Citadines Kuta Beach Bali

The hotel's ambiance is fresh and vibrant, with contemporary style from top to bottom, which will either please or disappoint guests depending on whether they want a hotel with more old-school Balinese style or not. The lobby is more of a spacious lounge, with lots of couches and chairs upholstered in bright Batik cloth. The space serves as a casual hub, and the subtle nods to Balinese traditions make a fine first impression. However, most of the action takes place at the hotel's rooftop pool, which has panoramic ocean views and a large wooden pool deck with comfy lounge-chairs and oversized day beds. Otherwise, Lada Garam restaurant tends to be quiet throughout the day, and has industrial-inspired decor. On the roof, the Sea Sky Dine and Bar has a lot more character and ambiance. It's popular with guests from across the city, and gets busy during sunset as it has an amazing view of the ocean. Kuta is known for its nightlife, and the hotel's guests are mainly in town to enjoy it, so expect plenty of young energetic partiers coming and going from the hotel at all hours.

The hotel is located directly across the street from Kuta Beach -- a long white-sand beach great for both novice surfers and those just looking to lounge or swim. There are plenty of beach chairs, surfboard rentals, and food-and-drink vendors set up along the shore. While it's not the cleanest beach on Bali, it has an energetic vibe and spectacular sunsets. Citadines is centrally located and great for those that prefer being close to the beach and just a short walk from nightlife. Popular attractions less than a 10-minute walk away include Beachwalk Mall, Hard Rock Cafe, and Jamie's Italian (Jamie Oliver's restaurant). Happening nightclubs such as Eikon and Skygarden are located on Legian Street, about a 15-minute walk from the hotel through the busy Poppies Two lane. Asia's largest water park, Waterbom -- along with the airport and Seminyak -- are about a 20- to 30-minute drive away depending on the traffic.

Rooms are modern and stylish with colorful accents and lots of natural light that help make them some of the nicer places to rest that we saw in Kuta. Plain white is offset by light blue or green accent walls, though higher category rooms feature tan wallpaper and wood-veneer paneling. Despite the mostly contemporary style, there are hints of traditional Indonesian design in the Batik throw pillows and woven ikat upholstery on the chairs. Other decor is limited to small paintings above the couches and beds. There are a total of 194 units that range from single-room traditional hotel rooms to two-bedrooms apartments. 

Standard features include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, safes, mini-fridges, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Higher category rooms contain additional facilities such as living rooms, washing machines, and kitchenettes with electric ranges and microwaves. The most sought after rooms are those with ocean views, though there are no balconies whatsoever at this hotel. As an alternative, the first floor rooms have an outdoor terrace with a table and chairs, making them the only rooms with outdoor space. 

Bathrooms are minimalist in design, with glassed-off rainfall showers, terrazzo or wood-grain vanities, and a range of toiletries (though the pump dispensers feel a bit cheap). Higher category rooms feature bathtubs and more space. The bathrooms do show some wear and tear, and guests often complain about the cramped size. Others issues to be aware of when choosing a stay at Citadines is that beds are quite firm, and the thin room walls do let in some noise.

Though the hotel's location and proximity to the beach and Kuta scene are what make it shine, Citadines Kuta also offers some attractive facilities. The rooftop pool stands out the most, with its panoramic views of Kuta and the ocean. However, it does get packed and the lounge chairs are limited. Keep in mind that by mid-morning it can get hot as well, as there are no sun umbrellas on the deck. Of course, the beach is directly across the street, but the hotel doesn't have a dedicated beach club.

There are two restaurants at Citadines Kuta. The Asian-focused restaurant Lada Garam is where the breakfast buffet served, and it's well liked by guests for its large variety of hot and cold options. On the top floor is the Sea Sky Dine & Bar which is a great spot for happy hour cocktails during sunset, as it has a great ocean view. 

Reception is open 24 hours a day and adjoining it is a small coffee shop and bar as well as a comfortable lounge with plenty of chairs and couches. The hotel also has a small 24-hour fitness center that features a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bike, and free weights. The hotel lacks a proper spa, but has converted one of the downstairs rooms into a spa treatment room. However, it's often booked out as there is only one dedicated room. Spa treatments are also offered as an in-room service. 

A small internet corner with iMacs is available, as are meeting rooms, and the hotel also has a self-service laundry room. Free Wi-Fi and parking are provided.