Ritz Carlton Nusa Dua, Bali [Master Thread]
Jan 27, 2017, 7:42 am
#46
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: SPG:PLAT DL:PM
Posts: 24
Hello All - Hoping to figure out how the Ritz Carlton Bali Treats Platinum members here. I have a week booked in May for my Honeymoon using my Ritz Carlton Card for the free club access but have had pretty bad luck in the past year with upgrades at Ritz properties across the board. Has anyone experienced the club level here first hand and if so, is it worth it? Based off the very few reviews I can find it doesn't seem to offer much more than breakfast and afternoon tea.
Debating between sticking with the Ritz or switching over to St.Regis Bali which has a lot more verified positive reviews here on FT.
Any insights would be appreciated!
Thanks
Debating between sticking with the Ritz or switching over to St.Regis Bali which has a lot more verified positive reviews here on FT.
Any insights would be appreciated!
Thanks
Jan 31, 2017, 10:52 am
#47
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TYO
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,744
On property now. Club access is going for ~$75 per person per day plus taxes. Haven't seen the club yet but assuming it is not worth it. Nice property overall, smooth check in & friendly service.
Jan 31, 2017, 11:29 am
#48
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: 1K 1MM; Bonvoy Ambassador; Nat'l EE; Hertz PC; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,465
Enjoy your time there, and do one of the cooking lessons if you can, lots of fun!
Feb 2, 2017, 7:29 am
#49
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: SPG:PLAT DL:PM
Posts: 24
Thanks for the info, How was the breakfast spread? Was it just a buffet in the club lounge, or do they allow breakfast to be had in restaurant or via room service like other club properties? ( intercontinental Bali )
How did you find their elite member treatment? Did either of you receive noteworthy upgrades?
Enjoy your stay and any pictures would be appreciated!
How did you find their elite member treatment? Did either of you receive noteworthy upgrades?
Enjoy your stay and any pictures would be appreciated!
Feb 2, 2017, 10:32 pm
#50
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TYO
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,744
I did not receive an upgrade as a Gold however they included breakfast for the first night which was a points booking. The property did appear to be at near capacity due to the Chinese New Year. The breakfast was buffet only, served in Senses and it was so full that they actually started offering it in Bejana too during the few nights we stayed. Breakfast was swarming with families of Chinese tourists. The spread was decent, lots of Asian and western options, sushi rolls, etc, certainly nothing to complain about but I wouldn't say it was over the top great.
Overall a nice property with excellent Balinese service, though I would say it lacks a bit of soul and does just feel like a cookie-cutter modern resort. I have not stated elsewhere in Nusa Dua so I can't draw a comparison, but just moved over to a private villa in a Seminyak which seems much more authentic.
The on-property activities are excellent however, cooking & cocktail classes, yoga, etc.
Will try to upload some photos when I get a chance.
Overall a nice property with excellent Balinese service, though I would say it lacks a bit of soul and does just feel like a cookie-cutter modern resort. I have not stated elsewhere in Nusa Dua so I can't draw a comparison, but just moved over to a private villa in a Seminyak which seems much more authentic.
The on-property activities are excellent however, cooking & cocktail classes, yoga, etc.
Will try to upload some photos when I get a chance.
Last edited by invalyd; Feb 2, 2017 at 10:39 pm
Mar 1, 2017, 1:14 pm
#51
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: SPG:PLAT DL:PM
Posts: 24
invalyd - Hope you enjoyed your stay at the Ritz Carlton Bali, would love to know where you stayed in Seminyak as well. Seems like that may be a better time based of your experience. Any pictures would be appreciated as well.
As a Ritz /Marriott / SPG platinum I was not impressed by elite recognition when i contacted their concierge. ( They aggressively tried to up sell me rooms with no mention of upgrades at check in and outlined VERY strict platinum breakfast rules )
So at this point I am looking for alternatives, maybe Seminyak, although worried its too much of a party scene or the St.Regis.
