I much prefer the Grand Hyatt Bali over the Sheraton.

The Grand Hyatt Bali (not to be confused with the Hyatt Bali) is definitely a great place to stay. A huge self-contained resort. Magical from the moment you arrive...walking up the long entry way with Balinese musicians playing in front of a panorama of the resort and the Indian Ocean! What landscaping! The friendliest people I have ever meet.

I'm just a lowly Gold Passport holder (not elite) and this is how we were treated:

Asked at Check-In if we would like an extended check-out time on our last day (when has this ever happened?!).

Beautiful and spacious room with a sitting alcove and lagoon/ocean view.

Welcome letter and hotel T-Shirt and 2 Welcome Drink certs from Gold Passport Manager, Illa Pricilla.

Gold Passport Benefits Card which listed the World Wide benefits on one side and the special Grand Hyatt Bali benefits on the other:

- Free entry to the "Bay Club" fitness and health Center
- Free personalized fitness program
- 15% discount on the shops and Dinner Show
- Complimentary unlimited bike rental

Also every night we got a door tag to fill out for a comp morning beverage of choice. Morning newspaper. And with the evening turndown service you get a personal note written on a leaf with flower. Also every night you get a different small hand painted Balinese mask.

I noticed on the North wing they have a Gold Passport section, but this looks to be on the interior of the hotel. The room they gave us was in the South wing and was much larger than the standard room as shown on their Web Page. I felt glad I wasn't in the Gold Passport section. FYI our room number was 3136...at the very end of the property but quiet and great view. Also FYI our rate was US$100 per night, and I have to say that this is the lowest I've ever spent on such a 5-Star Resort! I'd go back in a moment! With all the freebies, I can hardly understand how they can be making any money!

Be sure to check out all the restaurants, and the Salsa Bar (above the Salsa Verde restaurant) should not be missed at night...view of stars and ocean is indescribable.

You can arrange day trips to Ubud and other sights right at the hotel. For US$52 we got a guide, driver and PRIVATE mini-van tour for 5 hours! But we spent about 70% of the time right at the hotel. And be prepared for warm (almost hot) pool and ocean water. The Spa has a small cold pool if you feel the need.

Hotel laundry service was same-day and cheap (underwear $1, shirts $2) so next time I'm going to pack light and just rotate through the laundry.

Flew to Hong Kong on United. Hong Kong to Bali and back on Cathay Pacific. Both were fine. On arrival at the airport there was a Grand Hyatt greeter right outside the door in the taxi area. He has a list of all check-ins. They offered a car billed to the room at US$11.00 which we accepted. Found out later that you can get a taxi for about $3.00 though (20,000 rupiahs), which we did on the way back to the airport.

If you decide to stay there, and if you are a Hyatt Gold Passport member, it might not be a bad idea to introduce yourself and your arrival date by email to Illa Pricilla, Gold Passport Manager at the hotel. I'm sure they would have something special for you upon arrival. Their email address is mailto:GH-Bali%[email protected]GH-Bali%[email protected]</A>