Mutiara Bali Boutique Resort & Villas

The tiered, thatched-roof entrance to this hotel stands out on a somewhat gritty street and gives a hint of the traditional Balinese design that characterizes most of the property. Roofs are made with traditional hay, while interiors feature open-air spaces decorated with natural wood and rattan furnishings, Balinese statues, and potted tropical plants. Other than some mauve and floral accent pillows, the lobby is all earth tones, with glimpses of the lush gardens outside. Stone pathways lined with greenery and statutes lead around the grounds to the pretty outdoor pool and hot tub where guests can often be found. Most guests are couples looking to relax, and the hotel obliges with candlelight dinners or massages in the poolside Bale Bengong building. There's no elevator at this two-level property, and some spaces feel less modern than others, unlike the sleeker, but less spacious, Sense Hotel Seminyak. 

This hotel is located off a busy and sometimes noisy road in a hip neighborhood in the the heart of Seminyak. A free shuttle service travels around the Seminyak area, but most of the sights are reachable on foot. Seminyak Beach, Ku De Ta beach club, and the Pura Petitenget temple are within 10 minutes' walk, and it’s a five-minute walk to Seminyak Square. Eat Street’s popular restaurants and bars are within 10 to 15 minutes on foot. Kuta’s nightlife and the shops at the Beachwalk Shopping Center are 20 to 30 minutes away by car. Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 25- to 30-minute drive from the hotel, with free transfers available for guests who stay for a set number of nights.

Decor is subtly traditional and simple, with tile floors, basic wooden furniture, and accessories such as carved wall hangings, clay pots, and brown-leather headboards. The palette is beige and cream with olive-green (or red) and natural-stone accents. Potted tropical plants lend some extra charm, but some rooms are less attractive than others. For instance, the Deluxe Room that we visited was quite plain, bordering on drab, while the villas were far sharper. It's this kind of disparity that keeps this hotel from living up to its potential. 

Categories range from basic Superior Rooms to spacious villas with up to four bedrooms and optional butler service. Superior and Family Rooms are on the second floor and have bathrooms with showers, while upgraded Deluxe Rooms and Jacuzzi Rooms have open-design bathrooms which, in addition to showers, have bathtubs or whirlpool tubs. All rooms are air-conditioned, but open-air bathrooms can be hot. Mini-fridges and coffee/tea facilities come standard. Other features include 32-inch or 42-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, and extras like umbrellas and slippers. All rooms have furnished patios or balconies, and many face the pool. 

Villas outshine all other rooms with wooden or marble floors and charming thatched roofs. These private residences have more modern decor, including funky wall art and hardwood furniture with vintage lines plus kitchenettes and private pools set in gardens. Villas also come with additional perks like free afternoon tea. 

Note that the rooms which face the street can be noisy. Some guests have also reported that four-bedroom villas may be awkwardly arranged, with kitchens located upstairs. 

There are just enough features on hand to keep guests occupied, though this hotel's location and the amount of offerings in the immediate area are a large reason why many guests stay here. Mutiara Restaurant serves a free breakfast of cooked-to-order items, plus cereal, toast, and fruit. Balinese and Asian fare with a Western twist is served for lunch and dinner. Menu items range from Balinese pizza to green juices, and a limited selection of alcoholic drinks are served. Room service is available 24/7.

The lengthy outdoor pool is shaded by flowering trees and the stone deck is surrounded by palm trees. A connected hot tub features submerged stools, and there are a good number of wicker-resin lounge chairs on the deck as well. The spa offers hot stone massages and other body treatments in a traditional building next to the pool. There's also a basic, open-air gym with an older treadmill, elliptical machine, and pulley machine. 

The reception area has PCs and a printer, and there's free Wi-Fi throughout. The hotel has one meeting room, which can fit up to 90 people. A local shuttle around Seminyak is free, and those staying for a select number of nights are entitled to free airport transfers as well -- so check ahead.