More about The Oberoi Bali Hotel
A Balinese Oasis! - Did not want to leave!!!!!
by TripAdvisor Member Mikerson
We spent five nights at the Oberoi Bali.
This hotel was one of a few referrals from a friend who is a part-time resident in Bali. I trusted his suggestion, but I still monitored Trip Advisor for reviews of the hotel. Having returned from the hotel, I am suprised at some of the negative reviews below. For us, the Oberoi was a PERFECT holiday resort.
The hotel picked us up at the airport with a sign and a warm greeting. The car at the airport was clean and the driver offered us cool towels and bottled water.
Upon arrival at the hotel, we were greeted with fresh flower leis and the check-in process with un-rushed and personable. Within minutes of arriving at our room we were delivered a welcome drink.
The hotel is basically a self-contained Balinese village. All low rise buildings with thatch roofs and volcanic rock walls. Extremely charming! All public buildings are open air - no doors or windows, and views of the lush landscaping and Indian Ocean. It is not a high-rise hotel, no elevators, no chilly lobby or hectic concierge desk. It was tranquil and relaxing just to be on the property!
We stayed in a Gardenview Lanai. The room was spacious and had a distinct Balinese feel. The bathroom was very large. We loved the soaking tub, and the bathroom garden with the option of an open air shower. Very tropical and Indonesian. There are some one and two bedroom villas with private pools, which we did not see. The hotel pool has a view of the Indian Ocean, which I would miss in a private villa with an enclosed private pool.
The hotel pool is adequate, but not large with lagoons, waterfalls and slides. However, the pool is very elegant and relaxing. The poolside service was attentive. Bottled water, cool towels and suntan lotion are brought to you within minutes. In the afternoon the staff comes out with complimentary snacks every hour or so: fruit kabobs, sorbet cones. At 430pm the hotel set up a complimentary afternoon tea service: fresh fruit, finger sandwiches, little cakes and cookies. A very nice touch!
There was afternoon or evening entertainment daily. Some days full shows in the amphitheater, other days carving demonstrations or Balinese musicians.
The entire hotel staff were warm and friendly and seemed to really appreciate our being there. We were always greeted, sometimes by name! Folded hands and a smile from the hotel staff spoke so much more than words! Lobby staff would ask where we had gone for dinner or what we had enjoyed that day touring the island. We experienced a genuine care and concern from the hotel staff.
The only drawback I found was the price of food and drink at the hotel. I know this is a resounding statement from other reviewers as well. We found food outside the hotel to be 1/3-1/2 the price. Ku De Ta next door, which is known for being overpriced, offered cocktails for half the price of the Oberoi, and breakfast at Ku De Ta was less than half the price of the Oberoi restaurant. We did not try the restaurant at the Oberoi for dinner. I believe this is the situation at most hotels in Bali. With so many gourmet restaurant choices in Seminyak and around Bali, it was certainly not an issue for us!!!
Someday we will visit Bali again. Until then, the Oberoi Bali will remain lovingly in my memory. I wish I could be there now!!!!
Bali is the land of good food...
by dianinparis about Warung Made Kuta & Warung Made Seminyak
Bali is the land of good good. Watch out on those hips when you get back home.
My old time fav restaurants will be of course The Made's Warung. It has two branches, one in Kuta and one in seminyak area. They offer various local / balinese cuisines as well as western cuisines.
My recommendations are the Nasi Campur, Deep Fried Tofu, Nasi goreng and the Arak Madu.
For cheaper alternatives, go to warung gossip and warung ocha. Warung gossip is located at kerobokan area and again seminyak road for warung ocha.
go to : http://madeswarung.com Nasi Campur
Nasi Goreng
Deep Fried Tofu
Loved it
by TripAdvisor Member barmynights
We stayed for 9 nights at the Oberoi. We arrived late and very tired and were collected from the hotel. Upon arrival reception was ok, and we were taken to our Lanai. They opened the door for us and led us into our lanai (not villa, couldnt possibly afford it) and left. It was then it suddently struck us - the strong smell of damp, horrible. We also noticed stains on the rugs and a previous occupant's bits of hair in the bathroom. not too nice.. we deliberated whether all the lanai would smell the same, as they have a reed roof and it was just coming out of rainy season, but decided to ring concierge rather than put up with it, as it isnt cheap for 9 nights for nearly £1k. They promptly came and moved us to a much nicer lanai facing a central pond which was far nicer. from then on we relaxed. totally.
