Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel

If you want direct beach access and a glut of resort-style amenities at relatively low rates, then the Inna Grand Bali Beach could be a decent option. Opened by the Indonesian government in 1966, this is one of Sanur's oldest properties, and unfortunately it looks the part. The grounds, peppered with gorgeous trees and flowers, make a fine first impression and open to a wide swath of beach. However, the appeal ends there. Sidewalks throughout the property buckle and crumble, and interiors are dated and worn -- we spotted everything from scuffed walls to water damage. It's a shame, because the resort's quiet location between the sea and a golf course has a lot of potential. Despite these shortcomings, the hotel still draws a number of Chinese tour groups, student groups, families, and retired couples. During our visit, most of the activity centered on the pools, the beach, and around the Tower Wing, though it's quieter toward the Cottage Wing.

Depending on your travel style, the semi-isolated location of the resort will be a boon or a curse. This is a quiet spot, wedged between a golf course and the beach north of Sanur's bustling center. It's a five-minute walk along the beachside walkway in either direction to several other restaurants and bars, including Byrdhouse -- one of the area's most popular beach clubs. Otherwise, it will take at least 20 minutes on foot to reach the tourist-friendly restaurants, bars, and shops along Jalan Danau Tamblingan. Expect drives of 45 minutes to an hour to reach Kuta. Ubud is a similar distance away by car. The airport is at least a 30-minute drive away, though that can fluctuate based on traffic.

Rooms here might be the biggest disappointment of the property. They are dated, smell musty, show plenty of wear and tear, and have some cleanliness issues. The Cottage Wing holds the quietest options, with single-story bungalows scattered throughout the hotel's gardens. Otherwise, rooms are housed in the Garden Wing or Tower Wing -- only the latter has an elevator. Despite the setting and size, the look is similar across the board. Expect to see unattractive fabrics, a bit of Balinese art, carpeted or hardwood floors, and old-school furniture in oak or burgundy hues. We spotted lots of scuffs, nicks, and scrapes everywhere from walls to countertops. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and safes. Rooms like the Regency Suite add generous seating areas. All rooms also have a terrace or balcony, but these aren't always furnished. All rooms in the Tower Wing have beach views. Bathrooms feature modernized stall showers or shower/tub combos and a good amount of counter space. We spotted moldy grout and cockroaches during our visit -- unfortunately, this isn't an infrequent complaint according to previous guests. 

For travelers who like having lots of extras, this resort delivers -- though the quality is hit or miss. The expected amenities are all here, including three pools, one with a shallow children's area. There's a poolside bar at the Tirta Pool, which sits next to the beach. All were busy with guests cooling off during our visit, and they're definitely a resort highlight. The beach has plenty of seating and is one of the longer stretches of sand in the area, but some areas aren't as well kept as others. Dining is relatively diverse and well liked, with everything from pizza to Indonesian fare available. A breakfast buffet is served in the Tower Wing, which has great views of the sea and beach (it's not included with all rates). A spa and a dated gym are also on the grounds, along with several boutiques selling sundries and beach gear. A playground is available for travelers with kids, and there's a nine-hole golf course next door (discounted rates are available for resort guests). Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there are several meeting and events spaces, including an all-glass wedding chapel (which is privately managed). Sadly, the property lacks local shuttle service -- a disappointment given the hotel's distance from the main tourist drag.