Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran, Indonesia [Master Thread]
Oct 17, 2013, 5:57 am
#61
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: CHS
Programs: DL Diamond, WN A-List, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 685
My review on the property if anyone is interested.
Thanks for reading!
http://goodhotelreview.blogspot.com/...mber-2013.html
Thanks for reading!
http://goodhotelreview.blogspot.com/...mber-2013.html
Oct 26, 2013, 12:34 pm
#62
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: San Juan, PR
Programs: MR AMB/LT, AA EP, TK EP, DL D, B6 M4, F9 100K, IHG AMB/D, HH D, CZR D, FndCd, Sixt D, NTL E, Hz PC
Posts: 428
Review: A great boutique hotel in Bali
I just stayed for 2 nights, as a Platinum, and loved it. The property really goes out of its way to take care of plat (and presumably gold) guests.
Got in around 0030 (delayed Lion Air flight from Yogyakarta, then waiting about 45min for my bag). The bell staff and front desk guy knew me by name, and were happy I'd arrived after all (I'd given them no flight info...). Checkin was easy, I was upgraded to an Aqua Studio Suite with lagoon access (and right by the cafe/exit, beach, which was perfect for me).
The most unexpected part was the SPG manager came out after midnight and greeted me personally. I told him I was trying all the properties on the island (although I might hold off on St. Regis and W as they're a bit expensive), and he filled me in on all the properties on the island, including those under construction, and where the LM fits in.
I slept (the suite was amazing, although you do need to keep the blinds closed when you're on the ground floor--people are 20-30' away), then got up the next day and had a bunch of work to catch up on, so I just stayed in the suite until afternoon. Relaxing dinner on the beach and a bit of exploring the nearby area. Not a huge amount to do within short walking distance, but for a week or so of vacation, plenty of food options in the hotel and on the beach, and some shopping, so you're probably good.
Beach restaurants are all basically the same. Not super super cheap, but not expensive by global standards (but maybe 2-3x more than on Java...); $20-30 for a mixed drink and a bunch of grilled fish and prawn and some water. No idea how you pick which restaurant -- I looked for the one with the most customers, which just ensured the longest wait.
Worked more back at the hotel, and lounged, and then slept. Unexpectedly awesome thing was finding a Pod Bali chocolate bar in the minibar -- it was IDR 50000, so I googled it to see if that was absurdly overpriced, and it turns out Pod Bali is actually growing cacao on Bali, and making chocolate locally, so outside a hotel, it's at least IDR 25000, and thus IDR 50000 is a totally fair minibar price. Planning to go visit them next week for a tour. Looks like a lot of the Starwood properties do co-marketing with Pod.
Last day, got up, had my free gelato (best starwood platinum perk ever -- 2 scoops of gelato per person per stay!), explored a bit more (the hotel is kind of mazelike), and headed over to the Westin Nusa Dua. SPG manager wished me well *and* called over to the Westin to make sure they could help me out with a network issue (doing a live TV interview over Skype, and needed to modify lighting and make sure the Internet was good -- turned out fine.)
(Starting to get really addicted to the in-room espresso machines. I may get one at home, although I might go for a superautomatic instead.)
(Kind of annoyed that I paid IDR 200000 to some random guy for a ride from the airport to the hotel; real rate should have been around IDR 80000, but it was late, not a lot of taxis, and I didn't feel like haggling. After my upcoming Kuta stay, I'm going to rent a SUV for the next week, I think, when my girlfriend is going to be here.)
Next visit I'll definitely try the hotel restaurants. This was the first hotel I tried, but I think it will turn out to be my favorite, at least until Ubud properties open up. At the very least, it's a great choice for the beginning/end of a longer stay.
Got in around 0030 (delayed Lion Air flight from Yogyakarta, then waiting about 45min for my bag). The bell staff and front desk guy knew me by name, and were happy I'd arrived after all (I'd given them no flight info...). Checkin was easy, I was upgraded to an Aqua Studio Suite with lagoon access (and right by the cafe/exit, beach, which was perfect for me).