As a Ritz /Marriott / SPG platinum I was not impressed by elite recognition when i contacted their concierge. ( They aggressively tried to up sell me rooms with no mention of upgrades at check in and outlined VERY strict platinum breakfast rules )
So at this point I am looking for alternatives, maybe Seminyak, although worried its too much of a party scene or the St.Regis.
Mar 2, 2017, 3:33 am
#52
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: krisflyer, hilton, ihg, accor
Posts: 62
^
I'm not much of a travel blogger (actually this is my first attempt), but I do enjoy taking photographs thus you can give me a hard time about my photos but not my prose. :-)
(Note - I'll keep adding more detail in a few days). Wanted to get this posted today.
About the trip:
1) We spent nearly two weeks in Bali (between Nusa Dua and Ubud), and wanted to try the new Ritz Carlton in Nusa Dua. We stayed using Marriott Rewards Points (200,000) for 5 nights from May 19-24, 2015.
2) About us: Couple from Los Angeles, CA on our second trip to Bali. Purpose of the trip was to dump pre-devaluation UA mileage plus miles (flying F on an OZ A380) and have a nice R&R vacation. No sightseeing; just going to spas, eat, visit friends, relax;
3) All photos taken with a Nikon D800 with 14-24mm f2.8 and 24-70mm f2.8 lenses. I chose to present more commercial style photos vice our 'Vacation Snap Shots' (But I did appreciate Mrs. daberlin's shot of me with the coconut).
4) Reservation was for a 'Sawangan Lagoon Access', but stayed the 5 nights in a 'Sawangan Pool Pavillion' (explained below);
5) The property was maybe 10% occupied during our entire stay;
6) Overall impression was great. People, food, property all wonderful. Well worth the time spent here vice the many other options in Nusa Dua. Wife was thrilled at how quiet it was. We felt we had the property to ourselves.
Main Entrance - Very typical Nusa Dua
The area immediately external to the property is under heavy construction and not nearly as pretty as the street views in front of the Nikko or the Mulia which are in close proximity to the Ritz.
The lobby itself looked quite plain during daytime hours (seating areas here and there), but was really amazing at twilight and in the evening. View of the beachside from the lobby.
Beach Level Property Views
The landscaping was really well done. But, it will certainly be several years before the palm tress, rice fields, plants, and flowers all fully bloom. I thought the white stone in the shape of the tiered rice fields was a nice touch. It will look amazing in the future.
- Villas -
I had a chance to walk through many of the different suites and villas at the property. They are all beautiful with typical RC amenities.
Sawangan Lagoon Access Jr. Suite
Didn't like these heavy gauge aluminum privacy dividers used for the bathroom and the bedroom found in the Jr. Suites. They are hung on ceiling tracks and felt quite flimsy. I can't image they will survive a great deal of wear and tear. In the Jr. Suite we were briefly in while waiting to move to the Pavillion Suite, the doors and walls were already showing signs of minor damage.
Our only 'are you kidding me moment' during the entire 6 days and 5 nights at the RC occurred within the first 15 minutes on property. Without warning, the sky filled with smoke accompanied by the noise of a loud machine. When we figured out what was going on, we booked it out of the pool, slammed the doors shut and let the fog clear. Seriously? 4pm bug spraying? Not a great first impression, guys. Glad this only occurred once and was the only grumble (and I mean the only one) we had during the whole stay.
Sawangan Pool Pavillion, 1 Bedroom Suite.
We were upgraded to a Pool Pavillon Suite (7803) from the Sawangan Jr. Suite which was quite a nice upgrade (nearly $600/night difference between the two rates). Besides the private pool (a divided wall separates your pool from the other two), the Pool Pavillon Suite is in close proximity to the main resort pool, beach, club, and pool side restaurants.
Under the addage of 'You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar', I simply handed the front desk staff on check-in my Ritz Carlton Platinum card and asked about a 'comp upgrade'. They seemed confused by this (I was on a point stay after all...) and after some very polite and friendly back and forth with the reservations manager, she obliged and said 'just this once' she's willing to let us upgrade to a Pavillon suite. Wonderful!
Lots of international TV stations to choose from; CNN, NBC International and found the Formula 1 race with little problem. 110/220 outlets and adapters were available. Hot water worked well and nice water pressure in the rain shower bathroom inside as well as outside. No problems with flying or walking critters. Only comment was that it was difficult to keep the AC balanced. We either had it on or off.
I'd never seen this before (outside of the Middle East)
These Toto toilets (in all suites, villas, and main property bathrooms) were AMAZING. Pools weren't heated, but these toilet seats were. Infrared seat popped up upon entering bathroom, and closed on exit. Was so impressed that I priced one as soon as we were back in LA. $6,500. I guess I'll just have fond memories of it from vacation.
Outside Shower and Tub
Transportation
We used these 'buggies' extensively during our stay and loved it (talk about a lazy way to get around). We never waited more than 5 minutes for any pick up and the staff were wonderfully accommodating. There is a road currently under construction that will add more convenient access from the lobby to the beach side areas. I'm guessing this will primarily be used for luggage transfer, but I hope we could use it to skip the elevator to the lobby.
Ritz Carlton Bali 2 Bedroom Sky Villa
Sky Villa Infinity Pool. Pools were a very comfortable temperature and clean.
Ritz Carlton Bali Cliff Villa.
I received a tour of this beautiful Villa before it was completed. Upside is the privacy and beauty of the amenities and rooms in this villa. Downside is the location. You really don't have a cliffside view, and access to the main property would be a pain. But maybe, this was just my 'American' perspective....
What was explained by my trusty tour guide Gatot, the resort was designed for all different cultures. Western Europeans/Americans, Chinese, Japanese, and Russians etc. all seek different accommodation types while on vacation. The RC Bali has taken this into consideration and created many different suites, and villa types to please each of these different cultures. It was impressive to say the least.
All of the woodwork on the property was beautiful.
The grounds looked rough. But the Villa was not completed yet, so I'm sure this will be addressed.
Ritz Carlton Bali 3 Bedroom Oceanfront Villa
Kempinski brand hotel under construction next door. The noise never bothered us nor was ever loud, but I wasn't too impressed at the sheer size and what will no doubt look like something straight out of Las Vegas once it's complete. Definitely the 'downside' of Nusa Dua.
Spa/Gym still under construction. (June/July '15 completion?)
Main Pool / Pool Side / Beach Views
Drinking coconut juice in the main pool I shared with maybe two or three other couples. Never had a difficult time getting a beach side or a pool side bale or bed. Mrs. daberlin appreciated this more than I expected. She was honestly thrilled that the resort was still in it's 'soft' opening.
Beach
Indonesian Army Foot Patrol. Overall, we felt very safe in Nusa Dua. People visiting Bali for the first time might be alarmed by the presence of armed military/police/security but I've always felt their visibility is quite balanced given Bali's recent history.
Romanic lunch or dinner opportunities.
Grand Nikko Camel Rides. (Indonesian Camels???)
Beachside lunch (every meal we had on property was outstanding).
Beachside Gelato / Ice Cream Bar
Wedding Chapel Views
(Note - I'll keep adding more detail in a few days). Wanted to get this posted today.
About the trip:
1) We spent nearly two weeks in Bali (between Nusa Dua and Ubud), and wanted to try the new Ritz Carlton in Nusa Dua. We stayed using Marriott Rewards Points (200,000) for 5 nights from May 19-24, 2015.
2) About us: Couple from Los Angeles, CA on our second trip to Bali. Purpose of the trip was to dump pre-devaluation UA mileage plus miles (flying F on an OZ A380) and have a nice R&R vacation. No sightseeing; just going to spas, eat, visit friends, relax;
3) All photos taken with a Nikon D800 with 14-24mm f2.8 and 24-70mm f2.8 lenses. I chose to present more commercial style photos vice our 'Vacation Snap Shots' (But I did appreciate Mrs. daberlin's shot of me with the coconut).
