Uppala Villa Seminyak

While there's nothing particularly wrong with the Uppala Villa Seminyak, it also does little to stand out from its mid-range competition in an area spoiled for choice when it comes to villa-only properties. The nondescript modern buildings are surrounded by landscaped grounds with flowers, shrubs, and palm trees. Guests enter to a small lobby, done in a contemporary style that looks like any mid-range hotel anywhere -- dark wood tones, a spare flower arrangement, and a few modern throw pillows make up the decor. Additionally, while the hotel also has an indoor, open-air coffee bar and a cafe restaurant, there are few other public spaces for guests to socialize. The villa's kitchens are a draw for couples and families extended stays. The hotel also draws in travelers who want to bed down away from the Seminyak hubbub, and save a little money by not staying at more expensive hotels nearer the beach. 

Uppala Villa Seminyak is in the Kerobokan area of northeast Seminyak, about a five-minute walk from the busy Jalan Raya Kerobokan road. There isn't as much commercial activity in this area as in other sections of Seminyak, but there are still a number of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and bars a short walk or drive away. It's not a very good area for nightlife, and most destinations will require a drive to reach. Potato Head Beach Club and Petitenget Beach are about a 15-minute car ride away, as is Seminyak Square Mall. The hotel offers free drop-off shuttle service to Petitenget Beach. Ku De Ta restaurant on Seminyak Beach, which is known for its sunsets, is a little under a 20-minute driveThe “Eat Street” section of restaurants and plenty of restaurants are near Ku De Ta. Dream Museum Zone museum of 3D trick art is a little under a 15-minute drive from the hotel and a good option for families. Expect a 25-minute drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport. 

Uppala Villa Seminyak has 52 one- and two-bedroom split-level villas, with bedrooms on the top floor and kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas on the bottom floor. Villas have a contemporary, somewhat functional look, with not much in the way of genuine Balinese character. Rooms have dark wood furniture and trim, and largely bare white walls with a few pieces of art. The burgundy-and-cream striped throw pillows and decorative throws do little to brighten things up. Each villa is large as a whole, but some of the bedrooms feel a little cramped. There have also been issues with worn bathroom tile and walls, towels, linens. All villas have minibars, free bottled water, CD players, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. It's worth noting that air-conditioning is only available in the bedrooms, so the kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas will be hot. Kitchens include stovetops, sinks, and full-sized refrigerators. Each villa also has a small private plunge pool with landscaped wood deck. Some bathrooms are rather small, with limited counter space around the sink and no stall around the shower. Bathrooms do not have bathtubs. 

Features are a bit slim at this hotel, even for a mid-range property. While each of the villas has a private plunge pool, there's no large central swimming pool. The hotel offers in-villa massage treatments (for a fee) upon request. A free breakfast is served and includes a fairly limited spread of cooked-to-order eggs, Indonesian noodles and rice, cereal, toast, fruit, coffee, and juice. The cafe restaurant also serves decent Indonesian and Chinese cuisine for lunch and dinner. Room service is available. The indoor, open-air coffee bar features coffees, teas, baked goods, and ice cream. Free parking is available in front of each villa. The hotel also offers paid airport transfers and free one-way shuttle service to Kuta Square and Petitenget Beach. The 24-hour front desk staff can help arrange tours and provide sightseeing and restaurant recommendations.