Service was excellent and as someone else said they are so friendly and do their best to make sure you've got everything you want. we didnt bother with the restaurant as there are so many nearby and infintely cheaper although the bar is lovely in the evning, if a little quiet when we went (never more than one other couple when we were there). The surrounding area is as i say good for reataurants with the increasingly famous Jl. Oberoi street full of good restaurants though again its quiet but it was low season and trade is still trying to claw its way back after the bombings which is a bit saddening. kuta is far busier but also far more touristy and we hated it in honesty. oh on that note, if anyone tries have you fill in a questionnaire on bali tourism do not stop walking! it's a con apparently to get your hotel room no and hassle you with sales calls. we encountered a girl doing this in kuta and despite an immediate and firm 'No' and walking on she followed us down the street for 5 minutes until I was forced to almost shout at her and we retreated into a nearby shop. also dont take the bali tourism prize tickets from anyone, another con where to receive your prize you have to go to an office with them, presumably to be hard sold something again.
the best nearby eateries were Pete's Place as it has a roof terrace high on its 3rd floor affording a great view, and wonderfully cool in the hot night! a walk along the beach to gado gado is recommended, as is a trip next door to Ku de ta, which although rather swarming with ex pats and aussie holiday makers was beautiful food (however you pay western prices for the western interior and ambience). Try the more local looking roadside cafes for lunch as two main meals and two bintan beers will set you back all of about £2 or £3 and is delicious.
we used the relatively rather expensive spa which was our first try at a massage, and was utterly relaxing. the swimming pool area is very nice and you get your lounger made up when you arrive there, with complimenary bottled water and 25spf sun cream (which is essential by the way for british skin! the sun gets incredibly strong in bali) We would have liked the pool to have been slightly more interesting than just a rectangle as some of the more modern resorts have these days eg lagoon style or infinity, but thats testament to the age of the oberoi, which is now 20 years old and i hear due for an upgrade soon.
Fresh fruit eveyday was very welcome as we werent wiling to pay the £250 extra to have breakfast included for duration of our stay. last mention is the bathroom, probably the highlight of the lanai as its very large, with a basin each (v.handy!) and the shower opens out onto a small outside area which is rather intriguing and nice! and a stone sunken bath.
If i were to visit bali again soom i'd choose the the oberoi again. recommended, especially if staying in a concrete block for a hotel isn't your thing!
Mixed emotions
by TripAdvisor Member bcstrachan
we stayed for four nights at the hotel with in a sea view pavillion - liked the style and feel of the place but didn't think it was good enough for five stars.
What we liked
The staff, the spa, the situation. Ku de Ta next door (fantastic bar restaurant chill out experience - superb)
What we didn't like
Price of food and drink. Quality was good but prices very steep to the extent that it limited the amount we spent. In no way any differnt from decent resutaruants at home. Didn't buy lots of wine with meal - I refuse to pay those prices for second rate Ozzie chardonnay that I wouldn't touch in the UK at £4 a bottle.
We asked for a wake up call on our last day as we had a connecting flight to catch to Lombok - they forgot. We had to pack up everything in 10 minutes to catch the flight, so missed showers, breakfast and lost items that we left behind. Way too stresful and sorry really didnt cut it from the staff. And our sunglasses were nicked by the pool - our fault for not watching them but hacekd off all the same.
What we had mixed feelings about
The room - nice, spacious but dated in terms of the feel. Freebies were limited, I want some serious pampering for that kind of money.
So would we go again? fraid not, just not worth the money and wouldn't rush to recommend.
Onwards to Lombok Oberoi! See comments!
Not worth it
by TripAdvisor Member dokanman
Posiibly due to some confusion with the reservation, there was no car at the airport to pick me up, as requested.
Booked through Leaders Club at LHW, but not given any amenity / privelege.
Fisrt room I was shown to was adjacent to a noisy diesel generator, the power source for the resort when I arrived.
Second room (garden view, circa 300us / night) was a musty smelling affair in the far corner of the resort (room 250 if anyone's into musty smelling rooms).
Lunch left 90% uneaten. The restaurant was otherwise empty, I should have got the message before.
Went for massage to find its run by Banyan Tree (overpriced thai outfit) - the usual waif like girls rubbing perfumed oil into punters at 50US / hour. Perfectly good alternatives over the road for 10 -20% of the price.
Power sockets old, worn and ...not working. Woke up to find that due to loose socket my laptop battery was flat.
Internet connection works tho! Hooray I found something positive!!!! Order of 1 OJ and 1 carrot juice for wake up turned up as 1 OJ and one watery orange coolured liquid (def not carrot?).
Overall - an overpriced, decaying resort that would cost around 30 -40 US / night in Malaysia or Thailand. Checked out after first night. NO plan to return.
Weather was hot - atmosphere cold
by TripAdvisor Member tokyobabe
My mother and I stayed here for four nights, following five nights in Ubud.
Overall the stay was good- staff helpful, room size decent, bathroom large. We paid $199 plus tax per night and this included breakfast.
