Kuta Central Park Hotel

The Kuta Central Park Hotel is bright, modern, and functional, if starting to show its age and popularity a bit. Expect lots of bold colors inside, as well as Balinese statuary, simple abstract art, and a few places to relax in the bustling lobby. The equally bright, partly open-air Cafe Lounge is next door, where dark-wood flooring is complemented by purple-upholstered metal tub seats and white stools at the chic bar. The space has billiard and foosball tables, and two standing computers. Both the Cafe Lounge and the Lotus Pond Cafe, which has an open-air section under an attractive thatch roof, have pool views. While there are plenty of features on-site, including a pool, playgrounds, and a spa, the hotel can be extremely busy at times. It's also starting to look a little worn in spots. In any case, Kuta Central Park remains a well-liked choice for everyone from school groups to domestic families, as well as international guests from across the spectrum.

The hotel is set back from a busy road, with shops and banks alongside it, and several local restaurants nearby. Kuta’s nightlife scene on Jalan Legian is 10 minutes away on foot, and there are tons of dining and drinking options on Jalan Dewi Sri, which is just opposite the hotel. Unfortunately, guests will need a car or cab to get to Bali's famous beaches. Kuta Beach is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and Seminyak Beach is a 20-minute drive. Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 20-minute drive, though traffic can change that figure.

Rooms here have a functional look, with bold accents that are a common design feature in budget hotels around the Kuta area. Attractive tufted headboards rest against a striking accent walls, some of which are done in bright tropical motifs. Light-wood flooring helps make the rooms seem larger than they are, though entry-level units are quite compact, and some look a bit dated. 

Keep in mind that Standard Rooms lack windows, while Studios add attractive purple sofas and light-wood coffee tables. These rooms have windows but lack balconies. Suites are a larger version of Deluxe Rooms, with separate living areas with additional TVs, but they don't have balconies, and the plain white walls and pale-wood floors make the living areas look a bit spartan. Rooms could be better insulated -- guests have complained about noise between rooms.

Rooms have modern built-in dark-wood desks, flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibars, and safes. Attractive bathrooms have bright tiling and built-in vanity sinks with large mirrors, plus walk-in glass showers. Small balconies are furnished with gray wicker tables and chairs, but those on the ground floor lack privacy. Bathrooms in Suites have built-in bathtubs with overhead power showers. Some guests find the bathrooms poorly designed and the showerheads too low. There have also been some isolated complaints about the hot water.

There are a number of features on offer at this hotel, which is helpful as it's often packed to the gills with travelers. Even so, some areas can still feel overwhelmed, including the pool. The pool is attractive, has a popular swim-up bar, and makes the most of a compact space, but it catches sun only until mid-afternoon. There also aren't enough chairs for everyone. The spa offers traditional Balinese massage, as well as a range of nail care treatments. The gym is bright and cheery, but small, with only a few cardio machines and free weights. The buffet breakfast, served at the Lotus Pond Cafe, has a wide variety of dishes, but it is not included in all room rates.The outdoor playground is well-maintained, and there's another play space inside. Meeting rooms include projection equipment. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property.