Lumbung Sari Cottages

First opened in 1993 in what is now the thick of the action in Ubud, Lumbung Sari Cottages packs lots of local charm into a small property. Its 14 rooms are housed in two low buildings, each with its own character and style. The Balinese section is located at the front of the property and has a distinct Indonesian feel, with gorgeous carved and painted doors, wooden balcony railings, and exposed brick walls. The building in the back of the property has a more contemporary design, with a white facade and big sliding glass doors in rooms. However, traditional touches such as stone carvings in balconies, and pitched roofs with straw blinds are here too. The grounds are small but lovely, with manicured gardens full of cute details such as stone statues, running fountains, and a small shrine where the staff leave the delicate ‘canang sari’ (traditional offerings) three times per day. 

A small pool and breakfast cafe are all there is on-site, which means the property remains quiet and peaceful. The only guests we saw during the day was a couple with a young child, who spent the afternoon playing in the pool and relaxing in the shade. Another good option in this same price range is the Biyukukung Suites and Spa, which features two pretty pools, a small spa, and a quaint setting with rice paddy views, however some rooms are in need of an update. Agung Raka Resort & Spa has a few more on-site amenities as well (including a spa and two pools), and is generally a little bit cheaper than the Lumbung Sari Cottages. Travelers seeking something more upscale but not much more expensive may want to compare rates at Villa Sarna Ubud, which is located a 10-minute drive from the downtown area.

Lumbung Sari Cottages is located on Monkey Forest Road, one of central Ubud’s most famous streets. Although there is often lots of foot and vehicle traffic in the area, the property itself is set back from the entrance and noise is generally not an issue in rooms or around the pool. There are dozens of restaurants, cafes, and shops within a few blocks of the hotel, and the Sacred Monkey Forest is just a 15-minute walk away. The Ubud Market, Ubud Palace, and the Yoga Barn -- Ubud’s most famous yoga studio -- are also within a 10- to 15-minute walk from the hotel. Other major attractions, such as the charming Campuhan Temple (also known as Pura Gunung Lebah) and the excellent Blanco and Arma museums can be reached in about five to 10 minutes by car. Ngurah Rai International Airport is about a 90-minute drive away. The hotel offers free shuttle service within the downtown Ubud area. 

This boutique has 14 rooms, all decorated in a simple style with basic wooden furniture, brown or white tile floors, and a few local touches, including thatch-and-wood ceilings and Balinese art on walls. Rooms in the Balinese section are a little simpler in style, but feature lovely details such as beautiful wooden doors with intricate carvings. Rooms in the other section feel fresher and more modern -- think green accent walls and slightly more contemporary dark-wood furniture -- but they're more generic in style. All rooms are equipped with the same great amenities, including air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles with free tea and instant coffee, and minibars stocked with beer, soda, and water. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the hotel. Most rooms are spacious and comfortable, but Standard Rooms are a little tight for three adults, which is the maximum capacity. 

Rooms of all categories have balconies or patios furnished with a couple of chairs and a small table, and all have serene garden views. Bathrooms range between basic and contemporary depending on the room type. Standard Rooms have simple bathrooms with shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, and off-white tiles throughout. Deluxe and Family Rooms have stylish oval sinks over black counters, deep soaking tubs, and separate rain showers with mosaic tiling in gray hues.

Tucked away in the gardens, the pool is small but pleasant, with a tiny swim-up bar under a pitched terra-cotta tile roof, and a wooden deck with a few umbrellas and about a dozen padded loungers. Stone statues and a traditional Balinese shrine give the pool area a strong local feel, while the lush gardens around it are bursting with palm and frangipani trees and other tropical plants. A thatched pavilion with a few pillows on the floor is a serene spot for relaxing in the shade; the adjacent gurgling fountain with statues adds to the peaceful atmosphere. 

There is no full restaurant on-site, and room service is not available, but a small, free breakfast buffet complete with Indonesian, continental, and American options is served in the open pavilion by the pool. Rates also include a simple afternoon tea service, which offers an assortment of teas and cake, and is served poolside. Tours and visits to local attractions can be arranged at the front desk for a fee.