Gazebo Beach Hotel

This hotel certainly has its advantages. Rates are some of the lowest for a beachfront property in this part of Sanur, and it has a quiet vibe that appeals to travelers looking to get away from it all. The property also has some of the most exuberant gardens that we've found in southern Bali. Literally every square foot is packed with tropical plants, flowers, and trees. It makes a lovely impression as one walks around the grounds, which are peppered with single-story pagoda-style buildings housing the guest rooms. However, on the whole, the atmosphere muted, to say the least -- making even its tame neighbor, Respati Beach Hotel, look lively. Additionally, the style is quite tired, though it certainly embraces traditional Balinese influences. You'll spot carved wooden furniture, bamboo accents, pagoda ceilings, and hardwood pieces, but the overall effect is dated. Regardless, guests do appreciate the tranquil vibe, and the hotel draws budget-conscious families and mature travelers.

Gazebo Beach's location is hard to beat. It sits along Jalan Danau Tamblingan, the main road through Sanur, toward the northern end of the tourist drag. It's just a bit less busy up here, though there are still plenty of tourist-friendly cafes, shops, and restaurants, including The Owl, Warung Little Bird, and The Glass House. The property spans from the road all the way to the beach and Sanur's bustling beachfront promenade. There, you'll find locals and tourists walking, jogging, and biking. Opt for a dinner or two in the vibrant Sindhu Night Market, which is less than a 10-minute walk north from the hotel. It's about a 10-minute cab ride to the restaurants and shops south of the ongoing Hyatt development that splits Sanur, as well as the ferries to Nusa Lembongan (which are north of here). Traffic in this part of the island can be a nightmare, so budget at least 30 minutes to reach the airport.  

Plenty of visitors to Bali are looking for the kinds of details that are found in the rooms here -- lots of elegantly carved hardwood details and Balinese art. However, while the units are well-kept, things are looking well past their prime. You'll see old-fashioned bedspreads, hues like salmon and peach, old tube TVs, and other details that look held over from previous decades. All are air-conditioned, have free Wi-Fi, and come with mini-fridges. They're also relatively spacious and feel private, as all of the single-story buildings are tucked away in the hotel's gardens. Large Suites and Family Rooms are available -- the latter have separate rooms for adults and kids. Bathrooms are a mixed bag, though all look a bit tired. Some are wet-room style bathrooms, meaning that there's no partition for the shower and the entire bathroom is liable to get wet during a shower. Others have partitioned showers, shower/tub combos, or partially outdoor bathrooms. It's worth noting that the hotel was upgrading some rooms during our 2017 visit, and we spotted modern pillowtop mattresses and an overall brighter look -- check ahead to see if these are available during your visit. 

As a budget beach hotel, features here are pretty slim, though most guests do spend their days doing little more than lounging about or exploring Sanur. The beach is a highlight, and there are a number of loungers that are free for guests to use. Keep in mind that tides in Sanur are extreme and the water is too shallow for swimming at certain times of day. The hotel's two pools are also quite lovely, tucked amid the lush landscaping that packs the grounds. There's one near the beach, and one farther inside the compound. There are also two restaurants, but the offerings are fairly typical Indonesian and international dishes, and the breakfast spread that we saw during our visit was basic at best, with just a few hot options. It costs extra. Drinks are available as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.