Puri Raja

Among the mid-range options up and down the coast in this part of Bali, there's not much that sets this hotel apart. It's a reasonably modern, clean, and simple property that fits the bill for a modestly priced stay right across from the beach. First impressions are pleasant, here, and check-in takes place in an open-air lobby with high ceilings, chandeliers, and a few pieces of Balinese art. Some of the furniture is tired and worn, which unfortunately is the case throughout much of the hotel's interiors. Still, most guests can be found outdoors here, and the tropical grounds are filled with palm trees, shrubs, and frangipani -- a setting that's fairly typical of properties in the area. The greenery around the second, more secluded swimming pool is particularly lush and inviting. Most of the action takes place around the main swimming pool, though, with its swim-up bar. Guests here are a bit more mature than at other hotels in the area, so it never gets too rowdy. Aside from the pool, guests spend much of their day across the street at the beach, which is on view from the hotel's restaurant and bar. The Puri Raja draws mostly Australian travelers with its unstuffy atmosphere, affordable rates, two pools, and beach-ready location near shopping and dining.

Puri Raja is at the northern end of Legian, just south of Seminyak, and directly across the road from Legian Beach. The coast here is renowned for its white sand and scenic sunsets, and it also offers beachfront cafes and lively nightlife. There are numerous other hotels and villas in the area, as well as numerous restaurants, bars, shops, massage and tattoo parlors, and art galleries. Jalan Padma street, which is known for its bead shops, is about a five-minute walk from the hotel, while Jalan Melasti -- with its boutique shops, art market, and Balinese handicrafts -- is a 10-minute walk. Double Six Beach -- a 10-minute walk up the shore -- is known for surfing, and the Rip Curl School of Surf is along the way for those needing lessons. For a glimpse into the more spiritual side of Bali, the nearly 200-year-old Vihara Dharmayana Buddhist temple is also a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Ground Zero Monument to the victims of the 2002 Sari Club bombing is about a 10-minute drive away, while Ngurah Rai International Airport will take 20 minutes to reach by car.

Rooms at Puri Raja have a simple, relatively modern look, with wood furnishings and largely bare white walls. The decor doesn't have the pizzazz or distinctively Balinese feel of other area hotels, and we spotted a bit of wear on the furniture. The color palette is white, beige, and brown, with rust-brown decorative bed runners and throw pillows on the all-white bedding. Rooms come in only two categories, Superior and Deluxe, and Superior Rooms are fairly small for the area, with only 172-square-foot floor plans (16 square meters). Some guests have also grumbled about sheets and towels needing replacement. All 72 rooms come with desks, minibars (with room for cold storage), electric kettles for instant coffee and tea, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs. Rooms all have private balconies or terraces, and Deluxe Rooms open to the hotel's more secluded second swimming pool. Bathrooms are fairly straightforward, with tiled walls and floors, a decent amount of counter space, and shower/tub combos. We spotted a bit of grime and discolored grout during our visit. It's worth noting that there are no elevators to reach upper-floor rooms, though staff will help with luggage.

Puri Raja doesn't offer quite as many features as some other hotels in the area, but it's two swimming pools are popular, each with a different shape and vibe. The main swimming pool is freeform and has a more energetic atmosphere, with its swim-up bar. A second, rectangular pool is set in a quiet and landscaped garden area. Across the street is the beach, with colorful lounge chairs, bean bag-style chairs, umbrellas, and surf boards. 

Most guests like the hotel's restaurant, which is open 24 hours a day and features beach and sunset views. The buffet and a la carte breakfast includes made-to-order eggs, pancakes, pastries and other familiar items. Indonesian and Western fare is available for lunch and dinner, and the restaurant also occasionally hosts barbecues with live music. The bar serves a wide array of drinks and runs drink specials as well. Indonesian cooking lessons and massages can be arranged, and the hotel also has a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.