Hotel Kumala Pantai

This hotel has all the hallmarks of a classic Balinese resort, with lots of elaborate statuary, carvings, and tropical gardens throughout the property. Although the hotel is in downtown Legian, once you enter, it feels removed from the hustle and bustle outside. Stone pathways with statues wind through the beautiful gardens and ponds are stocked with fish and water plants. Inside, the lobby is rich with Balinese carvings, statues, and other traditional touches, and there is much to draw the eye. Even the ceiling is highly carved and elaborate. The long stone front desk is off to the side, backed by more ornate carvings. Wooden sofas and chairs with leather cushions provide places for guests to hang out and take it all in. This place can get quite busy at times, especially around the pools. It's especially popular with Australian families, couples, and groups, but it attracts all sorts of travelers looking for a traditional Balinese hotel close to the beach and the action of Legian.  

This hotel is located in downtown Legian, right on the beach, with lively Double Six Beach just a 10-minute walk up the sand. The hotel sits on a small one-way road that can get quite congested, so walking is the best way to get around this part of town. There are many restaurants, shops, and bars in the area and the main commercial strip along Jalan Legian is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The clubs of Kuta -- particularly the bars along Poppies 1 and 2 -- will take just over 10 minutes to reach by car, or 30 minutes on foot for the ambitious -- there's plenty to see and do along the way. The Waterbom Bali theme park is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel and is a popular pick for families. Ngurah Rai International Airport is 30 minutes away from the hotel by car.

The hotel offers an array of room types, including an apartment, but the look across the board isn't exactly fresh. Decor is traditional, with tile floors, outdated mid-tone wood furniture, and old floral bedspreads. Soft colors like white and cream are accented by splashes of red and blue. Bold paintings depicting local scenes hang on the walls in most rooms in elaborate wooden frames, giving rooms a bit of needed personality. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, safes, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms in the Deluxe Rooms are fully tiled, with a separate shower and tub, toiletries in large eco-friendly containers, and hairdryers. Balinese Junior Suites add separate living and dining areas. Ambassador Suites have two bedrooms, and Presidential Suites have two bedrooms plus a bathroom for each and a mini-kitchen/bar. All accommodations have balconies furnished with lovely Balinese teak chairs and tables.

Without a doubt the main highlight of this hotel is its location on the beach. This is a relatively -- we stress relatively -- uncrowded stretch of sand, with far more people to the north and south at Double Six Beach and along the shores in Kuta. As an alternative, the hotel has two outdoor pools, and both are lovely. The largest one has elaborate carved stone figurines, palm trees, fountains, and a stone pool deck with cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas. A pool bar serves snacks and drinks. The second smaller pool also features statues and tropical greenery, and guests can swim up to its bar. 

Ristorante Italia serves all meals in a casual space overlooking the beach with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu focuses on pastas and pizzas for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is a free buffet or a la carte -- it's a popular feature here, as options are fairly numerous and the views of the ocean are hard to fault. A large golden Balinese goddess statue reclines in the shade on the restaurant's patio, and statues add character to the interior space as well. The restaurant hosts nightly entertainment such as Balinese dancers, cabaret shows, live music, and belly dancers.  

The spa offers massages, including couples treatments, as well as salon services. There's also a convenience store for those who need any sundries. Attractive events spaces have large windows providing abundant natural light and can accommodate up to 200 people for business or social gatherings. The restaurant and garden area are also available for special events. Computers are set up in the restaurant for guests to use and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.