U Paasha Seminyak

U Paasha Seminyak is a charming, artsy hotel that fits in perfectly in the boutique category. Don't come here expecting an abundance of traditional Balinese style, though -- the hotel is a contemporary exercise in design that melds industrial-chic details and classic Balinese tastes. When guests enter the five-floor building they receive a free welcome drink in the striking open-plan lobby with soaring ceiling, tiled walls, and a section of striated-wood walls. The lighting is low and the atmosphere is chic. One section has a mid-century modern look characterized by pod-shaped chairs and a long blue sofa. The lobby-level bar also has a cool, stylish aesthetic. The restaurant features light-wood furnishings, light coverings that look like wicker baskets, and floor-to-ceiling windows to let light in. Clientele at this hotel tends to skew young, and the hotel draws mostly couples and small groups of friends.

U Paasha Seminyak has an excellent central Seminyak location off Kayu Aya street, one of the main Seminyak streets for shopping. The Seminyak Square shopping complex is a two-minute stroll from the hotel, and there are several restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs in almost every direction. Popular La Lucciola beachfront Mediterranean restaurant, Petitenget Beach, and Pura Petitenget temple are all about a five-minute drive or 10-minute walk. Potato Head Beach Club is a three-minute drive north of Pura Petitenget. Ku De Ta restaurant on Seminyak Beach is renowned for its sunset views -- it's a three-minute drive and a little under 10 minutes away on foot. Dream Museum Zone museum of 3D trick art is a 10-minute drive and Waterbom Bali water park is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. Expect a 25-minute drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport, south of Kuta. 

There are 99 suites at U Paasha Seminyak, and all are done in a cool and sophisticated, slightly mid-century modern look. Contemporary design details include lots of light woods, minimalist furniture, and mostly bare walls. The color palette is heavy on white, beige, and light gray, with slate-blue in the sofas and chair cushions. Details like rough concrete floors and honeycomb mirrors stand in for any real art, helping contribute to the clean and crisp design aesthetic. 

Every unit here is spacious, with suites ranging from 592 square feet (55 square meters) to 1,184 square feet (110 square meters). Although the hotel is located in a busy area with heavy traffic, the rooms are well-insulated against street noise. All suites include sitting areas and balconies with views of the surrounding area. Air-conditioning, desks, safes, mini-fridges, free bottled water, electric kettles, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with English-language and satellite channels all come standard. The hotel also offers evening turndown service. 

The stylish open-plan bathrooms feature double vanity fittings, marble surfaces, and the aforementioned honeycomb mirrors. The large showers have rainfall showerheads. While rooms and bathrooms are generally clean, we did spot just a touch of mildew in some of the showers. An unusual hotel policy allows guests to occupy their suites for a full 24 hours from the time they checked in. 

The U Paasha's highlight is its long rooftop swimming pool, surrounded by a landscaped deck with palm trees, shrubs, grass, and flowers. There are plenty of lounge chairs and daybeds, and cocktails and light fare are available from the poolside bar. The sunset views can be great, and the sea is visible in the distance. The pool area receives intense sun during the day, and apart from the umbrellas the deck doesn't provide much shade. 

The cafe-style restaurant serves a free breakfast buffet, with a blend of Asian and Western items like cooked-to-order eggs, pancakes, congee, and fried rice. Breakfast is available throughout the day. The restaurant also serves healthy Indonesian and Western cuisine for lunch and dinner, and features a show kitchen. The adjacent bar serves tapas and a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and hosts events like "ladies nights" and hip-hop nights. Special grill nights take place near the pool on occasion. 

A fitness center is located on the same level as the pool. The hotel also offers yoga classes, a library, business center, free bike rental, concierge service, and free parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Certain bookings are also entitled to free cocktails and airport transfers, so check ahead. The hotel's 24-hour check-in policy is an additional convenience that gives guest the most time in their rooms for the money.