Where to Stay in Bali
The magical island of Bali has something for everyone.
This small island in Indonesia draws the bulk of the country’s tourism and for good reason. With sandy white beaches, waves begging to be surfed and warm Balinese culture, it’s no wonder that visitors all over the world flock to Bali again and again.
Before I visited Bali, I remember being overwhelmed by the different neighborhoods and sheer number of hotels, so I wanted to put together a comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in Bali.
The island offers everything from luxury 5 star hotels with incredible swimming pools to simplistic, minimalist yoga retreats… so I’ve organized this accommodation guide by neighborhood and interest type!
Keep reading for my favorite Bali hotels.
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Best Hotels in Bali
Here’s a quick summary of our recommended Bali hotels. All include free wifi and are known for comfort, great locations and great customer service.
Best Bali Hotels – Summary Comparison Chart
| Neighborhood | Best For | Best Hotels |
| Seminyak | All | Seminyak W, Seminyak Beach Resort |
| Ubud | Yoga, Retreats, Solo | The Viceroy, Ubud Maya |
| Nusa Dua | Families | Grand Mirage, Mulia |
| Jimbaran | Couples | AYANA, Four Seasons |
| Uluwatu | Couples, Surfers | Alila Villas, Bulgari |
| Kuta | Backpackers, Budget | Hard Rock, Bali Garden |
| Canggu | All | Tugu Bali, Villa Berawa |
| Sanur | Budget | Fairmont, Mahagiri Villas |
Below is more information about each hotel and why we recommend it!
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Quickly jump to each section:
A Guide to Bali’s Different Neighborhoods
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Bali Neighborhoods
First time visiting Bali?
Bali has many different ‘neighborhoods’, each with their own unique features. Here’s a quick overview of the main areas to help you figure out where you want to stay when visiting Bali:
South Bali
This is the most developed section and touristy area and home to Kuta, Canggu, Denpasar, Jimbaran Bay, Legian, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak and Tanah Lot. Chances are, if you’re a first timer visiting Bali you’ll want to stay here to be close to the action.
Central Bali
This is the cultural hinterland and quite mountainous. It’s known for gorgeous rice terraces, Balinese art and a great place for cultural souvenirs & shopping. Most visitors will visit here on a day trip or stay at one of the many yoga retreats in Ubud.
West Bali
This area is relatively unexplored and home to West Bali National Park. Other popular places to explore include Negara, Gilimanuk, Medewi Beach, and Pemuteran
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North Bali
This was once the old capital city and today visitors to Bali come here for its volcanic, black sand beaches. Stay at Lovina and Singaraja.
East Bali
This part of Bali is home to the active volcano Batur and Mount Agung.
Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida & Nusa Ceningan
Finally, there’s a trio of islands southest of Bali (Nusa means ‘island’ in Bahasa Indonesia). These are incredibly gorgeous places and growing in popularity for nature lovers but they are not yet developed for tourist infrastructure and there’s few, if any, hotels or accommodation options. Visit for a day trip or diving excursion by catching the ferry from Sanur.
Read more: The Ultimate Indonesia Travel Guide
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Where to Stay in Seminyak
Known as the style mecca of Bali with hip restaurants, upscale shopping, and premier resorts, Seminyak offers a reserved yet refined island experience.
Best Seminyak Hotels
W Hotel Bali
Check out the W Hotel Bali for an experience blending Bali’s natural beauty with the amenities and services of a global upscale hotel.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
The Seminyak Beach Resort
With its expansive property featuring curated rooms, suites, and villas interspersed with lily ponds and authentic Balinese pavilions, the Seminyak Beach Resort is reminiscent of traditional all-inclusive resorts.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
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Where to Stay in Ubud
Made famous by Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love, Ubud represents the epitome of Indonesian self-discovery and inner peace.
Best Ubud Hotels
Viceroy Bali
With 25 private pool villas isolated in the Bali region known as the “Valley of Kings” for its Balinese royal residents, the Viceroy Bali defines luxurious seclusion.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
Maya Ubud Resort & Spa
With villas made of thatched roofs and local timber and a resort layout in accordance with ancient village design guidelines, Maya Ubud represents an architectural and cultural marvel among modern resorts.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
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Where to Stay in Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is known among Bali neighborhoods for its concentration of five-star resorts and white sand beaches – I can think of worse places to be.
