Set amid the hustle and bustle of central Kuta, this hotel offers a quiet escape despite its busy location.

The entrance, just off the beachfront road that runs in front of the hotel, is nondescript, but once beyond the gate, the ambience takes a turn for the delightful. While the lobby, with its large white columns wrapped in red silk ties, chandelier, marble floors, and regal purple pillows on wooden couches and chairs, goes for grandeur, the open-air access reminds guests they're on an island.

The hallways resemble little secret stone pathways carved through the abundant tropical foliage. The property's gardens are lush and beautifully kept with an exquisite koi pond and other little statues and treasures sprinkled throughout. 

The resort, with its attentive customer service, pays attention to details -- guests can borrow umbrellas from the front desk, for example -- and many guests are return visitors.

The Kuta Seaview Boutique Resort & Spa is within a five-minute walk of the main part of Kuta Beach, the local markets of Poppies Lane, and the Beachwalk (Kuta's newest shopping arcade with major brand outlets), and within a 10-minute walk of the hottest nightlife on Legian Street. Legian Beach and Tuban Beach are also within two miles of the property, and the international airport is about a 20-minute drive away. Though a little bit of traffic noise reaches the hotel, it's not much considering the property's thick-of-things location. Other hotels, restaurants, and shops surround the property. Fast-food aficionados -- or late night partiers in search of greasy burgers and fries -- can relax in the knowledge that McDonald's is approximately a 50-yard dash from the hotel.

The rooms are small and and somewhat dated but are generally well maintained and clean. The decor is simple, with slate-tiled floors, wooden furnishings with rattan accents, and a neutral color palette. All rooms have furnished balconies or patios, and entertaining towel art on the beds.

The beds are comfortable and have good-quality linens; Premier Deluxe Cottage Rooms have four-poster beds with canopies, and offer more living space. 

Bathrooms have both tubs and showers, and modern fixtures. They come with robes and slippers, and an assortment of toiletries, including dental and shaving kits. Rooms also include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, minibars, and DVD players. Irons/ironing boards and safes are also standard issue. 

Keep in mind that while there are three floors of rooms, there are no elevators, so if stairs are a problem, a lower-floor room should be requested. Also be aware that there is often a big difference between renovated and unrenovated rooms, but guests can request reassignment. Many of the views in the higher-priced Seaview Rooms are impeded by trees.

The renovated Royal Rama Spa offers high-quality treatments in beautiful single and double spa rooms. Color therapy has been worked into the scheme, with a lovely calming blue hue intentionally filtered throughout the space. The spa lobby, with natural wood walls and furnishings, is welcoming and tranquil, with tropical air wafting in through the many open windows and doors. There is a romantic couples treatment room for side-by-side massages or other services, and a shower rain massage area is also available. Hair services, facials, manicure/pedicures, and Ayurvedic as well as aromatherapeutic treatments are among the many other spa offerings.

The medium-size outdoor swimming pool has loungers and umbrellas surrounding it. Extra towels are available poolside, and drinks can be acquired at the nearby hotel bar. 

There is no actual business center, but there are a couple of computers in the main lobby for guests' use. A small library offers books that guests can borrow, along with daily newspapers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

While an Italian restaurant in a tropical hotel might seem an anomaly, it's less odd in light of the fact that the head chef trained in Italy and France. The venue, adorned with lots of bright-red accents, (following the literal translation of its name, Rosso Vivo), is open for breakfast (served buffet style), lunch, and dinner. It serves a varied menu against ocean views.