Ramada Encore Bali Seminyak

Ramada Encore Bali Seminyak, which opened in 2014, is at the quiet eastern end of Seminyak, housed in a modern five-story building that sits on landscaped grounds with palm trees and shrubs. Guests enter an indoor, open-air, light-gray-and-white lobby, with rugs, throw pillows, and modern art offering infusions of color. It all has a fresh vibe -- there are sofas, foosball, and billiards tables lending the space an even more casual atmosphere. That ethos continues throughout the property. The hotel's outdoor, free-form, lagoon-style pool -- with a children's section, and deck with lush greenery -- is undeniably the property's centerpiece and social hub. This Ramada outpost is a nice step up from what many of the brand's patrons may be familiar with, though it's worth noting that large groups can  overrun things here and translate into noise issues on occasion. The hotel draws mainly domestic and Chinese tourists, and its kids' center and three-bedroom rooms with kitchenettes make it a good choice for families too.

Ramada Encore Bali Seminyak is on the eastern edge of Seminyak -- a location that's not especially convenient for going to the beach or visiting the sights in the area. The hotel offers free shuttle service to Seminyak Square and a few other nearby points for part of the day and taxis are easy to find. Surrounded by other hotels and villas, the hotel is a three-minute drive or a 10-minute walk to Jalan Sunset Road, which is lined with numerous boutiques, spas, restaurants, and cafes. La Lucciola beachfront Mediterranean restaurant, Petitenget Beach, and Pura Petitenget temple are a 15-minute drive from the Ramada. A two-minute drive north of La Lucciola is the Potato Head Beach Club Bali, one of the more popular spots in town. The hotel is also about a 15-minute drive from the famous Ku De Ta restaurant with its sunsets. Waterbom Bali water park is a little less than a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Expect a 20- to 25-minute drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport, south of Kuta.

The 280 rooms at Ramada Encore Bali Seminyak are attractive and modern, but somewhat generic. The look is neutral across the board, with lots of white, light gray, beige, and brown, though red decorative throws and pillows help brighten things up a bit. White tile floors and large windows keep things bright, and a few pieces of contemporary photography hanging over the beds looks fresh. While rooms are in good condition overall, the hotel could pay more attention to mold on bathroom tiles and in the showers, as well as stains and dirt on towels and sheets. 

Rooms range from 226 square feet (21 square meters) to 1,216 square feet (113 square meters), so some are small for this part of Bali, but three-bedroom family style rooms with kitchenettes are available. All rooms come with desks, safes, mini-fridges, coffee/tea makers, air-conditioning, and 39-inch flat-screen TVs with a good range of English-language and satellite channels. Wi-Fi is free, but the signal can occasionally be slow or erratic. Many rooms have balconies or terraces with pool views, and some open directly onto the pool. Bathrooms have good lighting and generous counter space, and most include walk-in showers (though some have bathtubs). All include hairdryers and basic toiletries. Bathrobes are available upon request.

The Ramada Encore has a beautiful outdoor pool. The free-form, lagoon-shaped pool has a poolside bar and deck with lounge chairs. The hotel also has a fitness center, with cardio, weight-training machines, and free weights, though the options are quite limited. The small spa offers a selection of massages and other treatments. The on-site kids' center features an outdoor play area and colorful indoor play room with toys, games, and movies. In the mornings, the breakfast buffet is generous and includes Asian and Western fare like cooked-to-order eggs, bacon, waffles, pancakes, cereal, and fresh fruit. It's included in room rates and gets solid marks from previous guests. The restaurant serves Asian and Western dishes for lunch and dinner, and hosts occasional barbecue dinners and live entertainment. The bar overlooks the pool and serves a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Concierge services are available. Parking is free, and there's also a free area shuttle to Seminyak Square and other nearby points. Occasional evening entertainment features Balinese fire dances. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.