The most unexpected part was the SPG manager came out after midnight and greeted me personally. I told him I was trying all the properties on the island (although I might hold off on St. Regis and W as they're a bit expensive), and he filled me in on all the properties on the island, including those under construction, and where the LM fits in.
I slept (the suite was amazing, although you do need to keep the blinds closed when you're on the ground floor--people are 20-30' away), then got up the next day and had a bunch of work to catch up on, so I just stayed in the suite until afternoon. Relaxing dinner on the beach and a bit of exploring the nearby area. Not a huge amount to do within short walking distance, but for a week or so of vacation, plenty of food options in the hotel and on the beach, and some shopping, so you're probably good.
Beach restaurants are all basically the same. Not super super cheap, but not expensive by global standards (but maybe 2-3x more than on Java...); $20-30 for a mixed drink and a bunch of grilled fish and prawn and some water. No idea how you pick which restaurant -- I looked for the one with the most customers, which just ensured the longest wait.
Worked more back at the hotel, and lounged, and then slept. Unexpectedly awesome thing was finding a Pod Bali chocolate bar in the minibar -- it was IDR 50000, so I googled it to see if that was absurdly overpriced, and it turns out Pod Bali is actually growing cacao on Bali, and making chocolate locally, so outside a hotel, it's at least IDR 25000, and thus IDR 50000 is a totally fair minibar price. Planning to go visit them next week for a tour. Looks like a lot of the Starwood properties do co-marketing with Pod.
Last day, got up, had my free gelato (best starwood platinum perk ever -- 2 scoops of gelato per person per stay!), explored a bit more (the hotel is kind of mazelike), and headed over to the Westin Nusa Dua. SPG manager wished me well *and* called over to the Westin to make sure they could help me out with a network issue (doing a live TV interview over Skype, and needed to modify lighting and make sure the Internet was good -- turned out fine.)
(Starting to get really addicted to the in-room espresso machines. I may get one at home, although I might go for a superautomatic instead.)
(Kind of annoyed that I paid IDR 200000 to some random guy for a ride from the airport to the hotel; real rate should have been around IDR 80000, but it was late, not a lot of taxis, and I didn't feel like haggling. After my upcoming Kuta stay, I'm going to rent a SUV for the next week, I think, when my girlfriend is going to be here.)
Next visit I'll definitely try the hotel restaurants. This was the first hotel I tried, but I think it will turn out to be my favorite, at least until Ubud properties open up. At the very least, it's a great choice for the beginning/end of a longer stay.
Jul 12, 2014, 1:41 pm
#64
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: STL
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium, UA Silver, AA Gold
Posts: 144
I'm liking the reviews for this place and the Laguna. Anyone have recommendations? The Laguna's a bit more expensive for the dates I'm looking at, but i'm not sure it's worth the extra price. From what I can tell, the service should be similar. The only major difference looks to be the larger lagoon and the beachfront location of the Laguna.
Also, it looks like I should have good success with just the standard plat upgrade, would that be correct?
I'm hoping nothing's changed in the year and a half since the last review...
Also, it looks like I should have good success with just the standard plat upgrade, would that be correct?
I'm hoping nothing's changed in the year and a half since the last review...
Jul 12, 2014, 10:05 pm
#65
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: YOW
Programs: SPG Lifetime Plat, AC Altitude50
Posts: 251
I would not recommend this hotel for a beach holiday
I have just stayed here for one week. There are some positives:
• The staff is incredibly polite, friendly and accommodating and want you to have a great stay.
• Platinum recognition is excellent. I got upgraded to an Aqua suite. It's not really a suite, but a very big room. It was plenty of room for three of us. We had access from our room to the pool which was great. They also give buffet breakfast for two and discount the third breakfast by 15%.There are other benefits if you know to ask for the 2 scoops of delicious gelato. (Thanks Flyertalk)
• There is a free shuttle bus to the Kuta Boardwalk shopping mall beside the Sheraton Kuta.
• The beach is nice for long walks. You can walk an hour to the airport. You see lots of fishing boats and Balinese life.
The bad and why I wouldn't come back:
• You wouldn't know you are at a beach. There is absolutely no view of the ocean from the rooms, the pool , the breakfast restaurant, or the lobby. There is probably a view from the penthouse suites and the fifth floor bar.
