The Grand Bali Nusa Dua

In a region packed with massive upscale and luxury properties, the Grand Bali Nusa Dua is a well-liked pick, though we have to say that it doesn't quite live up to its own luxury claims. Yes, there's a dash of Balinese style throughout the property, but things are looking a bit tired throughout the hotel. The grounds are lovely, and include lots of flowers and trees with beautiful stone walkways meandering throughout. The lobby is a grand space, with a high pagoda ceiling, gleaming marble floors, a mini-tropical garden in the center, massive marble columns along the sides, and ceiling fans whirling overhead. Multiple wicker seating groups provide places where guests can hang out, and statues and potted plants are set about, though the style is a bit dated. There's also a bar in the lobby, with a billiard table for entertainment. The ambience is peaceful and relaxing at the resort -- a welcome change of pace from some of the massive, crowded resorts nearby. With its good location and value rates, this place attracts all sorts of guests, from couples and families to groups and businesspeople.  

This hotel is located in Nusa Dua, surrounded by many other resorts and villas. It's a five-minute walk to the Bali National Golf Club and there are a few shops and restaurants within a five-minute walk in the other direction. While the hotel has a beach club, the property itself is not on the beach, and instead it's about five-minute drive to the hotel's stretch of sand on its free shuttle or by car. The Bali Collection Shopping Centre, the Bali International Convention Center, and the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center can also be reached in about five minutes by car. It's a 10-minute drive to the Waterblow, a striking geological formation on the coast. Kuta and Ngurah Rai International Airport are both about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The hotel provides free shuttle service to Kuta daily. 

The hotel offers extra-spacious rooms, suites, and villas, all decorated in a contemporary Balinese style. Even the entry-level Deluxe Garden View Rooms have 55-square-meter floor plans (592 square feet), with higher categories offering even more space. However, the style is a bit tired and formal. Rooms feature white tile floors, cream-colored walls, dark wood Balinese furniture and accents, beige drapery, and white bed linens accented by bright green or pink throws. The pastel wall art looks held over from an earlier time, and some of the furniture is a bit worn. 

Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities, and safes. Marble tiled bathrooms feature separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs, and toilets are tucked away in their own little water closet. Robes, slippers, and toiletries are provided. Some rooms are showing their age with visible water stains in showers and tubs, and discolored marble (check out the water closet in the Deluxe Rooms that we visited. 

Sliding glass doors lead to balconies or terraces furnished with teak tables and chairs, and some ground-floor rooms have direct pool access. Others look over the pool, which is a lovely view. The Honeymoon Suite is extra large and features gleaming wood floors, a velvet-covered wood-framed sofa, and rosy colored drapes. Outdoor space includes a hot tub with fish fountains, lounge chairs, and a dining pavilion. Villas have private plunge pools.

Despite being one of the smaller resorts in Nusa Dua, the Grand Bali has a number of big-resort features. The hotel's restaurant, Telaga Waja, serves all meals, starting with a breakfast buffet. For lunch, offerings include pizza, pastas, sandwiches, and Indonesian dishes. Dinner features seafood, organic meats, and vegetables. The space is bright and airy, with a white tile floor, white walls, and wooden tables and chairs. Alfresco dining is available on the lovely terrace under the palm trees. 

With twin pools on each side of a courtyard, the pool complex is beautiful and relaxing. Lush greenery, flowers, and trees surround it, and lounge chairs with blue umbrellas line the deck. Additional lounge chairs are positioned in the pool for guests who want to stay cool while sunning. Fountains add a soothing sound, and lanterns hanging from the trees provide a touch of romance after dark. A bar serves drinks and snacks. The hotel has its own private beach club and provides a free shuttle there. Lounge chairs on the sand are shaded by palapas, and drinks and snacks are avaliable.  

The Ily Spa offers massage and body treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate guests using natural products native to Bali and Indonesia. The fitness center provides two treadmills, a stationary bike, and an elliptical machine. A mirror lines one wall, and windows the other, providing natural light in the small space. 

An on-site gift shop sells clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and jewelry. A library and business center provides books, magazine, and newspapers, as well as a computer that guests can use. The hotel also hosts wedding ceremonies, with venues including the beach, by the pool, or in the lobby lounge. Meetings can also be accommodated. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.