Hard Rock Hotel Bali

The first Hard Rock to open in Asia, this resort remains a wildly popular destination for couples and families from around the world. There is a fun, vibrant atmosphere here that's enhanced by rock memorabilia and bold colors covering the walls, furniture, and floors. The contemporary lobby is mood lit, with lots of mirrored surfaces and the hotel's signature black tribal designs across maroon carpets. The stars of the lobby, though, are the guitars that have been used and/or signed by rock legends like Sting, Slash, and Bon Jovi. 

A rock theme runs throughout the hotel, from zebra-print booths and drum kit tables in the exclusive Rock Royalty Lounge to Centerstage, a more upscale venue with black leather stools, dark wood floors, and memorabilia like gold records, costumes, and instruments. Many of the restaurants have outdoor dining areas as well.

As a family-friendly property, the hotel is filled with activity throughout the day and isn't exactly a breezy, tranquil escape. That being said, the kids' and teen clubs, plus multiple large outdoor pools, and rock climbing walls make sure kids are happy, while leisure facilities like the on-site Rock Spa offer a chance for adults to relax in peace as well. 

As far as Kuta mega-resorts go, it doesn't get much more central than the Hard Rock. Kuta Beach -- a Bali legend, if not the cleanest or most lovely stretch of sand on the island -- is just across the street. There are also tons of restaurants, shops, and markets in any direction from the hotel (not to mention plenty of other resorts and hotels). The Discovery Shopping Mall is a 10-minute walk from the hotel while Waterbom Park, a great family destination, takes around 12 minutes to reach on foot. Slightly more tranquil Seminyak Beach takes about 20 minutes to reach by car and Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

Large, modern rooms include white tile floors with mid-tone wood furniture, crisp white bedding, and the hotel's signature tribal design on a maroon accent wall. The same tribal pattern appears on red area rugs and all pillowcases have tiny guitars embroidered in the corners. Many room have Balinese daybeds with striped pillows for extra seating. Every rooms includes high-end features like Nespresso coffeemakers and iPod docking stations, and rooms also include air-conditioning, free bottled water, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. 

Kids' Suites are available that have tons of kid-friendly perks, like bunk beds outfitted in bright, kid-approved colors plus toys and video game consoles. Luxury Kids' Suites have separate living and dining areas, separate bedrooms for kids and adults, and upgraded decor, including decorative dragon sculptures and lots of shiny surfaces. Luxury Suites are also available without the kid-friendly features.

Bathrooms are spacious and have contemporary white square sinks on striking marble countertops, with brown and white tile throughout. Large shower/tub combos are in each bathroom, but some have separate walk-in tile showers and tubs plus bathrobes as well as double sinks. The hotel provides its own Rock Spa toiletries. While street noise is not an issue in any room, guests have reported that some rooms pick up loud noise from music inside of the hotel. 

The Hard Rock has the largest free-form pool in Bali and it can feel more like a water park, with a sandy faux beach area and multiple waterslides. There's also a separate water playground in a shallow kids' pool with a jungle gym. Many cabanas, palm trees, and lounge chairs surround the main pool area and there are tubes available for rent. Waterfalls, a sand volleyball court, and a five-meter climbing wall are nice touches as well. The Chill Out pool is only accessible for Deluxe Premium Rooms and is far more tranquil and intimate, with breezy cabanas and a gorgeous stone terrace with handsome tropical landscaping. Guests should be aware that there are fees for things like tube rentals and access to the kids' club. TABU, the teen club, has flat-screen TVs with gaming consoles, a DJ booth, cinema area, and a snack bar. Several computers are also available for use. There’s a kid’s club too, with a playground, flat-screen TVs, and toys.

Restaurants on-site offer a wide variety of cuisines and entertainment, from live bands and burgers at the Hard Rock Cafe Bali to modern Asian cuisine at Starz Diner. Splash Bistro sits poolside with wood-fired pizza and cocktails while the HRBC Deli has sandwiches, cappuccinos, and brownies. The Shack serves cocktails near the main pool and Centerstage offers cocktails and live bands every night. The Rock Royalty Lounge is available for Hard Rock members and includes breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails. Price tags at many of the restaurants can be high, and breakfast is not included with most bookings.

Rock Spa includes a beautiful sauna and a hot tub. Treatments including massages, mani/pedis, exfoliating scrubs, and facials are available, and even children’s treatments are offered. The hotel's fitness center has a hot tub, sauna, and steam room in addition to classes. The large, updated space has cardio and weight machines, free weights, and a bench press. The Boom Box Recording Studio with high-end equipment and instruments is also available on site.

Meetings and weddings can be staged at the resort, and audiovisual services can be arranged. The hotel also offers regular events like foam parties and there is a gift shop on site selling all manner of Hard Rock gear. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and airport transportation can be arranged.