Parigata Resort & Spa

While Parigata calls itself a resort, this simple property is really just a small hotel with lovely garden-filled grounds. While it remains popular with repeat guests, don't expect much style here. In fact, it's best used as a reasonably priced home base for exploring central Sanur. Its best asset is its location, with the beach just a two-minute walk down a semi-private lane. Despite being a dated and tired property -- details include lots of pink granite and wood paneling in the open-air common areas -- it's relatively busy most of the year, in part due to its lovely pool area. During our visit, the pool buzzed with activity, as families and mature couples splashed in the water, drank poolside, and sunbathed. Otherwise, the hotel is a pretty sedate place to unwind for a few days at a time. 

Location is certainly this hotel's strongest asset, as it's smack in the middle of Sanur's tourist-friendly heart. There are literally countless warungs, cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and spas outside the hotel's front door. Hardy's -- the department store that's also the de facto town center -- is just a five-minute walk up the road. There are a number of chic restaurants nearby, including several at the Maya Sanur Resort next door, as well as Three Monkeys Sanur, which is 10 minutes north on foot. The beach is just a two-minute walk down the semi-private pathway next to the hotel. For more local dining options, head to the Sindhu Night Market, which will take five minutes to reach by taxi and has several vendors. Budget 20 to 30 minutes to reach the airport from here, as the traffic in southern Bali can be wild.

The rooms here are a let down. Yes, they're clean, but the style is quite dated, including lots of pastel hues, bamboo furniture, faded wall art, and some significant wear and tear. And that's to say nothing of the clashing details -- like the mismatched tiling and kitten-centric artwork that we spotted in some bathrooms. There are only two categories: Superior Rooms, which can sleep up to three guests, and Family Rooms that can fit five people. Some have pool views. Standard features include small 29-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, electric kettles, safes, and free bottled water. All rooms also include terraces or balconies with seating. Bathrooms are the least inspiring part of the rooms, and include chipped or mismatched tiling, clashing surfaces, and shower/tub combos. Some of these lacked curtains during our visit, meaning the bathroom will likely get wet during a shower. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Keep in mind that some buildings have up to four floors and there are no elevators. 

There isn't much to this small hotel, and its location is far and away its best feature. That being said, the pool is lovely, and framed by the hotel's pretty gardens. It's a popular feature with previous guests and was busy with splashing families and couples during our visit. There are lounge chairs on the deck for sunbathing. A bar services the pool, and there's another in the basic restaurant, which serves all three meals a day (none are included in rates). The spa has two treatment rooms plus a hot tub. Massages and treatments are available, and we saw plenty of guests setting up appointments during our visit. There's also a small lending library and function rooms that are sometimes used by yoga groups. A free one-way shuttle runs in the Sanur area. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.