Griya Santrian

Tucked away off of Sanur's main drag, the Griya Santrian is more central than it might seem, though that doesn't translate into anything like a big and bustling resort. Instead, this is a fairly quiet beachfront hotel that has broad appeal for travelers seeking clean and quiet rooms just steps from the shore. Traditional Balinese buildings -- dressed in white and topped with pagoda roofs -- are set amid lush green gardens that ring three impressive pools. Most of the common areas are open-air, adding to the breezy effect, though the majority of the action here takes place on and around the beach. That includes beachside dining and a pool that looks across the narrow Sanur promenade to the sea. During the day, both this main pool and the restaurants buzz with guests, though the noise level never rises above a dull murmur. That could be, in part, due to the clientele who choose to stay here. While families certainly make their way to the Griya Santrian, most guests are mature couples from northern Europe and Australia. 

It's hard to argue with Griya Santrian's appeal for travelers who crave a central location above all else. However, while it's right on the town's main drag, the property is tucked away so that noise doesn't carry over onto the hotel's grounds. Hardy's -- the department store that serves as something of a Sanur landmark -- is a seven-minute walk south, though there are numerous shops all along the main road. The same goes for dining and drinking. Three Monkeys, one of the most upmarket spots in town, is only two minutes away on foot. For food that's a bit more authentically Indonesian, head to the night market, which is a 10-minute walk north. It's a bit longer on foot to the area south of where the Hyatt is being constructed (as of 2017), though a cab ride to those restaurants will only take five minutes. Budget up to 45 minutes to reach Kuta and Seminyak by car, as traffic in southern Bali is frequently a nightmare. The airport can take 20 to 30 minutes to reach by taxi.

The rooms at the Griya Santrian are on the nicer end of the spectrum in Sanur, particularly among three- and there-and-a-half-pearl hotels in the area. That being said, some are a bit more tired than others, and those in the Beach Wing are the most dated. Aside from those units, though, things are pleasantly modern. Expect to see clean-lined wood furniture in darker hues plus sharp silk bed runners, subtle hardwood details, pops of deep red and dark patterns, and just a piece or two of Balinese art. Standard features include minibars, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, and electric kettles for coffee and tea. Furnished balconies or terraces come standard as well. Suites are the most elaborate rooms, of course, and include romantic four-poster beds plus a seating area, though they lack separate bedrooms. During the day, almost any room will pick up some noise from the pools due to the hotel's layout, but otherwise things are relatively quiet here. Bathrooms range from slightly dated to more modern -- the former are clad in travertine, while the latter may come with frosted glass walls (may be a privacy issue for some). All have a good amount of counter space plus either shower/tub combos or walk-in rainfall showers. Towels and toiletries are provided. The suites feature separate rainfall showers and tubs. 

As with most hotels on this side of Sanur's man road, the beach is the focus. The town's bustling promenade runs between the hotel and the sand, but there is beach seating and beachside service. Towels are also provided and the beach is cleaned by hotel staff twice weekly, helping to keep it clean. Dining takes place at the two restaurants that also sit along the beach, with a range of cuisines from Indonesian to Japanese and Italian on offer. The breakfast buffet isn't included with all rates, and most guests report offerings to be a fairly standard, sometimes underwhelming mix of international and Indonesian dishes. A happy hour takes place in the evenings, though steeper discounts can be found elsewhere along the sand. 

The hotel's pools are also a stand out. There are three, including the busy beachside pool that draws the lion's share of guests, as well as two more that are tucked away in the hotel's gardens. Each has some poolside seating, and the main pool has a swim-up bar where guests posted up with cocktails throughout our visit. A simple, but tranquil spa is also on-site, as is an art gallery exhibiting work by local artists. Free weekly yoga classes are available, and the hotel offers free sea canoes, snorkeling gear, and limited bike rentals. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.