jpdx

Looking at the rates for Jan 20 onward, I'd say that you'd get extremely poor value for points. I see the following rates:

- Westin at $144+ vs 12k points
- Laguna at $160+ vs 12k points or 6k points + $110
- LM at $154+ vs 12k points or 6k points + $110
- Sheraton at $164+ vs 10k points or 5k points + $75.

If anything, these rates are suited to illustrate how severely mis-categorized some Asian SPG properties are (note that the LM has been available for paid rates as low as $88+ in September 2013, and all of these hotels hover around the $150 mark for large parts of the year). The best (or really, least bad) value would be Sheraton, but even here you don't make the 2cpp mark. I know you're a skilled BRGer, so I'd strongly recommend looking for paid rates rather than using points.

Regarding the hotel choice, it's pretty much a tossup; Laguna and Westin are right next to each other, so it'd be very easy to hotel hop in case you're after status credits. None of these hotels are anything special or have great Platinum treatment, so you could also pick one and stay put (although one-night stays would give you a better shot at a great upgrade). If you want to sample different hotels and parts of the island, you could do Westin, Laguna, Sheraton (although some might say that with only three days it's a better idea to stay put and enjoy your trip, rather than waste time hotel hopping).

MSPeconomist

Be sure to check the individual hotels' websites for special packages. I had one at the Laguna that included a fine dining restaurant dinner, a cooking lesson and lunch, and an escorted market visit, plus a Bali cookbook, all for a dollar or two under the best rate that I otherwise was eligible to use.

jamienbaker

I'm dashing to a plane, forgive the curt response:

1) coming to Bali for beaches is stupid.
2) coming to Bali for reasons other beaches is brilliant.
3) W is great place to work off jet lag if coming from afar. Nice to awake at midnight and have options. Once settled, head inland.
4) W surf isn't that bad, my 10 and 12 yr old could handle but I needed to keep eye on. Walk 10 minutes to the left and chill at Ku De Ta. Beach is tamer, there are lifeguards.

I think that covers it. If looking for beach holiday, skip it (unless profoundly close, in I'm New York). Otherwise, head as far from Kuta as possible (Menjangan rocked) and have the trip of a lifetime. Oh, and villas at W nothing special. No views, and non-hotel villas infinitely better value. Marv Suite the way to go, enjoy the view. Let me emphasize again: W VILLAS ARE A BAD DEAL, but otherwise I love the resort. See you August, 2014, wouldn't miss it but won't be staying there too long.

jmgriffin

Thanks! This has confirmed that we will not be staying at Le Méridien.

jmgriffin

I've reached out to a number of properties to check their willingness to confirm on upgrade to a suite/preferred room prior to arrival when booking the basic room with points, here's what I found:

W Retreat & Spa Bali
If you book "Wonderful Garden View Retreat" (20k Starpoints/night) you can upgrade to:

• Marvelous Suite: extra USD 325 plus taxes per night
• Upgrade to 1 Bedroom Villa: extra USD 225 plus taxes per night (was able to haggle down to 175 USD)

St Regis Bali Resort

• Does not offer upgrades prior to arrival
• "We do have special offer to do room upgrade upon check in with some additional cost. So, upon check in you may ask availability of the higher category and they will inform you additional cost to do room upgrade."

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua
If you book "Deluxe garden view: King Bed" (12k Starpoints/night) you can upgrade to:

• Ocean View Suite for USD 250 ++/room/night (tried to haggle but they wouldn't budge)

The Laguna Resort & Spa
If you book "Deluxe garden view: King Bed" (12k Starpoints/night) you can upgrade to:

• Deluxe Garden View upgrade to Executive Suite for USD 125 +21% per night
• Deluxe Garden View upgrade to Lagoon Access Suite for USD 165 +21% per night
• Deluxe Garden View upgrade to Hibiscus Villa for USD 300 +21% per night (When I pushed back they offered "As good gesture, we are pleased to offer you better rate at USD 275 +21% per night for Hibiscus Villa" or to upgrade with points "Once you confirmed the Deluxe Garden booking 12,000 starpoints, then we will add 24,000 starpoints per night for upgrade to Hibiscus Villa."
• Deluxe Garden View upgrade to One Bedroom Pool Villa for USD 350 +21% per night

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran
If you book "Classic: 2 Double Beds" (12k Starpoints/night) you can upgrade to:

• USD 300 for villa (came down to $150/night when I haggled)
• Penthouse at USD 400 (came down to $150/night when I haggled)

jmgriffin

I just updated the original post to reflect the new opening dates for:

The Westin Ubud Resort & Spa - Opening September 1, 2015
The Sarasvati, a Luxury Collection Resort, Bali - Opening June 1, 2016

Also added the:

Aloft Bali Ubud - Opening January 1, 2016

I updated the Category changes for a bunch of the properties as well, many had decreased since the original post by one Category level.

TravelinSperry

Looks like there will soon be a Four Points one can consider too (May 2015):

February 11, 2015
Four Points to Bring Stylish Comfort to the Island of Bali

JAKARTA, Indonesia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (NYSE:HOT) today announced the signing Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta with PT Umah Benesari. Located in the suburb of Kuta, one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island of Bali, the new-build hotel is scheduled to open in May 2015.

Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta joins Starwood’s already dynamic and robust portfolio in Indonesia. The company currently operates 14 properties nationwide under its Sheraton, Westin, Le Méridien, St. Regis, W Hotels and The Luxury Collection brand flags. In the next four years, Starwood will continue to ramp up its growth in Indonesia, with plans to open 12 additional hotels across the country. Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta marks Starwood’s seventh property in Bali, with another two, The Westin Ubud and The Saraswati, a Luxury Collection Resort, Bali, slated for opening by 2016.

