Sari Ater Hotel

This mid-range hot spring resort, operating since 1974, is set on expansive grounds surrounded by tea plantations. The grounds are lush with gardens (there's even a strawberry garden rife with the fruit), ponds, and of course -- hot spring pools. Besides regular hotel rooms, the expansive property also offers private bungalows, villas, and a campground with tents. The main building, a two-story structure with a porte-cochere entrance flanked by the parking lot, is home to the hotel rooms and lobby. The restaurant is situated in another building that's partially open-air. It's dated in terms of decor, but homey, with an array of wooden tables and chairs as well as some teal tablecloths paired with red chairs. Potted plants are sprinkled about here and there.One of the main attractions here are the hot spring water pools. They show their age, but are still enjoyable. Pool decks are lined with umbrella-shaded plastic tables and chairs, plus there's a small kids' pool and a waterslide. Note that non-hotel guests also have access to the pools, but for a fee, which can cause some overcrowding. Overall, the property attracts local families and vacationers drawn by the pools and array of offered activities. The selection of lodging options, from private villas to tents on a campground, means that it also caters to a variety of budgets.

The hotel is set on large lush grounds surrounded by tea plantations on the slopes of the Tangkuban Parahu Volcano. There are a couple of other hotels in the area and a handful of dining options. These natural surroundings attract travelers looking to relax in a natural setting; there are plenty of great hikes in the area, beautiful waterfalls, and tea plantations to explore. The nearest city is Lembang, about a 25-minute drive away, and it offers lots of dining options, shops, and services as well as a popular floating market. Bandung, the capital of the province, is about an hour's drive away, as is its airport. Jakarta is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from here.

There are a variety of lodging options, including traditional hotel rooms as well as a selection of private standalone units: Bungalows, Adat Houses, and Villas. There's also a campground with tents. Traditional hotel rooms are divided into three categories: Standard, Deluxe, and Deluxe Balcony Rooms. Decor is tasteful and simple, if a touch dated, with dark wood furnishings paired with subtle touches of color courtesy of curtains and patterned bed runners. Standard amenities (in all units) include flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities, air-conditioning, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are plain and could use an update. Standard bathrooms have showers, while Deluxe bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Bungalows feature separate living rooms and kitchenettes (except for the Standard Bungalows which lacks these) as well as private hot spring pools. Two-bedroom bungalows that sleep four people are also available. Adat Houses are standalone units and have separate living rooms. They range in size from one to three bedrooms, sleeping up to six people. Villas are a more modern option with three bedrooms, a living room, dining room, and kitchenette spread over two floors, plus they have private mini pools. There's also a campground with tents that have capacities for four to eight people. Some have communal bathrooms, while others have private bathrooms with showers. The most basic tents (without private bathrooms) have camp beds, but upgraded options have regular beds as well as camp beds, plus sitting areas with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, loungers, and picnic tables.

Features focus on vacationers, and the pools are the biggest draws, with six hot spring pools available for guest use as well as a kids' pool and waterslide. Note that the pools can also be accessed by non-hotel guests (for a fee) so can get crowded. There are a couple of dining options, including one that serves Western and local fare for breakfast and dinner as well as a cafe offering coffee and pastries. There's also a traditional Sundanese dining experience in huts with bamboo mats situated in a scenic setting by a fish pond. Buffet breakfast is included in rates.A number of activities are available through the hotel including Land Rover tours, buggy off-roads, and ATVs, as well as hikes through the tea plantations and paragliding (all for a fee). Other activities, all at a fee, including paintball, mini-golf, horseback riding, and archery. Bike rentals are available, plus there are classes like batik painting and ceramics (for a fee). Cultural activities like traditional shows and performances, dance, and music are also offered. Other amenities include a playground for kids, free (unreliable) Wi-Fi, event space for a variety of functions, and free parking on the hotel's lot.