• To access the beach you have to walk through a garbage strewn alley that smells putrid. (There are lots of seafood restaurants nearby and some of the fish remains seem to be in the alley. It is only a 1 minute walk but extremely unpleasant. There are also mangy dogs going through the garbage.
• There are no loungers or beach facilities connected to the hotel. If there are, they certainly don't make guests aware of them.
• The buffet breakfast is very underwhelming. It costs 23000 rupiah ($23). Nothing changed in one week. They cannot cook an egg, coffee passable and no fresh juice. The fruit selection is poor. The croissant are excellent. Asia has some of the best breakfast buffets in the world. Sadly this is not one of them. The Westin Nusa Dua and Westin KL both have significantly better breakfasts. In contrast, this morning, I went to the Intercontinental next door (18,000 rupiah). The eggs are cooked perfectly, lots of fresh fruit, cappuccino is included, and a juice corner where they will squeeze/juice whatever juice you want . Everything else at the InterContinental was better too. If you are paying for breakfast; go to the InterContinental. You can also make use of their incredible ocean view pool if you have breakfast.
I've stayed at both the InterContinental and Westin Nusa Dua in the past. I would return to either, depending on which beach I wanted to access. I came to the Meridien because it was available on points. I would have changed hotels if I had not been in a scuba course outside of the hotel for 4 days.(Scuba Duba Doo in Legian is excellent).
So in spite of fantastic staff and excellent Platinum recognition, I would not return.
• The staff is incredibly polite, friendly and accommodating and want you to have a great stay.
• Platinum recognition is excellent. I got upgraded to an Aqua suite. It's not really a suite, but a very big room. It was plenty of room for three of us. We had access from our room to the pool which was great. They also give buffet breakfast for two and discount the third breakfast by 15%.There are other benefits if you know to ask for the 2 scoops of delicious gelato. (Thanks Flyertalk)
• There is a free shuttle bus to the Kuta Boardwalk shopping mall beside the Sheraton Kuta.
• The beach is nice for long walks. You can walk an hour to the airport. You see lots of fishing boats and Balinese life.
The bad and why I wouldn't come back:
• You wouldn't know you are at a beach. There is absolutely no view of the ocean from the rooms, the pool , the breakfast restaurant, or the lobby. There is probably a view from the penthouse suites and the fifth floor bar.
• To access the beach you have to walk through a garbage strewn alley that smells putrid. (There are lots of seafood restaurants nearby and some of the fish remains seem to be in the alley. It is only a 1 minute walk but extremely unpleasant. There are also mangy dogs going through the garbage.
• There are no loungers or beach facilities connected to the hotel. If there are, they certainly don't make guests aware of them.
• The buffet breakfast is very underwhelming. It costs 23000 rupiah ($23). Nothing changed in one week. They cannot cook an egg, coffee passable and no fresh juice. The fruit selection is poor. The croissant are excellent. Asia has some of the best breakfast buffets in the world. Sadly this is not one of them. The Westin Nusa Dua and Westin KL both have significantly better breakfasts. In contrast, this morning, I went to the Intercontinental next door (18,000 rupiah). The eggs are cooked perfectly, lots of fresh fruit, cappuccino is included, and a juice corner where they will squeeze/juice whatever juice you want . Everything else at the InterContinental was better too. If you are paying for breakfast; go to the InterContinental. You can also make use of their incredible ocean view pool if you have breakfast.
I've stayed at both the InterContinental and Westin Nusa Dua in the past. I would return to either, depending on which beach I wanted to access. I came to the Meridien because it was available on points. I would have changed hotels if I had not been in a scuba course outside of the hotel for 4 days.(Scuba Duba Doo in Legian is excellent).
So in spite of fantastic staff and excellent Platinum recognition, I would not return.
Last edited by canalskater; Jul 13, 2014 at 4:42 am
Sep 25, 2015, 3:23 am
#66
Moderator: Mileage Run, InterContinental Hotels
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,917
Any recent Plat experiences at this place? I have an excellent BRG approved at Westin Nusa Dua (well under $100/nt), but I'm not a huge fan of that hotel. Is there any reason I'd want to stay here instead (and pay almost twice as much)?
