Villa Coco

In the area for over 30 years, Villa Coco is a well-known local establishment with a loyal following. The entrance to the hotel is unassuming, and down an alleyway, leading to a classically Balinese lobby with vaulted wooden ceilings and teak furnishings. The space is simple, but the welcome is warm, and there are also plenty of brochures and maps of the area for guests to grab. There aren't a lot of common spaces at this hotel, but the grounds are lush thanks to an abundance of tropical vegetation and gardens. Unfortunately, the greenery also means insects. Though there is much done by the staff to prevent mosquitos, there are many around; coils are lit daily and the place is frequently sprayed. Many people return to the Villa Coco year after year for their vacations, and the villa configurations make this hotel a good option for those with small children who need a bit more space.

Located in a busy shopping district in Seminyak, the Villa Coco is perfectly located near area stores, restaurants, and bars. Double Six Beach and Legian Beach are approximately a 10-minute walk away and Kuta Beach and Seminyak Square -- with it's upscale shopping options and restaurants -- are within a 10-minute drive. The Bintang Supermarket is nearby (convenient for stocking up on food items for the villa) and a terrific coffee place -- Sacred Ground -- is also easily walkable (three minutes on foot). To get to the hotel, one must walk down an alley for a couple of minutes, which leads from the main drag in Seminyak -- this ensures that though the hotel is centrally located, it maintains a private and quiet atmosphere. Ngurah Rai International Airport is 20- to 40 minutes away by car or cab depending on traffic.

These well-kept villas vary in size from Studios (which are more like hotel rooms), to spacious multi-bedroom units, some of which have private dipping pools. There's even a four-bedroom, four-bath Pool Villa available that feels like a private two-story home, complete with a billiard table. All are spotlessly clean, with tile floors and minimal decor in natural colors; a few Balinese touches such as wooden furnishings and area-inspired art pieces pepper the bedrooms.

Some rooms are completely enclosed and have air-conditioning, while others take full advantage of the tropical weather and feature indoor/outdoor bathrooms and living spaces (but enclosed bedrooms). Modern amenities include free Wi-Fi, large flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and DVD players. Higher category bookings also have kitchenettes, many with full-size fridges. Beds are comfy and include premium mattresses and linens. Living areas with couches and tables make for fine "gathering" areas within the villas; bottled water as well as tea and coffee are included. There are also homey touches, including flower arrangements and umbrellas in case of stormy weather. Bathrooms are spacious, with huge mirrors and walk-in rainfall showers. They have generous vanities and contemporary sinks, plus a combination of off-white marble and granite throughout.

This hotel doesn't provide a lot in the way of communal spaces and amenities -- there's no gym, business center, spa, or on-site restaurant. However, room service is available with meals made to guest specifications. Those staying in units with outdoor areas may request private in-villa barbecues. Coco also has a nice main pool area surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas. There's a fun poolside bar with terrific happy hour cocktails, a shaded area, and lots of reading material. Weddings, birthday parties, and other events can also be arranged poolside. Wi-Fi is free throughout