GibSpmuh

I've stayed at some of the non-chain hotels around Bali around the US$100 per night range, and certainly if you have no status then you can find better value than the IC Bali. As a Royal Ambassador I've been consistently impressed with the service and recognition at the IC Bali though, certainly the best of any of the IC's I've visited (just back from another trip there now, another great upgrade to a huge suite along with all the other benefits they offer). I haven't stayed at any of the more luxurious offerings in Bali though (RC/FS etc etc), so can't compare in that regard.

I'll agree with the previous posting that the food at the IC is expensive for Bali and somewhat average (especially the Indonesian cuisine). Fortunately there's a number of beachfront seafood restaurants right next door that are reasonably priced and delicious as well.

stimpy

I think the point has been made several times now that the reason we think the IC Bali is better than the FS is due to staying in the Club Wing and also having RA. At the Club, we have 24hr free food and wonderful service. The room upgrades for RA are a large loft suite and many have been upgraded further to some awesome suites and "villas". If we stay at the FS, for much more money, we would get a nice room and good service, but none of the other perks we enjoy at the IC. Also the FS doesn't do the airport pick up inside immigration and walk you past the line and do your visa for you.

In short, we don't stay there just because we like IC. I'm also a Starwood Plat and I often stay at Ritz's and MO's. But if you have IC status and book a Club room, the IC Bali is the best choice.

Chinatrvl

IC = On the beach. No steps. Lounge food great. Right next to hotel are many food stalls that have tabels right on/ "in" the beach in the evening. No need to dine at the hotel. Though we always enjoyed the seafood platter very much.

RC/FS = Not on the beach. You have to take the steps down. If you prefer a private swimming pool, FS is the choice. Food expensive and pseudo-modern. ("Three slices of apple on lemon gras with citron salt, 32US$")

FS = a bunch of "chi-chi" guests.

RC = Club lounge definitly not worth the extra cost. When you have taken the 100 steps down to the beach you need to climb back up for "lunch food presentation".

Maybe interesting:
The Oberoi Bali (dated, last time I was there one cottage burnt down...).
and the Oberoi Lombok (average food, located in the middle of nowhere).
Amankila (or Amaknila, don't know) with around 2000 steps, not on the beach.
The Samaya in Seminak. But Jimbaran has a way nicer beach.


My opinion:
Should you want beach, Jimbaran is the nicest, and IC is arguaby the best hotel.
Should you want a lonley beach, go the black-sand beaches in the north of Bali, very far of the tourist spots. There are some 4-star hotels. Or to Lombok.
Should you prefer private swimming pools the FS Jimbaran is a great choice.
Should you not like to be at the beach at all, maybe consider Ubud hotels.
Nusa Dua/ Benoa (three Starwoods - i have not stayed at and Conrad - has my award for the worst club lounge in the world) is a "no-no": Terrible beach, no "Bali-feel", but feels like in Mallorca or Waikiki. Overrun by tourists.


I hope that helps a bit. I usually do not stick to a hotel chain, especially at resort destinations. Ah, and I stayed at all of them.

stimpy

Also the IC has a private pool which is only for Club guests. Much quieter than the main pool.

gleff

In March, for ~ US$250/night (and used a BOGO cert for one night) I had a huge Jimbaran Bay Suite at the IC Bali. The service and ambience of the club lounge was fantastic. It was an entirely separate hotel within a hotel. I wouldn't stay at the IC Bali outside of the club area or probably without a suite. But I'll take booking a club room + RA upgrade for $250 over an entry level room at the Four Seasons for $600 any day. And that's not in any way IC loyalty.

Sweet Willie

good to note, thanks.^

ok, understood, your last sentance when you state "if you have IC status" you are referring to RA and not a simple ambassador member?

It does, thank you much.

Seems I might finally bite the bullet and redeem an RA invite cert if we go.

stimpy

Well RA is better of course. But if you book a Club room and have Amb status you will also be well taken care of. And you can use a BOGO.

With RA, you get a gift of a nice bottle of wine, a huge box of luxury chocolates and of course the free mini-bar.

gleff

iirc the amb upgrade is to a loft suite, but ra's are sometimes upgraded beyond that. yes?

stimpy

Not normally. But judging by the experience of some others here, if you beg you can get a better upgrade.

IAN-UK

We got lifted from bog standard to a duplex in the club part. I have no idea why - but it WAS only one night.

htb

Actually, my conclusion after staying at the IC Bali was that booking a Club Room is not worth the additional money. A room in the Singaraja Wing is well worth the money over the Classic wing. IMHO.

HTB.

andrewmcharlton

Staying at the IC Bali in Spetember and looking at my rates I'm paying $165 a night as an RA.

The club rooms are at least double the price, does anyone know if you can simply pay a daily fee for club access and if so how much / is it worth it ?

Reluctant to pay double if there is a better way / cheaper way.

Thanks

GibSpmuh

I had an award stay over Christmas and was able to upgrade to the Club Wing for US$100++ per night (so US$121 per night or so including all taxes). It's worth contacting the hotel directly and seeing what options are available - though I suspect the price might have gone up since then due to the renovations of the Club Rooms. As far as I'm aware you can't just buy club access by itself though if that's what you were looking for, only as part of moving to a Club room.

lucky9876coins

Just wrapped up a great stay at the IC Bali. Got upgraded to a Jimbaran Club Suite and wrote a report with 70+ pics. It's available here for anyone that's interested.

flying MD

I stayed at the Jimbaran Suite a few times in the past before I moved up to the Imperial Villa (the one next to the Club Pool, known as Red Villa)). Stayed at the villa multiple times. It is currently renovated. Have you seen what they have done? I will be there in October again and will stay at the other villa (Green Villa). Have you noticed anything? Thanks!

MD