Opened in 1967, the three-and-a-half-pearl Tandjung Sari is one of Bali's first boutique hotels, but its 28 traditional bungalows are pleasantly modern. Each bungalow has polished wood interiors, traditional Balinese decor, and its own private garden, plus modern amenities like air-conditioning and minibars. Special touches like a mosquito canopy and complimentary cotton nightshirts and sarongs add a nice bit of character. The hotel is on the beach, and has a small pool that overlooks the sand, plus a restaurant serving international and Balinese cuisine. There's also a modern fitness room and a gift shop. For a cheaper alternative with beach access, the Sudamala Suites & Villas additionally offers a full-service spa and far more modern rooms at the southern end of Sanur.

The Maya Sanur Resort & Spa is a 103-room boutique hotel that's one of the most chic options in town. From its environmentally friendly ethos to its eye-catching art and contemporary style, this luxury hotel is refined but light-hearted. Rooms are tricked out with everything from free Wi-Fi and luxe soaking tubs to private infinity pools and espresso machines in the suites. There are three dining options, including an excellent Japanese restaurant, and the gorgeous spa makes unwinding a delight. Happy hours at Tree Bar, overlooking the beach, are a popular go-to spot for travelers from across Sanur, and there are multiple pools. If you prefer a more traditional take on luxury, it's worth considering the Fairmont Sanur down the coast instead, though rates there will be higher. 

With its serene grounds, chic dining, beautiful pools, and pampering wellness amenities, this Fairmont impresses, and then impresses again. Even so, the 120 villas and suites are the true stars of the show. They're massive and tricked out with contemporary Balinese decor, plus soundsystems, flat-screen TVs, huge balconies, and spa-worthy bathrooms. Luxe bath products and soaking tubs only sweeten the deal. The breakfast buffet is exceptional, with local and international fare in abundance, and the hotel's spa is a tranquil escape in an already relaxed resort. Photographers can be hired to capture romantic moments, and everything from subdued local music to a rentable Rolls Royce add to the luxe package. There's not much that matches this Fairmont in Sanur, but travelers who prefer contemporary style might consider the Maya Sanur instead.

Among Sanur's beachfront properties, three-and-a-half-pearl Griya Santrian packs a good amount of resort-like features into a compact package. It's in the middle of Sanur, within an easy walk of shopping and dining, though the beach is the star of the show here. Everything from beachside dining and drinking to a pool near the sand take advantage of the hotel's location. There's also a spa, plus an art gallery showcasing local artists. The 128 rooms are pleasant, though the traditional look in some verges on dated. All have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and terraces. Freebies like weekly yoga, snorkel gear, and canoes are nice additions. The vibe at this hotel is subdued, and those seeking a livelier atmosphere might consider Puri Santrian instead, a sister property down the coast.

Sanur doesn't have too many proper beachfront resorts, but for those in search of a solid three-and-a-half-pearl option in this category, Segara Village is a fine choice. This sprawling property includes everything from tennis courts to multiple pools and dining spots. The heart of the resort is Byrdhouse beach club, with lively seaside dining and loungers on the sand. The 120 rooms are clustered in village-like areas, and range from basic to more fresh and modern. All include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and balconies or terraces (though none have beach views). The massive layout means that, aside from the bustling beach area and pools, it never feels crowded. If you'd prefer a more intimate alternative, sister property Kejora Suites is a fine boutique option, though it's not right on the beach.

With 199 rooms and a prime beachfront setting, Puri Santrian feels like a city unto itself within southern Sanur. This three-and-a-half-pearl option is perpetually bustling, and combines modern style with traditional details. Unfortunately, sometimes that doesn't add up. Rooms range from tired and worn to fresh and contemporary, though all include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and balconies or terraces. Wi-Fi is free, but requires repeated logging in. There are four pools, all of which are busy with guests throughout the day, and the beach here is one of the nicer in this part of town. Dining gets solid points, and tables overlooking the sea are prime real estate around sunset. As an alternative, travelers with bigger budgets who want a more thoroughly polished hotel should consider the Maya Sanur. 

There aren't too many budget properties along Sanur's beachfront, giving Peneeda View Beach Hotel an advantage for travelers looking to save some cash. The 55 rooms range from Balinese-style lumbungs to nicer Seaside Rooms, though all are looking a bit dated and none have actual sea views (common in Sanur). Standard features include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and TVs, though hot water can be unreliable. The lovely grounds stay quiet, and there are three pools, including one with a kids' pool. Beachside dining is a highlight, and food gets mostly solid marks. However, there's no spa and features are otherwise few. For a similar alternative, consider Besakih Beach Hotel, where rates are comparable and grounds are more lush, though rooms are less attractive.

