Bintang Kuta Hotel

A modern, minimalist style flows through the open-air lobby, which is bright and has floor-to-ceiling wood paneling plus marble floors and walls. The Edelweis Lobby Bar shares the space and has contemporary wood armchairs with brown cushions and lighted alcoves with nature-inspired artwork. The indoor/outdoor Anggrek Coffee Shop has soft tan armchairs and pool views, as well as plenty of windows, wall carvings, and cherry-toned wood furniture. Guests gather around the small courtyard pool, which is shaded by tropical trees and features a swim-up bar, though many guests also flock to the beach and larger pool at the neighboring Ramada resort. Guests here include a good deal of domestic Indonesian and Asian tourists, and are primarily couples and families. 

The Bintang Kuta Hotel is on busy Kartika Road, which is full of traffic and leads to the Discovery Shopping Mall and Waterbom Park, both under 10 minutes away on foot. The Lippo Mall is just around the corner and there are plenty of restaurants, shops, clubs, and bars within a five-minute walk. Otherwise, travelers will need to take cars and taxis to the main tourist haunts in town. It's about 10 minutes by taxi to Poppies 1 and 2, streets packed with wild bars and nightlife, and the area around these streets are filled with all manner of shops, restaurants, malls, and cafes. Kuta Square is a five-minute drive from the hotel. The beach is accessible through the neighboring Ramada Inn, but those looking to sunbathe along Kuta's bustling beachfront will need to -- again -- hop in a cab. Expect a 10-minute ride. It's only a five-minute drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport, making this a pleasant stopover for people who have an early morning flight after a stay elsewhere in Bali.

Deluxe Rooms, Family Rooms, and Suites are large (starting at 32 square meters, or 344 square feet) and feature contemporary, neutral-toned design throughout. Dark wood laminate floors and wicker chairs with green pillows create a modern, beachy atmosphere, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs are mounted on light wood-paneled walls. Beds have white duvets and are flanked by white retro-modern nightstands. Desks match the light wood paneling and have attractive mosaic-tiled corners, and all rooms include mini-fridges, coffeemakers, safes, and free bottled water plus air-conditioning. Suites are extra spacious and feature living rooms, but rooms throughout have thin walls and guests have complained of hearing neighbors. Bright, stylish bathrooms have lime green walls and white square sinks as well as glassed-in tile showers, though we did spot a bit of dirty grout. Suites bathrooms also feature soaking tubs and all bathrooms include toiletries.

The outdoor, blue-tile pool features a large stone waterfall along with several padded lounge chairs on a small terrace. Trees and shrubs surround the area, which is popular with families, and there is a swim-up bar serving beer and cocktails, though traffic noise can be heard. Indonesian, international, and Asian dishes are served at Anggrek Coffee Shop, as is the free buffet breakfast with omelets, croissants, and fruit, plus rice and noodles dishes. Beer, tropical drinks, and cocktails are also offered at Edelweis Lobby Bar, and all food and drinks receive solid reviews. Small meeting rooms are available and are popular with locals for conferences or company retreats. Guests can use many facilities at neighboring Ramada Bintang Bali Resort for free, including a large pool, a private beach, and a fitness center. Free Wi-Fi is offered, but guests complain the connection is poor. Additionally, there is no on-site spa or business center. Airport transfers and babysitting services can both be arranged for a fee.