Prime Plaza Hotel Sanur - Bali

While Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel hotel might at first seem a bit too removed from Sanur's tourist-friendly action, it's actually quite close to the beach and great value for a stay in town. That's because it manages to pack a ton of features into a modern package, without trying too hard to be traditionally Balinese (which is common among Sanur's three- and four-pearl hotels). Instead, you get a lot of bang for your buck. The hotel has a courtyard layout, with almost all of its common areas -- including lounges, cafes, and restaurants -- open to the tropical breezes. Guests come and go throughout the day, though the hotel rarely felt busy or overrun during our 2017 visit. We spotted mature couples, families, and groups of friends claiming seats in the lobby, where local art is displayed and occasional live entertainment takes place. The star of the show here, though, is the hotel's pool. It's surrounded by gardens that make it a lovely alternative to Sanur's somewhat underwhelming beach. For travelers who don't mind commuting to the action in the heart of town, this can be a great, quiet alternative to what's found elsewhere.

Location isn't exactly this hotel's strong suit, though it's not altogether inconvenient. The beach is less than a 10-minute walk away, though this part of the shoreline also serves as the departure point for ferries to Nusa Lembongan and other nearby islands. That means it's relatively busy, and not great for relaxing, but also puts beachside warungs, souvenir shops, and bars within easy striking distance. Otherwise, it's a bit of a haul to the town's actual tourist heart. It's a five-minute cab ride to Sanur's buzzing night market, where great authentic food is on offer every evening. Budget 10 minutes in a cab to reach the area around Hardy's, which serves as the de facto town center. There, you'll find all manner of high-end restaurants, streetside bars, and casual warungs. Allow at least 40 minutes for a cab ride to Kuta or Seminyak, and around 30 minutes to the airport -- traffic in this part of Bali is often atrocious. 

Rooms here are bright and attractive, making them a great option at this price point in a town that's not hurting for competition. Shades of green, sharp hardwood accents, and lots of white are complemented by vibrant local artwork to create spaces that are just Balinese enough. The overall effect is modern, and details like windowside seating add just enough coziness. There are several categories to choose from here, including suites with king beds and separate bedrooms, as well as rooms with direct access to the courtyard pool. The look is similar across the board, though higher categories are done up in subtler hues. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, minibars, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty, particularly during the rainy season. Higher-category rooms add DVD players and sometimes have multiple TVs. Only rooms on the ground floor have outdoor space, which is furnished and opens to the pool. Bathrooms are modern and clean, with showers or shower/tub combos plus a good amount of counter space, towels, and toiletries. At night, there's hardly any noise of which to speak, and rooms are well-soundproofed. 

This hotel's features are essentially unmatched for a hotel in this category in Sanur. That starts with the courtyard pool, which meanders through gardens in the center of the property. There's plenty of poolside seating, as well as a poolside bar. Poolside service is also available. The hotel has a beach club, though it's not within walking distance and the closest strip of sand is a little under 10 minutes away on foot. Beach towels are available for free. 

Dining is good, if a bit pricey, and the hotel offers both poolside dining and a more formal venue. Both serve international and Indonesian cuisine. The breakfast buffet isn't included in standard rates, but the hot and cold offerings are extensive, to say the least. There's also a great cafe with cakes and coffees situated in the lobby. Scheduled low-key entertainment takes place throughout the week.

The hotel's gym is better than almost any other property in Sanur, though it is open to non-hotel guests and can thus be a little busier than other hotel fitness centers. That being said, it has everything for a full workout, from cardio equipment to plate-loaded options and cable machines. It's next to the hotel's spa, which is a lovely space with five treatment rooms as well as a hot tub and sauna (the latter are free for hotel guests). Tennis courts are also available, but there's a fee to rent equipment. 

Shuttles run to the hotel's sister property, Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites, as well as the beach club and town center. The sister hotel has an extensive kids' club that's free for guests here to access. Keep in mind that shuttles are scheduled and don't run around the clock, meaning you'll have to pay for a cab back from town if you're out for the evening. There are numerous meeting and event spaces at the Paradise Plaza, and local weddings frequently take place on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but works best in the restaurants.