The 428-room Prama Sanur Beach Bali is a family-friendly, upper-middle-range resort located on one of the best beaches in Bali and within walking distance of dozens of restaurants and shops. Rooms are spacious and feature balconies, minibars, and electric kettles, but range from stylish and contemporary to dated and worn. High-end villas have full kitchens and big gardens with private pools. Although the on-site beach is the definite highlight here, the hotel also features two large pools -- including one with slides for children -- an excellent spa, and four restaurants, two of which have panoramic beach views. The Prama Sanur offers a relaxing beachfront vacation without the luxury price tag, but couples seeking a more intimate property may prefer the Kamuela Sanur.

This four pearl resort is located on one of Bali’s most beautiful white sand beaches, and unlike bigger, newer resorts, the Mercure follows the Balinese tradition of two-story bungalows and cottages scattered around five manicured acres of tropical coastline. The grounds are also home to a tennis court and two large swimming pools, as well as a spa and several restaurants and bars. The rooms – all two-story cottages – could use a few upgrades in upholstery and furnishings but are otherwise cozy and peaceful; all have a private balcony or terrace, as well. The Mercure offers a relaxing escape for business travelers, couples, families, and anyone wanting to soak up the quiet Bali beach life.   

Much like its sister hotel, the Inna Grand Beach Bali, this budget property has seen better days. It still draws a steady stream of guests due to its prime beachfront location, but interiors are mostly worn, tired, and dated. The 61 rooms range from standard hotel rooms to Junior Suites, some of which have living rooms, though it's worth noting that the four rooms overhauled in 2015 are far nicer. Otherwise, aside from air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, don't expect much in the rooms. The lovely pool has a shallow area for kids and a bar, and there's a restaurant and bar right on Sanur's beachside promenade. If you're willing to lose direct beach access, the rooms at Oasis Lagoon Sanur have a lot more style and rates that are about the same.

Sanur has its share of simple beachfront hotels, but Respati Beach is one of its nicer mid-range options. Its 44 fresh, impeccably clean rooms -- with flat-screen TVs and powerful air-conditioning -- are set on tranquil, manicured grounds right next to the beach. There's a small pool, a breezy spa cabana, and plenty of chairs on the sand. The hotel's location, right in the middle of laid-back Sanur's restaurant-and-cafe scene, is also a bonus. Still, there are a few flaws to keep in mind: The Wi-Fi wasn't great during our visit, and beds are rock hard. Rates can be a steal here, though Besakih Beach Hotel three lots down is similarly priced and has a better beachfront pool. The tradeoff? Rooms there are tired.

This quiet, garden-filled property is a decent two-pearl option for travelers who only need the basics for a beachfront stay. It's not exactly a new hotel, though the 79 rooms feature air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and basic minibars. However, they are tired and worn, and some features are outdated. The hotel has two dining areas and bars, and the two pools are definitely a highlight. They're immaculately kept and the one by the beach has great views out to sea. It was filled with relaxing guests during our visit. There's low-key entertainment on select nights of the week, plus seating exclusively for hotel guests on the beach. If you don't mind losing direct beach access, you'll get far more style and substance for your money at Oasis Lagoon Sanur. 

This 60-room budget option has a prime location, wedged between northern Jalan Danau Tamblingan and the beach, though the star of the show is undoubtedly the hotel's gardens. These literally burst with a riot of plants, trees, and flowers that make the grounds feel like a tropical escape. That helps features like the hotel's two pools look especially appealing, and adds to the hotel's quiet, private vibe. However, the rooms -- while air-conditioned and featuring free Wi-Fi -- have a classic Balinese style that's quite dated. During our 2017 visit, some were being renovated and looked more cheerful. There are two restaurants serving basic local and international fare, and drinks are available. For something that's a little more fresh, try Respati Beach Hotel, which is right next door. 

For travelers wanting a budget resort on the beach, the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel might fit the bill. This is a massive resort -- one of Sanur's largest -- but in many ways it's past its prime. There are 423 rooms, ranging from quiet garden cottages to traditional hotel rooms and massive suites, but all need some love. We spotted wear and tear and old decor, and everything from upkeep to cleanliness can be an issue. That being said, the pools are nice and the four restaurants please most guests. Rates can also be far lower than other properties in the area, but it's worth shelling out a little more money for a room at Respati Beach Hotel instead. It's better kept and you'll be closer to town.