Dewi Sri Hotel

The Dewi Sri is set in four three-story traditional buildings surrounded by beautiful gardens, which help make this feel like a tranquil oasis in wild Kuta. As one of the original hotels in this area of town, the hotel is about 30 years old, but looks fresh and well-maintained. The gardens are especially lovely, with green grass, tropical trees and shrubs, and stone pathways. From a style perspective, everything is simple and unfussy. The lobby is an open-air space across from the bar, restaurant, and pool, creating a casual atmosphere for socializing. An on-site wood carver makes custom pieces on the grass, adding a bit of local charm. Many of the hotel's guests are Australian couples and families -- several of whom are repeat guests -- but the hotel is suitable for any travelers looking for bargain rates in the middle of Kuta's action.

Situated off Jalan Legian, this hotel is in the heart of Kuta, within walking distance of numerous restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. It's also a short walk from the Memorial Wall commemorating the 2002 bombings in Kuta. Among the nearby nightspots are the Engine Room Disco, Paddy's Pub, Apache Surfer Bar, and Sky Garden Bali. Poppies 2 -- a popular road lined with all manner of wild nightlife -- is just a three-minute walk from the front door. Kuta Beach will take 15 minutes to reach on foot, as will the Kuta Beachwalk Mall. Waterbom Aquatic Park -- a solid bet for families -- is a 15-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Expect a 25-minute drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport, depending on traffic.

Rooms here are a bit of a mixed bag, though despite stylistic variations, all are simple. Some of the rooms we saw -- like the Standard and Family Rooms -- are spartan, with traditional mid-tone wood furniture that's looking a little worn. These rooms also lack any wall art, and the white floors, walls, and bedding combine to create a look that's utterly plain. The freshest rooms in the hotel are the Superior Rooms, which are modern and bright, with orange accent walls and bed toppers, white tile floors, a black silhouetted tree motif over the bed. Furniture is black and clean-lined in these rooms. All rooms come with air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and work desks. The modern Deluxe Rooms add DVD players, tea/coffee makers, and extra lighting and power outlets. Furniture on balconies and terraces is crafted of lovely Indonesian teak and views are of the gardens or pool. Family rooms have two bedrooms with a sliding wooden door between them and a bathroom with a shower/tub combo. Bathrooms are tiled, and some have rainfall showerheads. Hairdryers are available on request. 

The hotel's restaurant, Mostic, is open around-the-clock, serving international and regional fare. It's a casual space by the pool with a bar, wicker seating, and a tile floor. A free breakfast buffet with hot and cold items is served daily, and food in general scores high marks from previous guests for its reasonable prices and quality. Guests also can order room service 24/7 as well. 

The rectangular outdoor pool is suitable for swimming laps, or guests can just swim up to the bar for a drink. Cushioned lounge chairs topped by red umbrellas line the pool deck, and there are two shallow areas for the kids. The pool is the site of weekly entertainment, and massage services are available by the pool or under a palapa in the garden. The large open garden and lawn area is a great place for kids to run around, or it can be used for private events such as wedding receptions. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and everything from laundry to babysitting services can be arranged.