Best Nusa Dua Hotels
Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Spa
Suites and villas facing the Indian Ocean. Golf and watersports. Spa and fine dining. Shopping and nightlife. Even a free airport transfer. In other words, Grand Mirage sets the Bali all-inclusive standard.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
Mulia Resort Bali
When your two options are beachfront all-suite accommodations along the Nusa Dua Bay or secluded villas with private pools, private gardens, and butler service, your two options beat all other two options.
Check rates: Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
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Where to Stay in Jimbaran Bay
When your loved one asks why Jimbaran Bay and you explain it’s most famous for luxurious and romantic beachside dinners, you have accomplished the Indonesian vacation planning equivalent of the mic drop.
Best Jimbaran Bay Hotels
AYANA Resort & Spa
When private pool villas are the second coolest thing about a resort, you know you’re in the right place. The AYANA Bali is home to Rock Bar Bali, one of the world’s most famous bars featuring everyday normalcies such as 18 semi-private villas overlooking the Indian Ocean and a DJ booth literally carved into the cliff.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
Four Seasons Bali
The Four Seasons Resort in Bali understood that the five-minute walk from its villas’ private plunge pools to the white sand Indian Ocean beaches could be emotionally and physically taxing. Luckily for you, they designed the resort so that this walk passes through Balinese flower beds and ancient temples. Crisis averted.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
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Where to Stay in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is known as the indisputable surfing capital of Bali. Conveniently, it’s also known as a premier destination for upscale resorts. Surfing and upscale resorts – many are fans of both, almost all are fans of one, and the rest are people who like to vacation in Boca Raton.
Best Uluwatu Hotels
Bulgari Resort Bali
When a high Italian fashion brand ventures into the luxuriant world of Bali hospitality, the commonplace choice of suites or the nicer villas is considered lowbrow. The Bulgari Resort Bali starts at villas and prefers to offer mansions as its premium product. Enough said.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
Alila Villas Uluwatu
The Alila Villas Uluwatu somehow offers conglomerate-level facilities and amenities from a boutique ownership that highlights authentic Balinese culture and architecture. Oh, and the private pools in each villa aren’t bad either.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
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Where to Stay in Kuta and Legian
Much like Nusa Dua is known for its exceptional resorts and beaches, Kuta is known for its exceptional nightlife and backpacker culture. If you go to bed early and/or wear a satchel, this may not be place the for you.
Best Kuta and Legian Hotels
Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Being the first Asian Hard Rock Hotel is righteous enough. Throw in a location at the center of Bali’s entertainment and nightlife district, and the Hard Rock should appear on every Kuta hotel shortlist.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
Bali Garden Beach Resort
With a spa, 3 swimming pools, and 14 restaurants and bars on its property, the Bali Garden Beach Resort brings an amenity breadth typical of secluded resorts to the bustling Kuta neighborhood.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
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Where to Stay in Canggu
Canggu is very much the Goldilocks of Balinese neighborhoods. Its surf, beaches, and natural surroundings are all considered above-average if not most well-known. However, Canggu is relatively inaccessible, creating a quaint seclusion responsible for Canggu’s reputation as the up-and-coming Bali neighborhood.
Best Canggu Hotels
Hotel Tugu Bali
Tugu Hotels are famous for showcasing the fine Indonesian art and antiques from the Tugu founder’s storied and expansive collection. Part-hotel, part-museum, and all right by the beach? Count me in!
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
Villa Berawa
Villa Berawa pairs convenient access to Berawa Beach with authentic villas designed as traditional Javanese wooden structures and furnished with artisan handmade materials.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
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Where to Stay in Sanur
As the elder statesman of Bali resort neighborhoods, Sanur blends the conveniences of modern development with a relaxed atmosphere particularly attractive to families.
