Hotel NEO + Kuta Legian

The vibe at the NEO + Kuta Legian is youthful and energetic -- in fact, it's a bit wild and loud at times. A majority of the guests that come through the hotel are young couples and groups of friends in Kuta for the party scene and beach culture. Most of the activity throughout the day is centered around the lap pool, which many of the rooms and the restaurant overlook. The pool is surrounded by a large wooden deck lined with lounge chairs as well as a few comfy day beds. Although the pool area lacks a garden, it does feature a few flowering frangipani trees and long vines that add some nice greenery to the environment. There's also a quiet and laid-back lounge area that overlooks the pool. It has a variety of seating, both indoors and on open-air on the balcony, and is a fine alternative for those looking for a little relative peace. Design throughout the hotel is contemporary and clean, featuring carved sandstone reliefs, potted palms, and floors are a combination natural grey stone tiles and light colored wood. Overall, for those who want something that's a sharp step up from the budget crash pads all around, but still want to party, this will fit the bill.

For those in town to party, this hotel has a prime spot. It's located in downtown Kuta, and situated on a small alleyway off of Legian Street, which is Bali's party hub. The largest and most popular nightclubs -- such as Sky Garden, Vi Ai Pi, and Eikon -- are all just a three-minute walk from the hotel. There's also a huge selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes along Legian Street. Kuta Beach and Beachwalk Shopping Mall take less than 15 minutes to reach on foot through the narrow and congested Poppies II lane. Waterbom Park is a 25-minute drive away and the airport takes around 30 minutes to reach, but can take much longer during peak traffic hours as this area experiences heavy gridlock.

Rooms here are modern and minimalist, with plain white walls, trendy light faux-wood tile floors, and light wood veneer furniture. Walls are mostly plain, except for some bas-relief style carvings above beds in most rooms. Suites are more elegantly decorated, featuring black-and-white photographs, paintings depicting Balinese landscapes, and solid teak furniture. Standard features include work desks, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, kettles, safes, universal plugs, and both Superior Room and Deluxe Room types have balconies and pool views.

Located on the ground level, with direct pool access, are the Suites, which feature large glass doors that open directly out onto the wooden pool deck. The Suite amenities are also an upgrade from other room categories, and include free minibars snacks, 43-inch flat-screen TVs with DVD players, comfy upholstered couches, large wardrobes, and dining tables and chairs. Suites are also more spacious, at 463 square feet (43 square meters), and contain living and dining areas. 

Suite bathrooms are also large, and feature deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers. Though a little more cramped, bathrooms in other room categories are well maintained and feature black Corian vanities, soap dispensers, and glass shower stalls. Keep in mind that Suites are the only category with ample storage space in the rooms, as the other categories only offer one small shelf and a few clothing hangers. Additionally, noise from nearby nightlife and partiers will be an issue in many rooms.

Although the NEO + Kuta Legian may be priced in line with many budget hotels in the area, what really sets it apart are the facilities, which are well designed and complete for a hotel in this price range. The hotel is centered around a long lap pool and deck which gets good sun and has plenty of lounge chairs as well as a few day beds. In the day, the pool is the center of activity and can get crowded. There also aren't any lifeguards on duty. Care Spa has an elegant interior, overlooks the pool, and contains private treatment rooms with deep soaking tubs. 

The Noodle Now Restaurant is spacious and features a few different dining areas, plus a breakfast area, a bar, and a poolside lounge with comfy couch seating. A breakfast buffet is included with most room packages and the breakfast selection has decent variety. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner, and the menu consists of affordably priced Asian and Western favorites. On the second story of the hotel is a quiet lounge with comfy couches and daybeds set up for relaxing. The hotel also features a poolside meeting rooms that can hold over 100 people. Both parking and Wi-Fi are free.