Afternoon tea every day was lovely, served in the ampitheatre with cakes and sandwiches with a different entertainment each day (kite making, dancing). The poolside service was great - there were more than enough incredible comfy sun loungers (with proper thick matresses). When you'd chosen your spot the staff would rush over and make it up for you, produce complimantary ice cold water and chilled glasses, and factor 25 sun lotion. Throughout the day they would appear to bring more free water / clean your sunglasses / give you free sorbets and skewers of fruit / bring more fresh towels. There were various views you could have - by the pool watching the crashing surf, under the trees or on the beach itself.
A few things failed to make the mark - the breakfast buffet was limited - although loved the beautiful beach view as we ate our toast and cornflakes. The rooms were, as many people have noted, dated, although this did not particularly bother us as it felt quite 'Balinese'.
The food was very expensive, although there were nice restarants nearby to eat in, including a 24 hour diner with yummy food and big portions. We did have delicious burgers by the pool one day, and that cost us about £12 each with a drink.
With hindsight the real problem was the atmosphere - nobody spoke or acknowledged each other in ANY way. Normally this is so not a problem for me, there is nothing I hate more than loud families and screaming kids. But after the friendly atmosphere of Ubud it felt odd - and everyone was super skinny and glamorous, with matching designer bikinis / kaftans / flip flops / make up. This made us both feel that we should be making more of an effort (something I really can't be bothered with in 100 degree heat on holiday). Not a criticism of the hotel of course, but still something worth noting.
So overall I am glad we stayed, but we wouldnt have paid anymore than $199 for the experience.
Perfect Honeymoon Destination - Fabulous!
by TripAdvisor Member Chels1
I have to agree with everything in the review below. We went to the Oberoi for 14 nights in June 2006 for our honeymoon. We had the most amazing time. The pick-up from the airport was just fantastic after our long flight, the check-in was very smooth. We upgraded to a Luxury Villa with our own Pool which was just amazing. It blew us away! The size of the pool was like a normal pool (see photo), the actual villa was just so luxuious. Amazing bathroom and sunken bath (to fit two!). Walk in wet room. We had cool fresh fruit drinks waiting for us and a bottle of Moet which was a lovely touch.
The breakfasts were excellent on the beach front. My husband booked a romantic meal on the beach via the conceige at the Oberoi and it was just amazing. We managed to see the sunset and enjoy a traditional Indonesian meal surrounded by beach and candles. We ate in the hotel restaurant 3 nights and it was just excellent service and food. We also ate in the surrounding restaurants in Seminyak - so many to choose from. The Oberoi prices in the bar and in room dining are more expensive than in the surrounding areas. We drank in the bar a few nights. All the staff were so friendly and the service was second to none!!
Your sheets are changed daily and your room is cleaned and serviced in the morning and then in the evening they come to turn down your bed and provide information on the next day and few local biscuits plus clean and tidy again.
We just didn't want to leave!! I just know we will be going back for one of our future anniversarys.!
Absolutely wonderful holiday
by A TripAdvisor Member
Stayed here for 7 nights and didn't want to leave. Fabulous hotel with an authentic balinese flavour, no bland american style hotel here.
Great service with personal attention, staff are genuinely welcoming. You wont find better in Bali. Plenty of information in some other reviews, but just felt strongly enough to add to the positive ratings.
Bali Paradise
by TripAdvisor Member MarkSimpson
We have just returned from seven nights at the Oberoi. Our stay was fantastic from the moment we were met at the airport by one of the hotel cars. The hotel had made a mistake with our room booking but this was rectified immediately. The hotel is stunning and the complete opposite of high rise, high density resorts - just 75 rooms in 15 acres of beautifully maintained gardens. The staff were outstanding throughout from reception and concierge to room servicing. We did a one day tour of tourist spots and the volcano and the car, driver and guide were good value at $75. This is primarily a resort for couples and we would not hesitate to stay there again.
Excellent Service but very contemporary
by TripAdvisor Member AlainAntwerp
Part of our 3 week travel to Bali and Lombok, we stayed for 3 nights at the Oberoi in Seminyak. It was our first stay at Oberoi Hotels and we were honestly a little disappointed. Although the resort is specious and very nice, well located and staff is extremely thoughtful, we felt entering a hotel that has his "peak" about 20 years ago, and needed some thorough refurbishments. I have to say that we prefer modern minimistic style, so it is most probalby a matter of personal taste. We booked a standard room. At the rate of 219 USD ++ 21% tax & service, we found a room that was quite outdated and needed throrough refurbishment. It was relatively small, though the bathroom was well appointed (though with a small shower cabin and toilet in the bathroom without any separation). We did not eat at the hotel as prices were too high (50 USD for the hotel dinner buffet). Overall a nice stay, though definitely not the top hotel in Seminyak - try out The Legian!
Photos
An expensive school
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