Grand Istana Rama Hotel Bali

The Grand Istana Rama Hotel Bali is an older property that features traditional Balinese-style interiors and architecture, with lots of wood throughout and thatched roofs. Outside, paved lanes weave through greenery, with plenty of verdant trees, tropical plants, and grassy lawns providing lush surroundings. The lovely, wood-framed glass entrance fills the lobby with lots of natural light, while the sloped roof and high ceiling lends an air of spaciousness. Decor is simple -- tiled flooring is paired with wooden wall paneling and guests are greeted at an intricately carved front desk. Potted plants and palm trees imbue the space with a dose of fresh greenery, while upholstered wooden chairs and benches line one of the walls, clustered around small coffee tables. Other common areas throughout the property are similarly simple in style, with lots of wood, like in the hotel’s restaurant, which has wooden flooring and ceilings that give it a cozy feel, as well as wooden and wicker tables and chairs. Outdoor seating on a large terrace is also available, while the neighboring bar has black wicker seating padded with purple pillows. Overall, the hotel is a simple, pleasant space, though a bit tired and in need of some updates.

The hotel is conveniently located near the beach and right by the Beachwalk shopping center, a large mall full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. There are many other restaurants and shops nearby, plus attractions like Kuta Square and Jalan Legian are within walking distance. Seminyak and its attractions like Seminyak Square and the beach can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is about a 20-minute drive away.

Rooms at the hotel are pleasant and fairly spacious, decorated in simple, contemporary Indonesian style with sunny, pale yellow walls and wooden furnishings. Beds are topped in crisp white linens with burgundy bed runners and pillows that match those on accompanying armchairs that flank small tables. All rooms have work desks, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, electronic safes, free Wi-Fi, and a daily supply of bottled water, plus some have private terraces or balconies. Bathrooms are covered in beige tiles and outfitted with either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers as well as hairdryers and a range of toiletries, though the facilities could use an update and guests complain of clogged pipes. Garden Suites offer more space and lush courtyard gardens, with small, furnished porches overlooking the greenery. Bathrooms are larger too, with both walk-in showers and tubs.

The hotel is surrounded by lovely, green grounds filled with lush, tropical plants and trees as well as a fairly large outdoor pool surrounded by a sundeck with a limited amount of padded loungers and umbrellas. A swim-up bar serves various refreshments and light meals. Guests can also imbibe in cocktails and a variety of drinks at the hotel’s 69 Tequila Bar, which offers live entertainment and has an outdoor stage. Samudera Restaurant also offers alfresco seating and serves Balinese and international dishes, plus room service is available around the clock.

The hotel has four meeting rooms that range in size and can accommodate up to 250 people. These are available for a variety of functions, including weddings. There’s a range of free cultural activities that are offered throughout the week, including cooking classes, language lessons, and dance classes. Wi-Fi is free throughout. There are no spa nor fitness facilities on-site, but massage and reflexology treatments are available.