Hello,
We are trying to decide between the following two hotels in Bali. Can anyone provide advice on location and amenities? We are using our starwood points, so not so many options for getting most for our points. I've looked at a map, but not sure which would be better. I suspect Nusa Dua.

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
or
Le Méridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort

Thank you!

Nusa Dua is one of the two a reas of Bali where I would NOT stay. It's a sterile tourist enclave. Sorry, I know nothing about Le Merisien.

Are these your only two options?

The Le Meridien is up by Tanah Lot temple, north of Seminyak. Not a 'bad' place to stay, but it is rather far from everything. Still, it's a whole lot better than Nusa Dua.

Nusa Dua as others have pointed out is a strip of international hotels and resorts without much else to commend it. On the plus side, the beach is long and sandy, the water good for swimming (though VERY shallow at low tide) and you have plenty of other resorts and hotels to draw on for restaurants.

I haven't personally been to the Westin, but I'm sure it would be up to international, albeit anonymous, standards.

The Meridien is way the heck up at the end of the Westcoast beach area. The resort is actually built around a golf course which is wonderful if you're golfers and a little strange if you're not. I haven't stayed there either, but I've visited. If I remember correctly the Meridien doesn't have direct beach access. The resort is on a cliff overlooking the sea. So great views and sunsets but somewhat of a hassle to actually get to sealevel.

There was and still is bad feeling between the resort and the local community because of the appropriation of Tanah Lot temple.

You might look into the Sheraton (now the Laguna I think) also in Nusa Dua. It's about the same era as the Meridien but has the added plus of the lagoon pools. The Sheraton Lombok is also a viable option. Similar ambience but very nice beach.

I wouldn't stay at the Sheraton Lombok. When we were in Lombok a couple of years ago we looked. It was run down and right in Seggiggi, which makes the beach busier (more touts). We loved Qunci Villas in Lombok and would recommend it - a small boutique place.

My best friend who goes to Bali on vacation hated Nusa Dua. She transfered to Ubud area. I haven't stayed in Nusa Dua, but Ubud which I liked. Happy Travels!

I would honestly look at other options than using your points. You can find a nice local style place in Ubud with a pool for $60-75. Why spend all the $ to go to Bali if you're going to stay in huge, generic resort that could be in cancun or florida?

The Oberoi is a good hotel on a beach and tucked away from the tourist areas. A vist tio the Oberoi in Lombok is also well worth it and they arrange transfers cheapply and well

Hi, just to say I have stayed at that Westin in Nusa Dua...save the starwood pts for a Sheridan somewhere else! The hotel was very americanised compared to many others! I think that Meridien at least has more atmosphere!
enjoy the culture in Ubud!!
happy travelling!