dua. Or are we missing something by not staying at a Seminyak hotel....Sofitel seems to be mentioned here some times.
We will be in Bali mid-March after a short trip to Borobudur.
Thanks for your thoughts on this.
Jan 13th, 2010, 12:16 PM
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Thanks, gpanda & kathie, for the quick response.
So I've crossed off Nusa Dua.
I am wondering if staying far from Seminyak I am missing something...is there a disadvantage being in Tanah Lot and not able to just walk over to the Seminyak scene? On the other hand, Le Meridien resort at Tanah Lot is most likely self contained with good restaurants and beach. Has anyone stayed at the Le Meridien? Thanks.
So I've crossed off Nusa Dua.
I am wondering if staying far from Seminyak I am missing something...is there a disadvantage being in Tanah Lot and not able to just walk over to the Seminyak scene? On the other hand, Le Meridien resort at Tanah Lot is most likely self contained with good restaurants and beach. Has anyone stayed at the Le Meridien? Thanks.
Jan 13th, 2010, 04:58 PM
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Firstly, do not under-estimate the traffic in south Bali. Roads from Jimbaran to Seminyak are often one big traffic jam. It's definitely getting worse, although mid-March won't be as bad as August.
It's really up to you. Personally, while there are times I like a bit of isolation, I generally hate the idea of having to get a taxi (or worse an expensive hotel-provided car service) to go anywhere, especially out to dinner. It tends to turn a "vacation" into "work" - deciding where to go, what to eat, when to eat.
It's really up to you. Personally, while there are times I like a bit of isolation, I generally hate the idea of having to get a taxi (or worse an expensive hotel-provided car service) to go anywhere, especially out to dinner. It tends to turn a "vacation" into "work" - deciding where to go, what to eat, when to eat.
Jan 13th, 2010, 05:23 PM
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magical, I think it depends on what you want to do at the beach.
Nusa Dua was designed as a resort enclave and that's exactly what it is for better or for worse. It's really a long sandy beach with water generally good for swimming, though sometimes shallow. There are plenty of restaurant options but they are all in the various hotels.
The Meridien is built on the cliff at Tanah Lot. I’ve never stayed there but I’ve visited. The property actually encompasses both a temple and a golf course. To get to the beach you have to take a cart or walk down (and eventually up) numerous stairs. The setting is scenic but not particularly developed. Certainly convenient for golf, though.
Seminyak is part of a long string of beaches that stretch several miles from Kuta to Canggu. The surf can be aggressive though the beach itself is widely used for all kinds of activities which can lead to a range in cleanliness. Seminyak has a high concentration of shops, restaurants, clubs and spas and has in that respect has become a destination for people staying in other parts of South Bali. Traffic, as Michael notes, can be problematic, especially coming from Nusa Dua or Sanur. Less so from Tanah Lot but still more time spent in the car than I would like.
To me the attractions of Seminyak are the long walking beach, the wonderful sunsets and proximity to shops and restaurants – either within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Because the area is quite popular now rates have gone up quite a bit, which makes the decision even more difficult.
The better hotels have extensive grounds that overlook the beach but aren’t actually on the beach. If you stay at a villa you’re stuck with the public beach facilities which can be less appealing. I think the Sofitel is a good value in a good location. It has beautiful grounds and two nice pools, but its beachfront can be crowded and less than tidy.
Nusa Dua was designed as a resort enclave and that's exactly what it is for better or for worse. It's really a long sandy beach with water generally good for swimming, though sometimes shallow. There are plenty of restaurant options but they are all in the various hotels.
The Meridien is built on the cliff at Tanah Lot. I’ve never stayed there but I’ve visited. The property actually encompasses both a temple and a golf course. To get to the beach you have to take a cart or walk down (and eventually up) numerous stairs. The setting is scenic but not particularly developed. Certainly convenient for golf, though.
Seminyak is part of a long string of beaches that stretch several miles from Kuta to Canggu. The surf can be aggressive though the beach itself is widely used for all kinds of activities which can lead to a range in cleanliness. Seminyak has a high concentration of shops, restaurants, clubs and spas and has in that respect has become a destination for people staying in other parts of South Bali. Traffic, as Michael notes, can be problematic, especially coming from Nusa Dua or Sanur. Less so from Tanah Lot but still more time spent in the car than I would like.
To me the attractions of Seminyak are the long walking beach, the wonderful sunsets and proximity to shops and restaurants – either within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Because the area is quite popular now rates have gone up quite a bit, which makes the decision even more difficult.
The better hotels have extensive grounds that overlook the beach but aren’t actually on the beach. If you stay at a villa you’re stuck with the public beach facilities which can be less appealing. I think the Sofitel is a good value in a good location. It has beautiful grounds and two nice pools, but its beachfront can be crowded and less than tidy.
Jan 13th, 2010, 08:24 PM
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maj-- take a look at sanur... its a nice little, or not so little, town with tons of services and a very nice beach front....FORGET NUA DUA!!!
do you have hyatt points?? the hyatt bali is not bad---older but still very nice...i think margaret would like it...
also look at alam shanti---it is fabulous and at $150 for the better rooms a real steal...no dinner however... you must go out but they will drive and collect you for free... we love the gangga room, but i think the smaller ones are nice also...
kuta is really for kids and drunks....i don't think you would like it...
we are trying seminyak this time for the first time...but in a villa for a week not an hotel...
i looked at the sheraton golf club but it seemed a bit remote, but very affordable
do you have hyatt points?? the hyatt bali is not bad---older but still very nice...i think margaret would like it...
also look at alam shanti---it is fabulous and at $150 for the better rooms a real steal...no dinner however... you must go out but they will drive and collect you for free... we love the gangga room, but i think the smaller ones are nice also...
kuta is really for kids and drunks....i don't think you would like it...
we are trying seminyak this time for the first time...but in a villa for a week not an hotel...
i looked at the sheraton golf club but it seemed a bit remote, but very affordable
Jan 14th, 2010, 07:30 AM
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Great responses from everyone. Thanks, fodorites, for coming through with useful details which I can use. Thanks marmot for info on the beaches and Le Meridien. Thanks MichaelBKK for info about the traffic in South Bali.
We are looking for a beach that is easy to walk on, so Sanur and Seminyak would fit the bill. It appears that Le Meridien Tanah Lot does not have a walkable beach. And it's a bit remote too. I will look for a place in Seminyak area.
rhkkmk...Thanks for recco on alam shanti...I will look into this. Yeah, I don't have hyatt points unfortunately.
We are looking for a beach that is easy to walk on, so Sanur and Seminyak would fit the bill. It appears that Le Meridien Tanah Lot does not have a walkable beach. And it's a bit remote too. I will look for a place in Seminyak area.
rhkkmk...Thanks for recco on alam shanti...I will look into this. Yeah, I don't have hyatt points unfortunately.
