Mercure Bali Legian

The Mercure has a sleek aesthetic throughout that makes it a reliable outpost for the brand. Upon stepping up to the hotel, expect to see details like a contemporary lattice-style structure that leads into the airy, semi-open lobby, making a bold statement right off the bat. The lobby has a pleasant, slightly corporate feel, with glossy tiled floors and high wood-paneled walls. Seating areas have a few wickers chairs with bright blue cushions, and there's a tranquil waterfall garden in the courtyard. Green plants and palm trees bring a tropical feel to the grounds, and lanterns hang from trees around the glistening blue infinity pool. The rooftop pool is a popular spot during the day, with guests sipping on colorful cocktails and enjoying the poolside music. The hotel appeals to adult travelers and couples, though business travelers and families also stay here on occasion.

Considered one of Bali's liveliest areas, Legian is known for its chic bars and restaurants, trendy clothing boutiques, surf shops, and beach parties. The Mercure Bali Legian sits on the corner of busy Jalan Legian, opposite a bank that has an ATM. Walk for five minutes down Jalan Malasti and you'll reach the white sands of Legian Beach. Kuta Beach is a 10-minute walk, and Waterbom aqua park is around a 10-minute drive from the hotel. For shopping, there's Kuta Art Market and the Discovery Shopping Mall, which are both a 10-minute drive away, or the Beachwalk Mall which is a five-minute drive. For a taste of Balinese culture, head to the 200-year-old Vihara Darmayana Buddhist Temple, which can be reached in 10 minutes by car. Ngurah Rai International Airport is 20-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic.

The 321 rooms and suites at the Mercure Bali Legian are clean and well-designed. They have a modern feel, with neutral color schemes and wood-paneled floors. Furniture is kept simple, with dark wood wardrobes and sleek glass-topped work desks. Twin, double, or king beds are dressed in white striped bedding, and abstract Balinese-inspired artwork hangs above the headboards. Air-conditioning, electric kettles, phones, safes, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and free bottled water come standard. Some rooms include balconies, and a few larger Suites add private pools. Neutral-tiled bathrooms include walk-in showers, tube hairdryers, and free toiletries. There's a glass partition between the shower and the bedroom, but blinds are provided for privacy. Guests should note that street-facing rooms can be noisy, so pool-facing rooms are better for light sleepers.

Features are relatively numerous at this Mercure, and on par with other upscale hotels in the area. There's a sparkling blue infinity pool with shallow loungers on the hotel's ground floor, and the whole are is lined with tropical palm trees, seating areas, and green padded sun loungers. It's lovely, but some guests find it a bit small. There's also a separate children's pool, plus a restaurant and bar with indoor-outdoor seating. Ancak serves a mix of local and international dishes, and there's a special menu for kids too. A generous breakfast buffet is served daily for a fee, consisting of hot and cold options like breads, cereals, bacon, and eggs. A second infinity pool is located on the hotel's rooftop, overlooking the busy street below. There's also a rooftop lounge, which serves cold beers and delicious fresh cocktails -- though they can be pricey. The full-service spa offers massages and beauty treatments, and there's a (small) fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights. A business center and several meeting rooms are available, and there's a computer station by the lobby. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, room service, concierge, laundry, tour desk, car hire, free kids' club, free parking, and free Wi-Fi. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee.