Bali, the most-visited island in Indonesia, is a popular travel destination.
Blessed with stunning natural landscapes, a rich culture and friendly locals , it is well-suited to many travellers – and it’s also an affordable travel destination!
And to have a memorable trip (for all the right reasons), you’ll want to find the right accommodation for your needs.
Whether that’s a place to unwind poolside, or just somewhere comfortable to rest at the end of the day, you’ll likely be tossing up between a villa and hotel for your upcoming visit.
Though it’s possible to book an independent villa in Bali (though the likes of Airbnb), where you’ll be totally left to your own devices, this post assumes you’ll have a villa within a complex with other villas.
This allows you to have an experience that is unique from a traditional hotel, while still enjoying the comforts that come from a hotel-like setup.
Swimming in our private pool at Maca Villas.
Beautiful villa details.
Nathan enjoying breakfast at Sampatti Villas.
Pros
Likely to have a separate lounge and more space.
Many have private pools.
Privacy. You’ll have your own exclusive space – particularly great for families and groups.
Save money when travelling in a group. Splitting the cost of a villa is likely to be more affordable than multiple hotel rooms.
Quieter. At most, you’ll share one wall with other guests – or your villa might be freestanding.
In-room services. Many villas offer in-villa dining and massage services for the ultimate treat!
A surprising number of property-wide amenities, including spas and restaurants, but these vary from property to property, so ensure you check.
Uniquely Balinese. All of the villas we stayed in incorporated authentic Balinese architecture and landscaping.
Potentially higher costs for solo travellers or couples.
Locations can be further removed from the action.
Less likely to meet other guests as everyone has their own space to enjoy.
Many don’t have gym facilities.
The bathrooms in our villas were all significantly larger than in our hotel. This was Maca Villas.
To consider
WiFi. Some of the villas we stayed in had great WiFi, while others didn’t. As about the location of the router and the strength/consistency if good WiFi is important to you.
24/7 front desk? All three of our villas had 24/7 staffing, but they don’t always.
Sunset from GK Bali Resort, where hotel rooms and villas were available.
Hotel rooms in Bali
Bali is home to a number of traditional hotels and resorts.
These are very popular with visitors to the region, providing a different experience to villas.
Arriving at The Stones Hotel after a busy day exploring – totally different to a villa!
Pros
Convenient and well-located. Hotels are often in central locations near tourist hotspots, restaurants and beaches.
More likely to be wheelchair accessible.
Likely to have additional amenities, including gyms, spas, bars, restaurants and concierge services.
Consistent standards. Established hotel brands offer consistency in service and cleanliness.
You might be able to earn/spend hotel points, reducing the final cost of your trip.
Good WiFi. Hotels are likely to have good wifi throughout.
Social atmospheres. As the rooms are smaller, and people tend to have less private space, they’re more likely to spend time in communal spaces.
Relaxing in/by the shared pool.
Hotel hallways – air-conditioned by sometimes noisy.
Cons
Limited personal space. Hotel rooms are typically smaller than villas, and they’re more likely to be studios.
Less privacy. Outside of your room, you’re unlikely to have a private space like a garden or pool.
Sound from adjoining rooms and the hallway can carry.
More generic experience. Hotels can sometimes feel the same, regardless where you are in the world.
What a poolside view! The Stones Hotel.Hotel rooms can be the same, regardless of where you are. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? The Stones Hotel.
And there you have it – two awesome but different styles of accommodation, both of which are readily available in Bali.
We think villas are perfectly suited for families, groups and those looking for a bit of extra peace, quiet and privacy.
Hotels, on the other hand, position you close to the action and provide a consistent level of service and amenity.
We really enjoyed staying at both property types on our last trip and will continue to do so.
Why not give both a go on your next vacation to see what works best for you?
What is your accommodation preference in Bali? Please let us know over in GTT!
Swimming in our private pool at Maca Villas.
Beautiful villa details.
Nathan enjoying breakfast at Sampatti Villas.
Nathan in our private lounge at Maca Villas.
Sunset from GK Bali Resort, where hotel rooms and villas were available.
Relaxing in/by the shared pool.
Hotel hallways – air-conditioned by sometimes noisy.
