Baleka Resort Hotel & Spa

The Baleka Resort Hotel & Spa is nestled on tropical grounds that help set the stage for what is -- generally speaking -- a quiet place. Balinese statuary dots the property and paths wind their way through the gardens, furthering the laid-back ambience. For the most part, the hotel is modern, with simple interiors that have just a touch of Balinese style. Take the lobby, for instance, with its vaulted wooden roof, Buddha statues, contemporary lighting, and Balinese tapestries -- it's a perfectly pleasant welcome to the hotel. Elsewhere, though, the hotel's age is starting to show, and most rooms and other public areas are looking just a bit off modern. There aren't a ton of places to kick back here aside from a restaurant and bar, but the pool is a highlight and serves as a de facto social center for the property. With its unpretentious atmosphere, the Baleka draws mostly Australian tourists, many of whom are couples and families. It's worth noting that as of 2016, construction and renovations -- including an additional pool -- were ongoing, meaning noise and dust may be an issue during the day. 

This hotel has a prime location right in the middle of Legian's action. It's a three-minute walk west of Jalan Legian, the major north-south road running through the center of town, and the immediate area is packed with other hotels, art galleries, tattoo parlors, shops, restaurants, and bars. Of course, the main draw for most travelers in this part of Bali is the Indian Ocean, and Legian Beach is only eight minutes away on foot -- it has lovely sunsets, live music, surfing, and plenty to see and do. Slightly wilder Double Six Beach is just north, or about 15 minutes from the resort on foot. The bead shops of Jalan Padma are a 10-minute walk, while the nearly 200-year-old Vihara Dharmayana Buddhist temple is a little over a 10-minute walk from the resort. The Dream Museum Zone 3D trick art museum -- popular for families with kids -- is less than a five-minute drive. Expect a 20-minute drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is south of Kuta -- Bali's party capital.

Rooms have a simple aesthetic that's just shy of modern, though things are still ultimately pleasant enough to make this hotel a reasonable value. Decor includes wood furniture -- frequently whitewashed, for a rustic look -- plus sparingly deployed Balinese art and photography in higher-category rooms. The color palette is white, beige, and brown, with maroon-and-beige decorative throws and throw pillows on the all-white bedding. Some rooms have infusions of vivid color with red accent panels, though overall the look is quite plain. 

Despite being clean and relatively well-maintained, some guests may encounter occasional issues like malfunctioning TVs or air-conditioners. All include desks, safes, minibars, electric kettles for instant coffee and tea, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with a number of local and international channels. Some rooms have views of the lush grounds, and some have balconies with grounds or pool views. The Two-Bedroom Family Rooms come with kitchenettes and living areas with stereos and DVD players. Bathrooms in all rooms are clean and modern, but some are a little small and have limited counter space around the sink -- rainfall showerheads are in certain bathrooms, but in general bathrooms feature simple walk-in showers or shower/tub combos.

The features at this hotel are fairly expected, and most of what's on offer is nice to have in a mid-range property. The resort's signature feature is its outdoor pool, over 25 meters in length and featuring a swim-up bar, shallow children's section, and deck with lounge chairs and kids' play area. Unfortunately for sun worshippers, the pool is shaded throughout much of the afternoon. An on-site spa offers a decent range of massages, facials, scrubs, and aromatherapies, but there is no fitness center. Most guests like the hotel's restaurant, which serves a blend of Indonesian classic and international comfort food. In the mornings, the restaurant offers a breakfast buffet features dishes like cooked-to-order eggs and Indonesian dishes, though it's not included in most room rates. Room service is available around the clock. The bar pours a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and hosts a happy hour with low-priced cocktails. Additional features include a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, airport transfers (for a fee), and free parking.