Horison Seminyak Bali

The Hotel Horison Seminyak opened in 2012 and has a somewhat trendy atmosphere -- that's all the more refreshing because rates here area far lower than much its competition in this category. Bold silver lettering marks the entrance to the property, a four-story building with wooden balconies and a traditional Balinese-style accents. Despite being located in a congested area popular with tourists, the hotel has a serene air thanks to its being set on a side street. Inside, the open-air lobby features flower-patterned floor tiles, a striking marble front desk, and wooden slats overhead to allow in sunlight. Purple touches are seen throughout the hotel, from the poolside lounge chairs to benches in the lobby to napkins at the ManiManika Restaurant. The modern vibe, central location, and affordable rooms attract mainly younger couples. The free Balinese costume dress-up program is popular, as is the rooftop, with its hot tub, bar with happy hour specials, and sunset views. Of course, it's also just as easy to walk over to the beach to take in the evening display. 

The Hotel Horison Seminyak sits just off a busy thoroughfare with tons of mopeds and cars. Loads of restaurants, souvenir shops, and cafes crowd the main street. But the best part of this location is its proximity to Double Six Beach: about five minutes away on foot. Free lounge chairs line the sand, along with the lively Cocoon Beach Club, restaurants, and bars. Volleyball, kite-flying, and water sports rentals are also offered on the beach through the hotel. Legian Beach is around 15 minutes away on foot. Guests looking to explore the area can take a taxi ride to Kuta in 15 minutes, where much of this region's rowdiest nightlife is located. It's also a 10-minute drive or 35-minute walk to Seminyak Square. Ngurah Rai International Airport can be reached in 20 to 25 minutes by car, and the hotel offers 24-hour airport transfers for a fee. 

Rooms have an unfussy, modern look with sleek tile floors, simple light-wood furniture, and a white and beige color scheme with plum-toned accents. White walls are decorated with Balinese touches, such as bronze elephant sculptures, and painted temples above each bed. Bathrooms are compact and modern with a brown and beige color scheme, walk-in showers, hairdryers, and toiletries; suites have shower/tub combos. 

Each room has a work desk (and beige leather chair) attached to a unit that holds the minibar. Coffee/tea facilities are provided, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs are wall-mounted. Deluxe Rooms have metal bars for hanging clothes, but upgraded Junior Rooms have closets. Each room includes a narrow or mid-size balcony or terrace overlooking the surrounding neighborhood or the pool. All rooms have safes and slippers and/or bathrobes. 

There are various suites with one or two bedrooms. Two-bedroom Family Suites have two balconies, wet bars, living rooms, and three TVs. Rooms were completed in 2012 but some could use minor touchups to balcony railings and walls, for example. 

On the ground floor of the Hotel Horison Seminyak is a nicely designed outdoor pool with a waterfall feature, but the deck doesn’t get much sun. Sunbathers will have better luck by the rooftop hot tub, which is often crowded, but there are lots of lounge chairs. Also on the rooftop is the Sky Lounge bar, with happy hour specials. The ManiManika Restaurant serves a range of local and international dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus 24-hour room service. The daily buffet breakfast is not included with rates. 

While this hotel lacks the facilities of a larger property, there are some fun extras. The hotel has a free "beach club," which is really just a collection of branded lounge chairs that are in short supply. Various beach and water sports can be arranged there during the day. Balinese cultural activities such as Rindik music classes, dance sessions, and yoga are offered. There's also a small office corner with an Apple desktop computer and book-borrow for guests. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi throughout.