Prime Plaza Suites Sanur – Bali

Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites is an excellent family-friendly option for travelers who want nothing more than fun in the sun and clean pools. It's not within walking distance of the beach, but this modern property has a lot to like and common areas buzz with life day and night. During our visit, parents sunbathed poolside while kids played in the main pool. Around back, other children can be heard squealing with delight as they careen down the hotel's waterslide, or hit a new high score on the video games in the extensive kids' club. Is this the spot to pick for a tranquil getaway? Possibly not, but the atmosphere was hardly rowdy, and guests return here year after year. Given its setting, most guests tend to spend most of their vacation on-site, soaking up the sun and playing in the pool -- the Friday movie nights are a particular highlight.

Location is not this hotel's strong suit. It sits on a busy highway away from the most popular Sanur destinations, though there are plenty of other restaurants, shops, and hotels all around. Just keep in mind that walking along the highway isn't the most pleasant experience. There's also no way to directly and efficiently walk to the beach, so guests here will have to rely on the hotel's scheduled shuttle. It's a five-minute drive to Sands Beach Club, which offers guests sun loungers and towels per an arrangement between the properties. It takes about the same amount of time by car to reach Hardy's, the department store that serves as the geographical center of town. Once in town, there are numerous other restaurants, bars, and tourist shops in every direction. Budget at least 45 minutes to reach Kuta or Seminyak by taxi, and Bali's airport is up to a 30-minute trip.

As this hotel tends to attract families, it's no surprise that rooms are generously sized -- in fact, they're downright huge. Configurations range from one to three bedrooms, and all are contemporary. While small style details vary -- like hardwood or tile flooring -- the look is similar in all rooms: dark wood accents, pops of deep turquoise, lots of cool gray, and isolated pieces of abstract art. The overall effect is fresh, if not exactly cutting edge. Standard features include air-conditioning (with individual units in every room), free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and full kitchens. The latter includes everything necessary for cooking, plus handy spring watercoolers. There are also dining tables. Living rooms have couches and chairs topped with attractively patterned pillows. Multi-bedroom suites have multiple bathrooms, and some include furnished balconies or lofted sleeping areas. Despite the highway-side location, the hotel's layout means that traffic noise is mostly inaudible in the suites. 

For being a relatively small hotel, this property still manages to pack in a surprising number of features. Of course, most are aimed at kids and families. The pool is the star of the show, and its freeform shape means there's lots of areas for kids to play with each other or their parents, even though it's not massive. Sun loungers and a lawn flank the area, and it was busy (but not chaotic) during our visit. The hotel's massive kids' club is adjacent and partially indoors. It has video games, board games, movies, and all sorts of activities (bonus: it's free). Beyond the kids' club are the waterslide, playground, and game courts. The restaurant, which serves Indonesian and international fare for all meals, is also adjacent to the pool. It has a full bar and there's an extensive buffet for breakfast. Adults who need a break from the kids can head to the simple spa for massages and treatments, or the basic exercise room for a little cardio. Guests here have access to the extensive gym at the sister hotel, Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel, and a free shuttle runs there throughout the day. The shuttle also runs to Hardy's and the beach club on a schedule. The self-serve laundry room is handy for families, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.