The Tanjung Benoa Beach Resort Bali

First opened in 2001, the Tanjung Benoa Beach Resort Bali is a large, older property that combines traditional architecture with beautiful, lush gardens. The overall feel is relaxing and appealing, but some dated details -- such as the large, fake-stone, owl-shaped structure in the main pool, and the cracked and missing tiles on paths -- make it look tired. However, extensive renovations in 2013 helped bring the hotel into the 21st century, with more contemporary decor. The indoor-outdoor design of the lobby and the main restaurant make the most of the hotel’s lovely gardens, with stone statues, pitched thatch-and-terra-cotta roofs, and a long, stone path with traditional arches covered in tiny mirrors. 

With its many on-site amenities, affordable rates, and a beachfront location, the Tanjung Benoa is popular with tour groups, and the vibe ranges from lively to quiet, depending on the time of the day and the area in the hotel. A large group of Chinese travelers was staying at the hotel while we were there, and the lobby and main restaurant were busy during the morning. After breakfast, the action moved over to the main pool, where music was piped through speakers. Though not blaring, we found it a little too loud and moved to the other quieter pool, located across the road and directly on the beach. 

Those seeking something cheaper may want to check out the Segara Suites, although the Tanjung Benoa is in better shape and has bigger pools. The Grand Whiz Hotel Nusa Dua is a smarter pick for business travelers, with walking access to the Convention Center, contemporary guest rooms, and a lovely pool. Neighboring sister property Sakala Resort Bali is a good pick for travelers wanting more luxury, with a stunning beach club and big rooms with quality beds. 

The hotel is located across from the beach, on a busy road running along the narrow Tanjung Benoa Peninsula toward Nusa Dua. The street is lined with beachfront resorts, and there are a few minimarts within a couple of blocks, but little else of general interest can be found within easy walking distance. A few restaurants, shops, spas, and travel agents can be found about 20 minutes on foot from hotel, but the street isn’t well-lighted at night, and the pavement is dangerously uneven in some areas. The Bali Collection shopping mall is a 15-minute drive away, and there is free shuttle service from the hotel at scheduled times. The property is about a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The hotel has 185 guest rooms, including a number of villas with private pools, kitchenettes, and outdoor bathrooms. All rooms and suites are decorated in a simple style that combines generic tile floors and muted earth tones with Balinese touches, such as heavy wooden desks with ornate carvings, and bamboo netting. The dark-wood furniture and classic bedside lamps are elegant, but the wood finishes were worn in some of the rooms we saw, and the basic floors felt a little dated. Villas have a more elegant style, with a few tasteful pieces of furniture with classic lines, traditional Balinese fabric accents, big sliding doors, and four-poster beds. 

All units have furnished balconies offering garden views, and villas features small, lush gardens, some with private pools. Flat-screen TVs with international channels, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, safes, and electric kettles are all standard amenities. Minibars are stocked with sodas and water, and housekeeping leaves two bottles of water in each room daily. Kitchenettes in villas are basic, with just a microwave and a mini-fridge, but no cooktop. Bathrooms in guest rooms are a little rough around the edges, with bland, gray tiles, basic showerheads, and stained grouting. In villas, though, they’re bigger and nicer, with marble-like tiles, black counters, wood finishes, and outdoor areas with deep soaking tubs. 

The main pool is big and pleasant, with overwater cabanas, a swim-up bar, and lots of plants and loungers. The style is a little dated, though, and we noticed a few missing tiles. There's shallower section for children and two areas with massage jets, but some guests have complained that the music is too loud. Those looking for some peace and quiet can head over to the resort’s other pool located on the beach, where there's also a pan-Asian restaurant. The beach is a popular water sports area, but swimming is not recommended. The hotel's other restaurant offers a free breakfast spread, plus lunch and dinner menus featuring international and Indonesian options. 

The spa has a relaxing vibe, with soft music, a fresh scent, and lots of stone accents. There are several double rooms, as well as a number of other cabins for private massages, plus a hair and nail salon. The fitness center offers a good array of cardio and strength-training machines in a small room with lots of natural light and garden views. The hotel is more popular among leisure visitors than business travelers, but it features extensive meeting space, including a large ballroom that can be divided into sections. There's also a game room, outdoor playground, and tennis court. Freebies include shuttle service to Bali Collection shopping mall, and Wi-Fi throughout.