Besakih Beach Hotel

The Besakih certainly isn't the freshest hotel that we visited in Sanur during our trip in 2017, though most guests are here to soak up the sun. Thankfully, that's easy to achieve here. The hotel has attractive garden grounds that front the town's bustling beachfront promenade and its pretty beach. During our stay, we saw plenty of folks lounging poolside, down on the sand, or even on their own private verandahs and patios. It's a quiet place, so expect to see fellow guests coming and going from the beach at a pace that rarely rises above a tranquil stroll. Style-wise, though, this hotel has seen better days. The look is nominally Balinese, with tiled pagoda roofs and the like, but interiors all need a fresh coat of paint, new fixtures, and a little TLC. Even so, most guests are unbothered, as they're here for easy beach access and relatively low rates. Expect to see a mix of mature couples and families at Besakih, many from Europe and Australia. 

It's hard to argue with this hotel's location, as it's just north of Sanur's busy tourist heart and right on the beach. To be clear: There are plenty of tourist-friendly restaurants, cafes, warungs, shops, spas, and boutiques just outside the hotel's front doors, but the bulk of the action happens about a five-minute walk south of the hotel. Given the property's long footprint, it also opens directly onto the beach and sits along Sanur's pleasant beachfront promenade, where travelers stroll and cruise on bikes during the daylight hours. Head north along Jalan Danau Tamblingan for about 10 minutes on foot and you'll arrive at the Sindhu Night Market, which is a great (and cheap) place to sample authentic Indonesian fare. Budget up to 30 minutes to reach the airport by car, as traffic can be rough in this part of Bali. If you're looking to party in Kuta or Seminyak, allow for 45 minutes to get there by taxi.

Unfortunately, rooms are not this hotel's strong suit and they could universally use an overhaul. For starters, the style is tired -- you'll see faded wall art, lots of neutral hues, and simple wooden furniture. Tile floors and mostly empty walls look mostly sterile, though we did spot peeling paint in some rooms, as well as the lingering scent of mothballs. When this is coupled with sometimes outdated features -- like old TVs -- the overall effect is underwhelming. Even so, most guests find that they only use the rooms as a place to crash at night. Standard features include satellite TV channels, air-conditioning, basic minibars, and electric kettles. The private patios or verandahs are a nice extra in all rooms. Bathrooms are equally dated, and we spotted some mold issues in certain units during our 2017 visit. They include stall showers or shower/tub combos, plus a decent amount of counter space, toiletries, and towels. Most rooms can hold up to three people, though connecting rooms can accommodate five or six people with extra beds. Certain rooms -- like the Suites -- are walled off from the rest of the property, adding the feeling of extra privacy.

There aren't too many features here, though what's on offer is sufficient for guests who need little more than food, beverages, and sun. The best features are located close to the beach -- where the hotel has its own free loungers and towels for guests. Across the promenade from the beach is the hotel's main pool, with poolside seating and a swim-up bar. Guests were splashing around lazily during our visit, adding to the overall relaxed vibe here. There's also a low-key restaurant next to the promenade serving international and Indonesian fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast isn't included in standard rates, and room service will cost extra. A second restaurant serves the same menu, and two bars are available (including the swim-up option at the pool). Balinese entertainment and themed nights take place on select nights of the week, though they're generally understated affairs. The hotel has a billiards table, and can arrange massages, but there is no proper spa on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there are rooms for events and the occasional wedding.