Oct 21, 2015, 8:35 pm
#70
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Malaysia
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 143
I am heading Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran in approximately a month from now and would like to know how likely a Gold status would get room upgrade benefits or chances to get the late check-out granted.
Nov 7, 2015, 6:58 am
#71
Moderator: Mileage Run, InterContinental Hotels
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,917
We spent three nights here, and I would echo the comments that the hotel is not ideal for a beach holiday. It's a shame -- we liked the hotel better than the Westin, Laguna, and Sheraton, but the lack of dedicated beach space is a huge downside. As described above, the hotel is separated from the beach by a parking lot and the seafood huts of Jimbaran; this isn't a pretty sight or walk.
Positives:
+ Amazingly friendly staff (better than other Bali Starwoods except SR)
+ Excellent treatment on low BRG rate (well under $100); pre-upgraded to Aqua studio suite 3 days before arrival, then further upgraded to full suite upon arrival. Well-designed suite with tons of space.
+ Nice happy hour at Smoqee bar (with sunset view)
+ Great food options nearby (FS, IC)
+ Staff super proactive w/r/t volcanic ash airport closures; kept us informed, checked on our flights, and offered to extend our stay at low BRG rate and keep us in suite. Great to have that much information & feeling that someone is looking out for us (huge contrast to minimal information from airlines and nothing useful from news sources).
+ Most reasonable food and drink prices among Bali Starwoods (110k for a cocktail vs 185k at Westin; long happy hour with 2-4-1 drinks)
Negatives:
- The entire resort is cramped -- This results in lack of privacy (people can see in your room), not enough pool loungers (even though the place wasn't busy), etc.
- Boring breakfast buffet, limited selection, little changes. My most disappointing LM breakfast, and the weakest among the major Bali Starwoods (I never stayed at 4P).
- Food taste and quality not good -- this was true for poolside, restaurant, and room service
- Lack of beach, rather boring environment of Jimbaran
Overall, this would be a great hotel if located in a city. Great design, great staff, great upgrade. As a beach resort, it's a letdown ... despite all its strengths, we wished we'd be staying at the IC next door, or the Hyatt in Nusa Dua, or somewhere in Ubud.
Positives:
+ Amazingly friendly staff (better than other Bali Starwoods except SR)
+ Excellent treatment on low BRG rate (well under $100); pre-upgraded to Aqua studio suite 3 days before arrival, then further upgraded to full suite upon arrival. Well-designed suite with tons of space.
+ Nice happy hour at Smoqee bar (with sunset view)
+ Great food options nearby (FS, IC)
+ Staff super proactive w/r/t volcanic ash airport closures; kept us informed, checked on our flights, and offered to extend our stay at low BRG rate and keep us in suite. Great to have that much information & feeling that someone is looking out for us (huge contrast to minimal information from airlines and nothing useful from news sources).
+ Most reasonable food and drink prices among Bali Starwoods (110k for a cocktail vs 185k at Westin; long happy hour with 2-4-1 drinks)
Negatives:
- The entire resort is cramped -- This results in lack of privacy (people can see in your room), not enough pool loungers (even though the place wasn't busy), etc.
- Boring breakfast buffet, limited selection, little changes. My most disappointing LM breakfast, and the weakest among the major Bali Starwoods (I never stayed at 4P).
- Food taste and quality not good -- this was true for poolside, restaurant, and room service
- Lack of beach, rather boring environment of Jimbaran
Overall, this would be a great hotel if located in a city. Great design, great staff, great upgrade. As a beach resort, it's a letdown ... despite all its strengths, we wished we'd be staying at the IC next door, or the Hyatt in Nusa Dua, or somewhere in Ubud.
Nov 23, 2015, 2:18 am
#73
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Malaysia
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 143
Aug 23, 2016, 6:34 am
#74
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QFF SG, VA SL, MR Plat, SPG Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 445
6nights recently - SPG Plat
Positives
-hotel kindly allowed rebooking from last year during the ash clouds
-friendly staff
-bar prices reasonable
Negatives
-Suite upgrade was not a suite, seemed like space for two rooms combined with a lot of empty voids.
