The Jayakarta Bali Beach Resort

One of the oldest hotels in the Legian area, the Jayakarta Bali has been around for more than 30 years, and is unfortunately showing its age. The property is designed in outdated traditional Balinese style, which means lots of dark wood and gold decorations on pillars, walls, and ceilings. The old-fashioned lobby has pebble-dash design marble flooring and dated dark-wood sofas, an old-fashioned reception desk, artificial flower displays, and an announcement board with unintentionally retro cinema-marquee-style tile lettering. Unfortunately, things don't improve much as you move throughout the hotel.

The beautifully manicured gardens are a striking contrast to the Jayakarta’s interiors, and are full of color. Well-maintained paths run between lawns and past the rooms. There are several restaurants, and their style ranges from almost charming -- like Jimbaran, which is built around an old tree -- to more tacky, like the gold, frilly decor at Benoa. The grounds around the restaurants sport garish branded advertising banners. Overall, the vibe here is casual, and frequently gets loud. This is especially the case around the hotel's main pool. The Jayakarta is popular with families and large groups, especially Australians, and often gets crowded. Couples, or anyone seeking a quiet retreat, may want to look elsewhere.

Legian Beach is across a small, mostly pedestrian street from the hotel's back entrance, and shops, bars, and restaurants are within walking distance. The front entrance has a driveway leading up from a one-way road that can become congested. It's a 10-minute walk to the main road -- Jalan Legian -- that connects the major towns along Bali's southern coast, and there are countless restaurants and shops all along the way. The hotel is located between Kuta and Seminyak, whose beaches are both around a 15-minute drive away. The international airport is around 25 minutes away by car. 

For travelers who don't plan on spending much time in their rooms, these might be a decent place to crash, but on the whole, rooms are dated and have maintenance issues. Deluxe Rooms are the most old-fashioned, with brown headboards, brown-and-white linens, dark-wood bedside tables, and wicker chairs and side tables. The small windows let in little light, and rooms are dark, but the balconies have pleasant garden views. Junior Suites are even worse, with tattered emerald green carpet and rattan furniture, while Executive Suites are a bit more polished. These units include details like wood and marble floors, carved four-poster beds, hardwood furniture, and attractive linens and fabrics with tropical accents. One-Bedroom Apartments are also available, and blend the dated and modern styles in other categories. Expect to see wear on the furniture regardless of the category. Rooms can be noisy, especially those closest to the main pool; top-floor rooms are somewhat quieter. 

Standard amenities include air-conditioning, electric kettles, minibars, balconies, and televisions, though the latter are a mix of old tube units and flat-screen TVs. Not all rooms have free Wi-Fi and even those that do can barely get a signal. Only some rooms have safes. Upgraded rooms -- like Executive Suites and One-Bedroom Apartments -- add microwaves and have plenty more space. Bathrooms vary, and are done in a range of marbles. They include plenty of counter space alongside walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. Toiletries are provided. Many guests have complained of a sewage smell from the drains. 

Given its size, it's perhaps no surprise that there are a number of features on offer here, though most are as underwhelming as the hotel's overall style. There are two pools, one with an infinity edge and a swim-up bar, but they're popular, and can get crowded and loud. There are also rusty swings that sit in a sandy outdoor playground, along with a fairground-style carousel. The beach -- an attractive, wide stretch of sand with loungers and umbrellas -- is across the mostly pedestrian street. A small gym has a limited selection of cardio machines and free weights, but no treadmills -- it would be hard to get in a full workout. There's also an outdoor tennis court, pin-pong area, and a spa that gives excellent massages. The buffet breakfast has an excellent variety, but isn't included in standard rates -- it's served at both the Tanah Lot coffee shop and the Jimbaran restaurant -- the latter is quieter. The hotel’s other restaurants serve Indonesian, Italian, and other international fare. Free Wi-Fi is limited to common areas and some rooms, and the signal is weak.