Poppies Bali

Although located just a short walk from Bali's wildest nightlife hotspots along Legian Street, the atmosphere inside of the hotel is refreshingly tranquil and serene -- at least during the daytime. Noise from the nearby nightclubs can be an issue at night, but this is the case for almost all hotels in Kuta. The grounds are the highlight here, and feature stunning garden pathways that are lined with tall trees, dense tropical greenery, koi ponds, and carved statuary. There are also plenty of quiet nooks to relax. Most guests congregate around the pool and poolside bar during the day, making that area something like the hotel's hub, though it's still far more laid-back than other nearby party hotels. Keep in mind that this is one of the older properties in town, and it's starting to show its age. Even so, the ambience throughout is intimate, and the hotel is especially popular with mature couples. The laid-back atmosphere does have appeal for some families, though aside from the main pool there isn't much on offer to keep kids occupied.

The hotel is located along bustling Poppies Lane 1. The immediate area is packed with shops, bars, and restaurants, and is strategically positioned less than a five-minute walk from the high-energy nightlife along Jalan Legian. There are also plenty of great dining options -- like the iconic Made's Warung, TJ's Mexican Bar & Restaurant, and Un's Restaurant -- all within a short stroll as well. Ever-crowded Kuta Beach is a 10-minute walk away, and is a solid choice for novice surfers, as it offers up consistent surf that breaks over a sandy bottom. It's also great for swimming, long walks, or lounging. Other popular attractions nearby -- include Beachwalk Shopping Center, Waterbom Bali, and Discovery Shopping Mall -- are all around a 10- to 15-minute walk from the hotel. The airport takes around 20 minutes to reach from the hotel, but drive times can be longer due to traffic.

Poppies Bali features 20 thatch-roofed cottages that are bright and feature traditional Balinese style, though they're starting to look a little tired. Expect details like whitewashed brick interiors, rough coral exterior walls, and intricately carved doors and accents. An array of eclectic Indonesian and Balinese decor is on display, with antique ceramics, woven ikat fabrics, and painted Balinese masks and shadow puppets. Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and DVD players, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and safes. They're also outfitted with comfy beds and roomy wardrobes. Open-air bathrooms feature carved wood and marble details. Showers, toiletries, and hairdryers are provided. Guests should note that the cottages nearest the pool tend to be the noisiest, due to the constant buzz of activity concentrated around that part of the hotel. Even so, at night, you'll likely hear noise from nearby nightclubs. 

The hotel's facilities are limited to a long freeform pool, a poolside bar, a whirlpool, and a small library. The main pool is surrounded by dense tropical greenery and flowering bougainvillea that hangs suspended above the water. There are plenty of lounge chairs plus a shallow kids' section. The poolside bar is a popular hangout spot and is known for its signature pina coladas, which are served in intricately carved coconuts. Poppies Restaurant, located a few doors down the road, has an indoor dining room and bar, plus an alfresco dining area surrounded by greenery and koi ponds. It serves reasonably priced Western and Indonesian classics, but breakfast is only included in some rates. Guests can borrow books from the small hotel library and public computers are available. Motorbike parking is offered and Wi-Fi is free throughout.