-poor housekeeping standards and mini bar restocking
-food awful across the board, both in room and breakfast, we were confronted and challenged by the F&B manager after leaving low review scores midway through the booking which left a sour taste
-mosquito protection insufficient, no screens on doors and windows allowing mosquitos into rooms. Asked for bug zapper and given a citronella fragrance and bug spray. My partner became ill part way through from a large mosquito bite so ensure you use DEET repellant at all times (which is a good idea any where in Bali really)
-more SPG recognition needed to offset the poor standard of the property (eg beach sun loungers or cocktail hour like Le Meridien Bali)
Overal not a premium feel to the resort we went next door to the intercontinental a couple of times for more sun and atmosphere, the Le Meridien feels like a cheap condo complex by comparison.
-hotel kindly allowed rebooking from last year during the ash clouds
-friendly staff
-bar prices reasonable
Negatives
-Suite upgrade was not a suite, seemed like space for two rooms combined with a lot of empty voids.
-poor housekeeping standards and mini bar restocking
-food awful across the board, both in room and breakfast, we were confronted and challenged by the F&B manager after leaving low review scores midway through the booking which left a sour taste
-mosquito protection insufficient, no screens on doors and windows allowing mosquitos into rooms. Asked for bug zapper and given a citronella fragrance and bug spray. My partner became ill part way through from a large mosquito bite so ensure you use DEET repellant at all times (which is a good idea any where in Bali really)
-more SPG recognition needed to offset the poor standard of the property (eg beach sun loungers or cocktail hour like Le Meridien Bali)
Overal not a premium feel to the resort we went next door to the intercontinental a couple of times for more sun and atmosphere, the Le Meridien feels like a cheap condo complex by comparison.
Aug 23, 2016, 7:14 am
#75
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: SPG
Posts: 713
Positives
-hotel kindly allowed rebooking from last year during the ash clouds
-friendly staff
-bar prices reasonable
Negatives
-Suite upgrade was not a suite, seemed like space for two rooms combined with a lot of empty voids.
-poor housekeeping standards and mini bar restocking
-food awful across the board, both in room and breakfast, we were confronted and challenged by the F&B manager after leaving low review scores midway through the booking which left a sour taste
-mosquito protection insufficient, no screens on doors and windows allowing mosquitos into rooms. Asked for bug zapper and given a citronella fragrance and bug spray. My partner became ill part way through from a large mosquito bite so ensure you use DEET repellant at all times (which is a good idea any where in Bali really)
-more SPG recognition needed to offset the poor standard of the property (eg beach sun loungers or cocktail hour like Le Meridien Bali)
Overal not a premium feel to the resort we went next door to the intercontinental a couple of times for more sun and atmosphere, the Le Meridien feels like a cheap condo complex by comparison.
-hotel kindly allowed rebooking from last year during the ash clouds
-friendly staff
-bar prices reasonable
Negatives
-Suite upgrade was not a suite, seemed like space for two rooms combined with a lot of empty voids.
-poor housekeeping standards and mini bar restocking
-food awful across the board, both in room and breakfast, we were confronted and challenged by the F&B manager after leaving low review scores midway through the booking which left a sour taste
-mosquito protection insufficient, no screens on doors and windows allowing mosquitos into rooms. Asked for bug zapper and given a citronella fragrance and bug spray. My partner became ill part way through from a large mosquito bite so ensure you use DEET repellant at all times (which is a good idea any where in Bali really)
-more SPG recognition needed to offset the poor standard of the property (eg beach sun loungers or cocktail hour like Le Meridien Bali)
Overal not a premium feel to the resort we went next door to the intercontinental a couple of times for more sun and atmosphere, the Le Meridien feels like a cheap condo complex by comparison.
Thank you for sharing details of your recent experience at Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran.
We’re a bit concerned to hear about your partner getting ill. Feel free to email more info and your stay details if you would like us to follow up with the hotel.
Best regards,
Alexis Lhopital
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]