Novotel Bali Benoa

Constructed with an eye towards authentic Balinese architecture, and with the use of high-quality furnishings and teak wood, the Novotel is in terrific shape despite being an older resort. The open-air lobby has a thatched roof and high vaulted ceilings and the grounds have plenty of greenery. A road runs right down the middle of the property, but it is not crowded and easy to traverse. On one side is unimpeded beach access; on the opposite garden side there are shops, restaurants, and local merchants. Along with resort-wide recycling, the resort sources fresh local produce for its restaurants. Overall, the Novotel feels simultaneously grand and homey. It's popular with families as well as couples and single travelers. 

The Novotel Bali Benoa is in a quiet area with little in its immediate surroundings except for a school and it's a little farther away from some area attractions (such as Kuta, a 25-minute drive away), but it's right on Tanjung Beach and close to Turtle Island. Nusa Dua Beach and Geger Beach are a 15- to 20-minute drive away. A free shuttle that departs hourly will take guests to the Bali Collection Shopping Center, and the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

The 187 rooms range from simple Deluxe Rooms all the way up to the opulent Private Pool Villa. There's also a number of Family Rooms and Suites that can sleep children on sofa beds. Units on the garden side are generally the least expensive since guests have to cross the road to get to the beach, but they're still lovely and many people prefer this part of the resort because of the quiet. The nicest rooms are on the beach side, including the Beach Cabanas that are right by the beach.

Most rooms have private furnished terraces or patios; some have their own gardens. The wood floors, teak accents, and high-quality furnishings found in all rooms give the spaces an upscale feel. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, free in-room Wi-Fi, and kettles with coffee/tea. Thoughtful extras include pillow menus and robes/slippers. Bathrooms are spacious and clean with hairdryers, walk-in showers, and --  in some -- deep sunken tubs. The cabanas even have open-air bathrooms. 

The hotel has three distinct pools. The beautiful Sahadewa Pool is surrounded by stone structures, fountains, palm trees, and goddess statues as well as plentiful lounge chairs and a poolside bar. There is also a kids' pool for those with tots in tow, and another separate beach pool surrounded by partially submerged thatched huts with submerged lounge chairs. There's also a kids' club with activities for children and inexpensive babysitting is available on request. 

The Novotel has a nice clay tennis court as well as a fitness center that has a few pieces of cardio and weight equipment, and the hotel offers free yoga classes. There's also a sauna in the In Balance Spa, which also offers massages and treatments. Though primarily a tourist hotel, there are meeting rooms available as well as a business center (that's really just a computer with a printer). 

The Novotel's three on-site include Cocos Beach, which serves late breakfast, lunch, and dinner right on the sand -- the pizza is a popular choice. Located across the road, the Crocokiss Restaurant serves Indonesian specialties by the pool at lunchtime. Uluwatu serves a buffet breakfast every morning (for a fee), closes for lunch, and reopens in the evenings for a themed-buffet dinner, often with traditional dance performances as entertainment.