MaxOneHotels at Bukit Jimbaran

This hotel is part of a chain with middle-of-the-pack properties throughout Indonesia, offering affordably priced rooms and a decent selection of facilities. Aesthetically, the decor might not be to everyone's tastes and includes plenty of loud and colorful branding done in Pop Art style. Expect to see cartoon silhouette murals of surfers and bikini clad women on the walls. The favorite feature among previous guests is the rooftop pool, which has a large wooden deck with comfy lounge chairs and day beds. Otherwise, common areas are limited to the the two-story restaurant, which includes an open-air dining section surrounded by some greenery and a koi pond. Owing to the many great surf breaks within a 15- to 25-minute drive, the hotel is popular with surfers, though budget travelers and large Asian tour groups also pass through. 

The hotel is located on the Bukit Peninsula, south of Bali's party enclaves. The region features dramatic coastlines, picturesque white sand beaches, and two of Bali's most famous surf breaks -- Padang Padang and Uluwatu. However, you'll need a car to get to the sand. Balangan Beach is located less than a 20-minute drive from the hotel and features perfect white sand, dramatic cliffside views, and long lefthand waves. Uluwatu Beach is a 25-minute drive from the hotel and is Bali's most well known surf spot. Perched on cliffs above Uluwatu is the temple of the same name, which hosts kecak dance performances. The area around the hotel isn't as developed as Kuta and Seminyak meaning fewer dining and shopping options nearby. The airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel and Kuta Beach takes around 40 minutes to reach, though drive times can vary during peak traffic hours.

Rooms here aren't anything exciting, but they're nominally modern and bright. Decor includes candy green accents and silhouette decals on the walls plus plastic and melamine furniture. Entry-level rooms have limited seating. Rooms are outfitted with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi, though they lack mini-fridges, kettles, and safes. Free extras include two bottles of beer and mineral water upon check-in. All rooms also feature unfurnished balconies, and those on higher floors have nicer views. Storage space in the lower category rooms is limited, with just one small shelf and a few hangers for clothes. The entry-level Happiness Rooms are 65 square feet (20 square meters), while the highest category The Love Rooms (or family room) are twice the size and feature two bedrooms and bathrooms. The Warm Rooms are also quite spacious, at 115 square feet (35 square meters), and feature large balconies and extra indoor seating. Bathrooms have showers with rainfall showerheads plus marble vanities with porcelain sinks and large mirrors. Toiletries and towels are provided, but there are no hairdryers.

There are a decent number of facilities at the hotel, but the hub of activity is the rooftop pool. It stays open fairly late, has plenty of lounge chairs, and features panoramic views of Jimbaran. Adjoining the pool is the Love Shack Bar, which makes it easy for guest to order cocktails and snacks without having leave their lounge chairs. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the Max Bistro, with both indoor and open-air seating. Meals are simple and reasonably priced, and Asian and Western fare are on offer. There's also a decent selection of coffee and pastries. Other facilities include meeting rooms that can hold up to 120 people plus a small spa that provides a variety of massage and beauty treatments. Free daily shuttles are available to nearby beaches and downtown Kuta. Keep in mind they must be booked in advance. There is plenty of parking at the hotel and Wi-Fi is free throughout.