FS Jimbaran Bay: Hotel vs. Residences
 

What are the differences between the villas within the hotel at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, Bali, and the "residence" villas adjoining the hotel?

It seems like, for the same categories, the residence villas are considerably larger and less expensive than the hotel proper. I'm trying to figure out whether there's a downside to going with the residences.

We stayed in a residence villa in May 2009. It is a wonderful place, but the residence villas are next to the main street and can be very noisy all day. You also get constant smoke/gas smell that blows in from the restaurants on the beach. Mr. Cynnamin found it too much at times, and we actually looked at a Royal Villa but it wasn't available.

The residence villas do get a dedicated butler. Our butler pretty much took care of everything while we were staying there.

It is also a bit of a walking distance from the hotel. You will have to wait for the buggy, walk uphill on a somewhat busy street or walk up through the beach/restaurant.

Thank you, Cyannamin. Your reply is very informative.

Does anyone else have an experience or information to share?

When I inquired about the residences I was told that none of them have ocean views. I'm not sure if that is important to you. I actually have a reservation in one of the three bedroom residences for our upcoming Bali trip this June, but based on the response by Cyannamin, I am rethinking if the residence is a good idea after all. So I am insterested in hearing additonal comments as well...

I love the Residences as long as you get one on the front row. I know these are next to the road, but it is a tiny, tiny road and in my experience there was never any noise or smells.

The Residences have their own private beach across the road. The front row Residences have gates onto the road, so you just walk through this, across the road, through the beach gate and there you are - very quiet, beautifully manicured beach with full service. Really special.

Private pools are full size in the Residences and the butler service includes canapes and drinks at sundown and very attentive, but not intrusive service. Every residence has its own full professional kitchen so you can, if you wish, have all meals 'at home'.

I have stayed, a few times, in one of the Royal Villas, and these are lovely, but if you are with friends or family, then nothing can beat the Residences.

The tiny road is actually one of the main roads, and it is basically the main road to the villas/towns past the hotel. We were there in May 2009, so it could have been busier tourist season? The gentleman who escorted us to the villa told us that the villas on the backside get the dog barking noises in the middle of the night, so it was either the road traffic (lots of scooters!) or dogs barking in the middle of the night. The traffic noise does die down at night. It is during the day when you want to relax by the pool or something that you notice the noise.

The front villas have little gates that you use to access the private beach. The private beach is reserved for the residence villa guests, but other FS hotel guests are able use it.

Yes, the residence pools are full size & the temperature was always perfect. Even when it was raining!

I didn't mean to sound negative about the residence villa. It is a wonderful place and I actually prefer the residence villa, but I thought you should be aware of a few issues.

I think I have a scanned map of the residence villa if you are curious. Also have pictures which I have yet to upload.

Oh, we also absolutely loved out butler and still keep in touch with him.

If you are thinking of the regular hotel villas at FS Jimbaran,bear in mind that the plunge pools are just that and very small where as in the residences you are getting a full size pool. The Royal villa(s) in the hotel 'wing' has a better pool but not as large as those at the residences. The royal villa is a 2 bed with great outdoor space at the lowest level overlooking the beach.

Thanks to all who responded. We decided to go with the Oceanfront two-bedroom villa in the hotel proper, and we've been assured that the bedding will be two kings, as we are two couples traveling together, not a family with children.

and hope for FSPP/etc upgrade to royal :cool:

you doing 2BR at sayan too? even better promo there.

might see if CSE would do a discount as well
http://www.cse.como.bz/rates-2010/ac...ire-residences
either off those rates (for quad occ instead of full)
or to upgrade bespoke from double to quad (20% off through may, and already incl discount on residences)

Stayed here a couple of times. Do you know which one - there are two? You should be very happy with it. Say hello to John O'Sullivan.

Which promo is that? Haven't seen one.

through jul 14 jimbaran has 4th nt free and sayan has 3rd nt free

i would not bet against extension either

Which villa number would you recommend? Will be staying at 3 bedroom villa.

So, you are staying in the residences then. I like 3-bedroom Estate Residence #6, which is on the front row and has a private gate which accesses the Estate's private beach across the road.

The Master bedroom is on the upper floor of the main 'house', with the office, kitchen and sitting areas below. Then there are two further free-standing villas in the grounds overlooking the private pool - both very pleasant villa suites.

Hi,

Yes, the Residence Villa this time. There will be 5 of us so the Royal Villa is just too "small". I visited the RV during my last stay there and really liked it, but I was wondering if there is any particular one to chose from. Thanks for your advice. I will ask them for villa #6. Thanks!