I stayed six nights at the relatively new Sofitel Nusa Dua Beach Resort. Overall this was a pleasant stay in the end though it did not start well.

Check In

I arrived at the hotel at 9pm and while I asked to be checked in the lounge I was directed to the reception. Once they had looked up my details I was escorted to the lounge to check in.

I had booked a smoking room and according to the Accor website these really exist, nothing unusual about this. However when they were giving me the room key I was told that this was an entirely non smoking hotel. To say I was unhappy was an understatement. I have no problem with non smoking hotels but this was not what was advertised!

After some considerable huffing and puffing a compromise was found.

Room

I had booked a deluxe room with private plunge pool and was upgraded to a pool access room. Personally I was not keen on this room as it allowed people to swim up to the terrace and also a public walk way was within sight denying any privacy. Just like Goldorak I prefer my privacy and the next day downgraded myself to the room I booked.

Pool access room:

Private plunge pool:

The rooms are large, but by no means huge. Some show already signs of wear and tear and there are definitely problems with what Sofitel offer here:

- Non branded Sofitel toiletries (seriously?). I told them I was not impressed at all and they changed them to Hermes for my entire stay.

Service

Service from all the staff was very pleasant. Everybody greets you by name and goes out of their way to make sure you have a pelasant stay. I was very impressed by the service.

Club Millesime

The lounge was probably where I spent most of the time, other than the room. Breakfast is "to order" with a decent choice, in the afternoon high tea is served with tasty treats and in the evening cocktails and canap. Again the staff were great throughout.

The only observation I would have that it can get busy at times with families, some of which have problems controlling their kids.

The lounge also offers a private pool and lounger area which is nice when you want to get away from the hectic main pool.

Dining

I had several meals at various restaurants in the hotel as well as room service and all were good value and very tasty. The fact that I love Indonesian food helps.

Location

The hotel is located in the Nusa Dua district of Bali which is 100% touristy. They provide a shuttle to something called the "Bali Experience" which is essentially a big outside tourist mall. To really see Bali you will need to book a taxi or organise a tour which I would highly recommend. The hotel uses Smailing Tour, their counter is opposite reception.

I did a half day tour:

Overall

Overall this was a very pleasant stay. The Sofitel Nusa Dua is a great resort and you could conceivable spend several days here without ever leaving. The staff go out of their way and are very friendly. Occupancy rates are high here so keep that in mind for upgrades. Suites and villas are frequently sold out. Yes there were some problems for me at the beginning but once they were sorted out (I drive hard bargain a friend recently told me) everything was fine.