Respati Beach Hotel

Sanur's beachfront is packed with low-profile properties that range from budget dives to luxe retreats, and the Respati Beach Hotel sits right in the middle -- with surprisingly few direct competitors. Just a few spots down the beach are tired and dated options with similar prices, a fact that makes Respati's simple, modern style a great value. There's also an impressive attention to detail here: lawns are hand-clipped, incense drifts from small shrines, and flowering trees hide intimate places where friendly couples catch up with one another. The hotel is also remarkably quiet, a blessing given its location right in the middle of Sanur's bustling tourist strip. Don't come here expecting to drink Bintang beer at swim-up bars, though, as the vibe is entirely sedate. Instead, mature travelers slowly sip their drinks in the casual open-air restaurant, or pair off quietly on the generous array of loungers on the beach. 

The Respati Beach Hotel's location is one of the best in Sanur -- its neighbors are quiet mid-range and budget properties, and there's a boutique spa to one side. However, the Artotel Sanur is planning on opening a beach club next door, which is something to keep in mind as it may increase area foot traffic. The beach is across the narrow pedestrian path behind the hotel. Some funky local outposts are nearby, too: The ever popular Warung Little Bird is less than a five-minute walk north, and the night market is just a few minutes beyond that. Byrdhouse Beach Club, a popular tourist hangout, is just over five minutes away on foot as well. Otherwise, bars, cafes, and restaurants are all around. Expect at least a 45-minute drive to Kuta, though traffic can alter that figure wildly. It's also about 45 minutes by car to Ubud. The airport should be a 30-minute drive from here, though -- again -- traffic is a variable and gets worse by the year in this part of Bali.

Rooms here are fresh, impeccably clean, and pleasantly modern. The look is simple: white walls, burgundy hardwood furniture, and just a few pieces of Balinese sculpture on the walls. However, it's a nice change of pace in an area where old-school style dominates. There's little to differentiate one category from the next, though Deluxe Rooms add a chaise-style sofa, which Superior Rooms lack. Deluxe Bungalows are single-story units with big windows, and two rooms offer sea views. These and the bungalows get the best natural light, as Deluxe and Superior Rooms only have small windows on sliding doors that make them dark inside. Standard features include free Wi-Fi, though it didn't work during our visit, plus flat-screen TVs, powerful air-conditioning, minibars, safes, drying racks, and desks. All units also receive free baskets of tropical fruit every day. Small terraces or balconies with chairs are in each room. Unfortunately, beds are rock hard, though they're available in twin or king sizes. Bathrooms have stall showers or shower/tub combos, plus vessel sinks and a good amount of counter space. Toiletries are provided. The hotel admits that its tropical location means some visiting critters, and we did spot a gecko and some ants in our room. 

Features here aren't extensive, but add value for those needing little more than a clean and modern place to unwind next to the beach. Of course, the star of the show is the hotel's beach set-up, and during our visit there were more than enough loungers reserved for guests. Beach towels are free. Drinks and food are available from the seaside restaurant, which serves Western and Indonesian fare, as well as Balinese coffee and cold Bintangs. A breakfast buffet can be bundled with rates, though the offerings are slim, including fresh fruit, breads, and a few meat options plus cooked-to-order eggs. The small pool doesn't get much sun and lacks beach views, though there are a few poolside loungers. Massages are also available in an attractive spa cabana. Wi-Fi is free, though it only worked in the lobby during our visit.