Best Sanur Hotels
Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali
Featuring lush tropical gardens, a full-service spa, multiple restaurants and bars, and an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali is the quintessential Bali resort.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
Mahagiri Villas Sanur
Determined to capture essential Balinese culture, the secluded Mahagiri Villas Sanur constructs its villas from locally-sourced materials including wood, stone, and traditional thatching for roofs.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
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Some final advice and tips for arriving in Bali
- Bali has a modern, large international airport called Ngurah Rai International Airport. It’s also called Denpasar and the airport code is DPS
- Be prepared for a massive traffic jam arriving and departing to the airport. Actually be prepared for traffic throughout all of Bali – it’s a good idea to rent a scooter motorbike!
- Leaving any airport in Indonesia, you’ll be quickly greeted by crowds of vocal drivers wanting your business. DPS is no different Taxi fares are fixed based on your destination.
- To avoid haggling, arrange with your hotel for an airport transfer.
Read more: When is the best time to visit Indonesia?
Visiting Indonesia – Travel Planning Checklist
Go | From New York City, there are no direct flights to Indonesia but you can grab reasonably priced flights if you book early. Check often for routes and fares here. I’ve transferred in Doha and China and prefer Doha’s modern airport via Qatar Airways.
If flying to Jakarta, fares will be slightly cheaper and from Indonesia’s capital you can explore Bandung, Yogyakarta and Sumatra on short domestic flights. If your focus is Bali, note that flights from the the East Coast of the USA will be slightly more expensive and typically will involve a 2nd stopover in Jakarta anyway.
Getting Around | You can rent a motorized scooter to get around or book a tour to handle transportation if you’re not comfortable. Taxis and Ubers will work in some areas, but not all. Gojek is a popular app for moped taxis. Jakarta and Bali have especially terrible traffic.
Stay | I highly recommend ‘hotel hopping’ Bali – the island is quite large and different neighborhoods have their own characteristics. Bali is also a fantastic place to splurge on a luxury resort – the options are endless, the views are unbeatable and the food is divine. We loved both Alila Villas Uluwatu and the Sofitel Nusa Dua.
Airbnb is a great way to stay in luxurious Balinese resorts for discounted rates – especially if you’re traveling with a group. Many have spacious villas and beautiful pools.
Pack | Bring light fabrics and traditional summer wear for Bali along with mosquito spray. If you intend to visit Indonesia’s other cities and famous temples, bring modest clothing. Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim country and can view short shorts and mini skirts as impolite. You can read my complete Bali packing list here.
Protect | Lastly, be sure to visit Indonesia with travel insurance. Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, or your phone gets stolen, travel insurance will help when you need it most.
I ended up getting seriously ill and visiting the hospital while in Solo, Indonesia and being taken care of was a lifesaver. Get a quote for your trip here.
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Hi all,
Truly a great blog you have here.
I am in the middle of planning my second Bali trip, and I found your blog. I was truly amazed by the amount of great advice and information you’ve provided.
I usually stay close to Bingin beach, but this year I thought I might change that.
All in all, thank you for this useful article.
Wish you all the best in your future travels.
Author
Hi Liam – so glad it’s been helpful and thank you for the kind words!
Hi,
a really great article …thank you
Please could you help me with the following…
My husband and I will be at the maya ubud for 3 nights in January. Can you advise which area is the best in terms of being on or near the beach for another 4 nights… (some people say seminyak, some jimbaran or nusa dua)
I’m confused as there are such lovely resorts etc but I would like your recommendations to help make my final choice
Author
Hi Yasmin – all the areas in Bali have something great to offer! We loved Nusa Dua but it’s definitely the kind of area where you stay in a gorgeous 5 star resort and don’t really leave. If you want to explore the area, then I would say Seminyak, which has smaller more boutique style properties and lots of great shopping + cafes!
Thanks for putting together this super useful post. I especially liked the quick comparison chart you made. My favourite areas in Bali are Canguu, Ubud and Nusa Lembongan. Lembongan is like Bali was 20 years ago – it’s green and not so crowded and the beaches, diving, surfing and yoga are great. Maybe check out Lembongan next time! :)
Thanks for this sorted list. Was planning to visit Bali this year but postponed due to ongoing pandemic. Hope everything will be alright soon and we can resume our travel plans.