FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Element Bali Ubud [Master Thread]

Aug 4, 2018 | 8:36 am

#14

cbellero

Join Date: Jan 2003

Programs: LH HON****, Bonvoy Ambassador/LT Titanium

Posts: 2,063

So, I have some additional comments now that I have checked out along with some more photos:

The room constantly had a slight damp smell to it during the stay
Breakfast the second day seems to have items, like chicken wings, that appeared to be leftover from the previous dinner. This was not the case on the first day
We had a pool-view room, which I would not recommend to most unless you are intensely using the pool. The waterfall is quite noisy during the day.
Generally speaking the soundproofing between rooms and to the outdoor corridor is rather deficient. I do not consider myself to ordinarily be sound sensitive. I suspect higher level floors would be better due to less traffic and distance to the pool.
When we were checking in we had been told the pool-view room was an upgrade. While we were checking out another couple was extending their room and there were few free rooms available. They were told such and were then asked, "Would a pool-view room be okay with you? We have nothing else." This made me believe that I somehow had been given a downgrade as a plat.
We had one maintenance issue - the blind in the bathroom went out of track - which we quickly reported to the front desk. After 24 hours, we still had not noticed any indication that someone had attempted to repair it.
I checked out using the app and deposited the keys at the reception, since there were several people waiting. While I was waiting for the taxi one junior reception agent came to me twice asking me to verify my bill and then to confirm that they could charge my credit card. I told her yes, please send the invoice by email. This seems to have caused a lot of confusion. Either their processes, systems or training do not actually support mobile check out (yet). I have yet to receive the emailed invoice.
We walked briskly from Ubud center back to the hotel. It was a fairly rapid 20-30 minute walk.
I think the walk to and from Sthala would take much longer, which leads me to @Bravada04 - I will update the Sthala hotel thread with my comments. I visited the hotel, took a tour and snapped several pictures for you. The main pain was the one-hour (=3 km) detour. I believe I earned some karma today!
My summary - this Elements hotel is better if you want to be closer to Ubud and potentially walk it, or if cost is your main factor. This hotel really is a deal for cash or points. If you want a bit more peace and quiet and a slightly higher standard, are not bothered by the traffic, nor by the additional cost, then head to the Sthala.