The Vira Bali Boutique Hotel & Suite

In a city full of rowdy party flophouses and charmless big resorts, the first impression at this hotel is a pleasant departure, with interiors that are immediately calm and simple. Guests climb a few steps to enter the spacious, open lobby that's decorated with tile floors and a carved stone front desk with a floral motif. It all has a modern look, with cushioned wicker-resin sofas and chairs providing places for guests to hang out. Brightly colored fresh flowers are a nice touch, and the look throughout much of the hotel's common areas is breezy -- of course, the welcome drink helps amplify that effect. The restaurant is a popular gathering place, especially when there's live music on the weekends, and breakfast can be busy. However, throughout much of the day the vibe is fairly quiet, as most guests are out and about exploring. This is a popular hotel for travelers who need to be near the airport, though it also attracts couples and a few families who don't mind being just outside the wild heart of Kuta and away from the beach.

This hotel is located in southern Kuta, along a fairly busy road that parallels the coast. It's a highly trafficked, busy area of town, and the Lippo Mall is directly across the road. Waterborn Park -- a waterpark that's a popular area destination -- is a 10-minute walk up the road, as is the Discovery Mall. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars within an easy walk. Still, those wanting to be right in the thick of Kuta's nightlife are a bit outside of the party at this hotel, and the twin Poppies nightlife areas are a 10-minute car ride from here. Kuta Beach is also a hike from here, though a more reasonable shortcut is available through Discovery Mall when it's open. Otherwise, expect a five- to 10-minute taxi ride to the shore. Legian Beach, which is a more tranquil alternative, takes 30 minutes to reach by car. The hotel does make a convenient base for those looking to be near the airport, as the terminal is only a five-minute drive or free shuttle ride from here. Even so, there's little noise once inside the hotel from traffic or airplanes, which is a blessing in this part of town.

The hotel offers four types of rooms, though across the board the decor is modern, if plain and unmemorable. Expect to see white tile floors, simple mid-tone wood furniture, tan accent walls behind the beds, and pops of burgundy and dark brown in the soft furnishings. It's a little underwhelming and business-like for a holiday hotel that has fairly bright and breezy common areas. We also spotted a bit of wear on the furniture. All rooms come with air-conditioning, electric kettles, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Folding wooden doors open to balconies and terraces furnished with teak chairs and a table in Superior Rooms on the second floor as well as the Deluxe Rooms on the third and fourth floors. Deluxe Pool Access rooms are on the ground floor and have a private terrace overlooking the pool. The largest units, Suite Rooms, offer a private balcony, living area, dining area, kitchenette, two flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. Bathrooms are compact, but all have tub/shower combos, a generous amount of counter space, and hairdryers and toiletries. Unfortunately, some bathrooms are showing some maintenance and upkeep issues like mildew and water stains, and the mix of bland marble tiling and granite looks dated.

Open around-the-clock, the Grill Corner serves a mix of Western and regional cuisine in a casual, open-air space by the pool. It has a separate entrance off the street, and the live music on weekends draws guests and non-guests. A bar in the center of the dining room serves cocktails and beer and wine, and food receives generally enthusiastic marks from previous guests. Additionally, a breakfast buffet is included in room rates, though it can be a bit repetitive.

The outdoor pool is in the central courtyard of the hotel, and all rooms look out into this area. It's an attractive, modern space with cushioned lounge chairs and bean bag chairs for poolside relaxing on the wooden pool deck. A fountain sprays water, and palm trees and other greenery provide a tropical touch. There's also a shallow area for the little ones. The Anahita Spa is a decent alternative spot for unwinding, and it offers Balinese and warm stone massage treatments, body treatments, reflexology, and foot and nail treatments. 

A library provides books and magazines, with lounge space for reading, and an attractive business center by the lobby has computers and a printer for guests to use. While this part of Kuta isn't exactly a business destination, there's a meeting room that can accommodate up to 100 people, and meeting packages are available. The airport is close by, though the hotel picks up little to no noise from it, and free transfers are provided. Use of bicycles is free, as is Wi-Fi throughout the property.