The Kuta Beach Heritage Hotel Bali - Managed by Accor

This hotel sits on the same property as the Kuta Beach Hotel of the 1930s, which was one of the first hotels in the area. That being said, there's not much about this hotel that feels vintage, and instead the atmosphere throughout is fresh and contemporary. A nautical theme inspired by the mythical Riva Boat is used in the hotel, with many details related to surfing, yachting, fishing, and seafaring. The blend of local touches, French style, and a few tasteful throwback details helps to create what is one of Kuta's more upmarket options, and one of the few luxurious properties that we've found in town. Dark wood tones, creamy tiled floors, and pops of bright colors like blue and coral help make everything look fresh, and the welcome drink and cool towel are a nice touch. The hotel has a lively vibe, and guests can be found drinking and kicking back in the multiple restaurants and bars, and around the sleek rooftop pool, until fairly late. Couples and groups of friends are far and away the most frequent guests here, though families do pass through as well despite a lack of kid-friendly features and the hotel's more party-centric atmosphere.

This hotel is located across the street from Kuta Beach, right in the heart of the action. The immediate area is rowdy and wild, though that's precisely what many visitors to Kuta are looking for when they arrive. There are tons of other hotels nearby, including international icons like the Hard Rock Hotel Bali (and Hard Rock Cafe), which is just a two-minute walk down the street. The hotel is also surrounded by restaurants, bars, markets, and shops. There are tons of nightlife along Poppies I and II, which are five and 10 minutes away on foot, respectively. Jalan Legian, a busy main road that parallels the coast and is packed with shops and clubs, is a little over 10 minutes away on foot, as is Waterbom Bali, a popular water park. It's a 20-minute drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport, and Ubud is about an hour north of town.

In a town where even some of the nicer hotels appear to be styled with items found at the touristy local art markets, the Kuta Beach Heritage Hotel is a welcome departure. Rooms here a contemporary and chic, with a subtle nautical theme and color schemes reflecting the sand and sea. Furniture is wood, rattan, and leather, and black-and-white photographs of beach scenes hang on the walls. The polished wood floors are handsome, especially when coupled with classic accents like black metal bedside lamps. It's worth noting that the hotel can be noisy and the area outside isn't exactly tranquil either -- as such, guests have noted some noise disturbances in rooms at night.

All rooms come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, balconies, and safes. Wi-Fi is free, but can be spotty. Suites are the most spacious option and have separate living areas. They also add proper coffeemakers, electric kettles, and DVD players. Heritage Suites are the most luxurious, with sliding glass doors separating the living room from the bedroom -- some even have ocean views. The modern bathrooms feature stylish vessel sinks, stone countertops, and walk-in rainfall showers. Bathrooms in higher-category suites also include a deep soaking tub, separate showers with rainfall showerheads, hairdryers, and magnifying mirrors. 

There are a number of nice features at this hotel, though dining is a real highlight and is well-liked by most previous guests. Waves Restaurant is open all day and serves an excellent breakfast buffet featuring proper espresso-based coffees and plenty of options (including some for vegetarians). Waves is modeled after a cruise ship, with wooden floors, tables, and chairs. Riva Restaurant and Bar is an open-air space overlooking the sea that's open for lunch and dinner. Bright orange and green chairs add splashes of color to wooden tables and chairs, as do aqua cushions on wicker bar stools. Cushioned wicker sofas and chairs provide comfy places to sit out on the terrace, with beautiful views of the sea especially at sunset. There's also a lounge in the lobby. 

The long, rectangular pool overlooks the sea and is equipped with a variety of lounge chairs and bean bags for relaxing poolside on the wooden deck. It's a stylish space, and is often busy. Umbrellas provide shade, and the bar serves drinks and snacks throughout the day and into the evening, when sunsets are quite spectacular. The Aqua Spa offers massage treatments, facials, body wraps and scrubs, and manicures and pedicures. There's also H2O fitness center on the fourth floor by the pool, which has cardio and weight training machines for anyone wanting to be a little more active. 

The formal Ola meeting room can accommodate up to 60 people theater-style, and the Banjar Ballroom can host crowds of up to 300. Meeting packages are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though it can be spotty. There's a boutique in the lobby that sells beach-ready clothes and gifts. Airport transfers can also be arranged for a fee, as can everything from babysitting to dry cleaning. Parking is nominally available, though spots are limited at best.