Bali in the Rain
Written: Mar 20 '08 (Updated Mar 20 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good sized rooms, good food, friendly service
Cons: Little signage to find one's way around.
The Bottom Line: A good resort hotel
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| vodkaboy's Full Review: Hotel Padma Bali |
I've been looking forward to going to Bali for a long time. For nigh on twenty years in fact, it has been up near the top of my 'Gotta Go' list, but there's always somewhere else that has just nudged its way ahead because of convenience, or price. Or those words that cannot be ignored: "No, I want to go to....", accompanied by a look that says 'ignore at your peril'...
So when a business trip allowed me to visit Bali for a night and day, I was not going to argue. My meetings were mostly in Kuta, the first planned hotel fell through so I ended up at the Padma Bali. The website looked promising, there was going to be a couple of hours of free time, so I packed my swimming trunks and sunblock. Here we go!
Arrival
All was looking good as the plane eased to a halt in front of the terminal and the steps were pushed up. I smiled at the riffraff in economy as I led the charge out of the door onto the steps then, half way down the steps, I felt a splash on my hair. Then another. Then the rain started.
It rained throughout the half hour or so drive to Kuta and to the hotel. Luckily the hotel entrance is sheltered, but I noted the umbrella stand was being put to good use.
The entrance lobby is large, open and airy, with a lounge seating area. The reception desk is to the right, while to the left is a small indoor bar and Guest Relations desk. Directly ahead, it is connected to another, larger bar which is semi outdoor, covered but open sided. Underneath is the main buffet restaurant.
Check in was done quickly and efficiently and I soon had my key. I declined the offer of a guide, retrieved my bag and strode in the direction indicated. Then I discovered that accommodation is all in cottages, and it was now evening so I would have to find my cottage in the dark and in the rain.
The Room
From the lobby area there is a walkway down to the garden at the bottom of which is something that looks like a map showing the cottages simply laid out in what looked like two rows. Easy. I identified my cottage, charged out into the rain and along the pathways towards my room for the night, but when I got there it wasn't there. I doubled back, went round the side, between two other cottages, turned right, but it wasn't there either. By now wishing that I had accepted the guide, an umbrella or both, I rounded a small gazebo, past several large puddles and a family of gekkos in a makeshift ark, and suddenly there was a room with almost the same number as mine. Round the back and several buildings up, I finally shoved my key into a door and dived into my room.
Once I had dried off a bit, the room was quite pleasant and a bit different to the standard hotel room. Entering the room there was a cupboard on one side, with a good supply of hangars and an umbrella - which was to see a lot of use. Ahead was the bathroom and to the other side the room itself. There was a double bed, which was comfortable, a writing desk, large TV and a sofa built into the wall. At the desk there was a minibar in a cupboard underneath and an internet cable. On top was a plate with some fruit. Next to the desk, at the far end of the room, was a sliding door onto a small terrace, with a beautiful view of some bushes.
The bathroom was fair sized with a toilet, sink and an 'open air rainforest shower' which basically meant that there was no ceiling over the shower cubicle and the shower head was on the large side. However there was a wide selection of toiletaries, including toothbrush and comb.
Food and Drink
I had dinner outside the hotel - which meant a rush back to the reception. This time I used the umbrella that was available in the room, but once i set off I realised that there were no signs whatsoever. Did I turn left to get to my room, or right? Wasn't it on the other side - but did I go between these two buildings or those two?" In summary, there were no signs or directions at all so I wandered around for several minutes before finding my way the 200 feet or so back to the lobby.
Breakfast the next morning was equally frustrating and involved a bit wandering around in the rain, which was becoming more persistent than a postcard salesman at the Taj Mahal. Once I got there, though, it was worth it as the breakfast was good. There was a large buffet set up in the centre of the restaurant, which had a good choice, with further tables at the sides offering yet more. There was plenty of fruit, cereals, yoghurts, breads, pastries, fresh eggs and Indonesian choices too.
I also had lunch in the same restaurant, between meetings, and the choice was not quite so wide as breakfast but there was a good variety of Indonesian and western dishes and the food was all fresh and tasty.
I didn't get to try the other restaurant (Japanese) though I did redeem my free drink voucher at the bar, for which I got a glass of what tasted like ginger and soda. I have no idea how alcoholic it was, but it was refreshing.
Beach, Pool and Other Facilities
As I mentioned, this was a business trip so I didn't get to spend much time trying the facilities. Besides, it was raining until a few hours before I had to leave. However when it finally stopped I put my umbrella down and trekked out.
Tho pool is full sized, on the large side if anything, and there are plenty of sunloungers around. There is also a wet bar, or pool bar. Beyond the pool is a walkway to the beach.
The hotel is located on Legian beach which is one of the popular Bali beaches. However, it was almost deserted and certainly not looking its best, just a short time after many hours of rain with more to come. The golden sand looked a bit grey, as did the sky, and the beach was nearly deserted. The sea looked a little rough but again that was most likely the weather.
The hotel also has a Spa, which I did not see, and a meeting or banquet venue in a separate building which can hold up to 700 people.
Summary
There are lots of places to go in Bali, depending on what one wants, from hilly resorts to large five star hotels, to private villas and bungalows. This place is on what would normally be a nice beach and is near the centre of Kuta, a short distance of a number of very touristy bars, restaurants and shops.
I would rate this hotel as a reasonable four star, suitable for first time visitors who just want a relaxing time on the beach, or who want some leisure time while on business. It is well located, comfortable and relaxing. And they provide umbrellas.
Recommended:
Yes
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vodkaboy
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