Planning a trip this November for a family of 5. Children are 4, 9, and 11. Looking for a place that is on the beach and has a nice pool and beach. We really don't care about a kids club as we just want to spend time with them. I have it narrowed down to Sanur- Bali Hyatt, Hotel Padma, or Oberioli in the Legian/Seminyak area. I would sure appreciate any help at all in steering us to the right hotel for our family. I have been having fun researching but I just don't know which place would be better.
Really appreciate any help or advice.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. It is appreciated!

The Bali Hyatt is lovely. Gorgeous grounds, lovely pools. And Sanur is a nice little town.

I haven't stayed at the others so can't give you input on those.

i too would suggest the bali hyatt as the grounds are huge for the kids and it sits in the middle of sanur for easy shopping and restaurants.....try the village for delicious italian....

the hyatt beach is very nice and so are the pools..

while i do not like nusa dua, you might find one of the chain hotels that could accomodate you all in one room..

alam shanti in ubud is a fantastic property....we stayed in gangga and it would hole the whole family...you would need to add on roll away... price about $150++

shansar, The Bali Hyatt and The Padma are both family friendly. Sanur is especially nice because the surf is not aggressive, though, personally, I think the Sanur Hyatt has seen better days.

Although I'm not a particular fan of Nusa Dua, I think the resorts there -- including the Hyatt -- offer a lot for families to do. And the beach is long and calm, albeit very shallow at low tide.

Of the three, I'd eliminate the Oberoi as it's fairly quiet and also somewhat in need of a facelift. The Padma is a favorite among expat families in Jakarta.

The surf in the Seminyak area is prone to big waves and rip tides. Thousands of people swim in it, but you have to take care. It's especially good for body surfing and boogie boards which may appeal to your older kids. I'd also recommend the Sofitel in the same area. Or the Legian if you want to go more upscale.

I'd second the suggestion that you try to spend a few nights in the Ubud area. Kids really react positively to Balinese dance and theater and staying in the area increases the sense of "art and culture all around you." Many of the resorts in Ubud and the surrounding country side offer a terrific menu of cultural, anture and adventure sightseeing.

In the Ubud area I'd suggest the Alila, Ketut's Place and the Alam Sari, but there are plenty of others that would be suitable for a family as well.

Hard to answer but I have stayed many times at the Padma and it is very much a family hotel with a large pool etc for the kids .Close to places to go to eat and shop . But the surf can be rough and dangerous especially if it is full moon .If staying there I recommend that you book the chalet accomodation which is rooms in blocks of 8 - 4 up and 4 down - set in the gardens which are nice and with a good terrace for each .

The Hyatt in Sanur was the original glam 5 star hotel and I have stayed there but not for years .As far as I recall it was last refurbished 10+ years ago .Lovely pool area but Sanur is much quieter .Calm sea as it is protected by the outer reef and has white sand .

As it is getting into the wet season when you are there you also want to be able to be close to other things in case it rains and everyone wants easy activities nearby .

The Oberoi is nice but I agree does not exactly fit what you want .

Out of left field but good value and probably cheaper than any of the others is The Grand Balisani Suites at Canguu/ Batubelig . The reason I suggest it is because they have large suites at very good prices.Stayed in June in a garden suite at $150 a night ( 1 king bed and one other) but also has at around $245 a night multiple room suites -Sani Villa -with a little private pool on the beachfront .

The hotel has actual beach frontage , a nice pool , is quiet ( lot of Europeans as guests ) but needs a car to go anywhere .Taxis plentiful .see www.asiadirect.com which is who I used to book them. Also see http://www.bali-indonesia.com/grand-...uite/index.htm

Wow, as usual you guys never disappoint. Thank you all so much for your input. I am looking into all of those options. I don't really think I want to stay at Nusa Dua but they are about the only ones that seem to have family units. Our youngest is 4 yrs. old so we have no problem being in close quarters. (Heck our house isn't that big to begin with!). So that isn't a problem. It is just that most of these places require two rooms and obviously that adds up pretty quick. I will say that we are now going to stay the first two nights in Ubud as it sounds like that is a must. Once again thank all of you so much for taking the time to help us as we really do value your help. Last thing if any of you have any great travel agent or places you book your travel through I all ears. Thanks again you guys are great!

Hi shansar
Have a look at Melasti Apartments at Legian. I tried to book for my holiday in early Nov but unfortunately they were fully booked. They look nice and they have 2 bedroom apartments at a good price with the added bonus of a kitchen. They get very well recommended on Bali Travel Forum.

shansar, it's difficult to comment without knowing your budget. The Legian two bedroom suites would be idea but they are on the pricey side. The villas at the Sofitel are also very nice for multiples.

I will check that out thanks. We were hoping to spend around $250 in that area a night. Do you guys have better luck trying to get a room through the hotel? At first I was having fun checking out all the wonderful places and prices. Now I am ready to find something and book it! It is fun to plan but I am ready to commit! Thanks again for the help.