“The signing of Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta, enhances Starwood’s footprint and multi-brand growth strategy in the country, while offering Four Points’ proposition – travel that suits your style, travel reinvented,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Vice President, Acquisition & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “We are confident that Four Points by Sheraton will fulfill travelers’ demand for contemporary, mid-market accommodations in Bali, especially with the anticipated surge of visitors accompanying the ASEAN economic integration this year.”

Managing Director of PT Umah Benesari, added, “We are pleased to forge a relationship with Starwood to introduce the compelling Four Points by Sheraton brand, delivering stylish comfort and a simplified, relaxing guest experience to the local hospitality scene. We are confident of our mutual strengths and look forward to a rewarding and long-term strategic partnership.

Located on Jalan Benesari, Banjar Pengabetan, Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta occupies a serene area of Kuta. The hotel is just minutes away from the famous Kuta Beach and its nightlife, shops and restaurants. Just a half-hour drive north of Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta will feature 186 stylish and contemporary guest rooms, ranging from 28 to 55 square meters in size. Each room will sport thoughtful touches that contribute to an unencumbered, comfortable stay, including the Four Points Signature Bed, consisting of a plush mattress, down pillows, cozy duvet, and crisp 250-thread-count sheets. Food and beverage venues will include an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop club, lobby bar and beer garden café. The latter will feature the brand’s signature Best Brews™ program, highlighting the best local draft beers. Other hotel facilities will include a fitness center, 180 square meters of meeting space and a Kids’ Club. In addition, guests will enjoy complimentary Internet access in all public spaces, bottled water, and signature breakfast with fresh coffee."

nickchanz

Planning on a trip to Bali in early Novemeber, 2015 for a 5 day (4 nights) trip. Already reserved the last 2 days in W Bali, hopefully can have an upgrade for SPG Gold guests.

Just wondering which hotel shall I consider on the 1st night of stay.
(as I am planning to hike Mount Agung the 2nd night to see the sunrise, so I guess I might just check out from the room and request an early check in in W on the 3rd night)

Anyways, considering between Sheraton Resort and the new Four points. The price difference is about a double. Just wondering if it's worth it.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...kuta-bali.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...er-thread.html

Anyone of u have any recommendations for me?

MSPeconomist

The description of the new Four Points in the post above yours doesn't mention a swimming pool. For many people, that would be a big disadvantage, especially in a tropical resort area.

SubzeroMSP

I stayed at the Four Points, and it does have a swimming pool and fitness room. We had the slight upgrade to direct access lagoon pool, which was convenient as you can take a dip straight from your room (I should get around to updating that thread). Not a bad stay for 4K points/night. I believe they also have bfast packages (if you are not able to do Plat amenity) for pretty cheap as well. Was actually very impressed by their morning offerings. Only downside of this hotel is extended travel time by taxi to get into and out of the hotel (it's surrounded by very narrow 1 lane streets).

I did the Mount Agung summit hike, but we had left from the Nusa Dua area right before midnight (Grand Hyatt). FYI it took about 1hr 30min for driver to get to trailhead. About 4 hours to hike to summit, and 6 to get back down. You may be offered the lower rim (180 view) or the actual summit (360 view). There is a big difference in difficulty.

nickchanz

Thanks for the quick reply!
I am just wondering if the classy Sheraton resort worth a 2 to 2.5x of the price of the new 4 points. But the price in 4 points is quite attractive i must admit
Currently, i am trying to secure a BPG claim in the classy Sheraton, which will cost me around 210 USD for a night including tax for a ocean view room.

Did u take the easy path to Mount Agung? Any agents u recommend?
I am going with my girlfriend, so i guess i might take the easy path just for her.
Personally i have hiked the Kilimanjaro a few yrs ago

nickchanz

also, i am looking forward to the new hotels going to be established by Starwood in Ubud.
it seems a total different experience!

SubzeroMSP

Personally, I spent the first half of week at the Four Points because I knew I would be out exploring most of the time so paying 4K points or $89/night was an easy decision for me.

Took the "New Alternative Path" to the real summit. I would definitely recommend the guide we used (Wayan Dartha). Message me for his details/WeChat if you'd like. I also went with my gf, but she is more fit than me

nickchanz

I have PM you! Please see inbox

bsagator

I'm having trouble deciding on where to stay for my 2nd week in Bali, if in fact I do decide to stay the 2nd week in Bali and not venture elsewhere. I'm traveling solo, and am single, so will be staying out late at night. I'm staying my first week in Seminyak at the Dash hotel because it seems unique and exciting. The last time I stayed in Bali, it was with my ex-wife at the W. But the good news is that my sister recently got a job with Starwood, so I have access to some great rates. I really can not make up my mind at this time, and I literally have all 3 hotels booked. The great part is that I cancel all the reservations up to 1 day prior with no fees.

4 points Kuta- $49/night in their standard room.
Sheraton Kuta- $69/night in their ocean view room.
Le Meridian- $79/night in their lagoon view room.

Right now, I'm leaning towards the LM with the 4 points as my last choice. I'll be spending quite some time in the room, and the LM has the biggest room by far. The Sheraton has great reviews on tripadvisor, and I like their layout as well. Rooms are a decent size. I wouldn't really consider the 4 points, but at that price it's more of a "why not"?

My second "half" stay would be for 5 nights. I would prefer to stay in one place the whole time, but would be willing to do 3 nights at the LM during the week, and then my last two nights, Friday and Saturday, at the Sheraton since the location is in Kuta.