4) Reservation was for a 'Sawangan Lagoon Access', but stayed the 5 nights in a 'Sawangan Pool Pavillion' (explained below);
5) The property was maybe 10% occupied during our entire stay;
6) Overall impression was great. People, food, property all wonderful. Well worth the time spent here vice the many other options in Nusa Dua. Wife was thrilled at how quiet it was. We felt we had the property to ourselves.
Main Entrance - Very typical Nusa Dua
The area immediately external to the property is under heavy construction and not nearly as pretty as the street views in front of the Nikko or the Mulia which are in close proximity to the Ritz.
The lobby itself looked quite plain during daytime hours (seating areas here and there), but was really amazing at twilight and in the evening. View of the beachside from the lobby.
Beach Level Property Views
The landscaping was really well done. But, it will certainly be several years before the palm tress, rice fields, plants, and flowers all fully bloom. I thought the white stone in the shape of the tiered rice fields was a nice touch. It will look amazing in the future.
- Villas -
I had a chance to walk through many of the different suites and villas at the property. They are all beautiful with typical RC amenities.
Sawangan Lagoon Access Jr. Suite
Didn't like these heavy gauge aluminum privacy dividers used for the bathroom and the bedroom found in the Jr. Suites. They are hung on ceiling tracks and felt quite flimsy. I can't image they will survive a great deal of wear and tear. In the Jr. Suite we were briefly in while waiting to move to the Pavillion Suite, the doors and walls were already showing signs of minor damage.
Our only 'are you kidding me moment' during the entire 6 days and 5 nights at the RC occurred within the first 15 minutes on property. Without warning, the sky filled with smoke accompanied by the noise of a loud machine. When we figured out what was going on, we booked it out of the pool, slammed the doors shut and let the fog clear. Seriously? 4pm bug spraying? Not a great first impression, guys. Glad this only occurred once and was the only grumble (and I mean the only one) we had during the whole stay.
Sawangan Pool Pavillion, 1 Bedroom Suite.
We were upgraded to a Pool Pavillon Suite (7803) from the Sawangan Jr. Suite which was quite a nice upgrade (nearly $600/night difference between the two rates). Besides the private pool (a divided wall separates your pool from the other two), the Pool Pavillon Suite is in close proximity to the main resort pool, beach, club, and pool side restaurants.
Under the addage of 'You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar', I simply handed the front desk staff on check-in my Ritz Carlton Platinum card and asked about a 'comp upgrade'. They seemed confused by this (I was on a point stay after all...) and after some very polite and friendly back and forth with the reservations manager, she obliged and said 'just this once' she's willing to let us upgrade to a Pavillon suite. Wonderful!
Lots of international TV stations to choose from; CNN, NBC International and found the Formula 1 race with little problem. 110/220 outlets and adapters were available. Hot water worked well and nice water pressure in the rain shower bathroom inside as well as outside. No problems with flying or walking critters. Only comment was that it was difficult to keep the AC balanced. We either had it on or off.
I'd never seen this before (outside of the Middle East)
These Toto toilets (in all suites, villas, and main property bathrooms) were AMAZING. Pools weren't heated, but these toilet seats were. Infrared seat popped up upon entering bathroom, and closed on exit. Was so impressed that I priced one as soon as we were back in LA. $6,500. I guess I'll just have fond memories of it from vacation.
Outside Shower and Tub
Transportation
We used these 'buggies' extensively during our stay and loved it (talk about a lazy way to get around). We never waited more than 5 minutes for any pick up and the staff were wonderfully accommodating. There is a road currently under construction that will add more convenient access from the lobby to the beach side areas. I'm guessing this will primarily be used for luggage transfer, but I hope we could use it to skip the elevator to the lobby.
Ritz Carlton Bali 2 Bedroom Sky Villa
Sky Villa Infinity Pool. Pools were a very comfortable temperature and clean.
Ritz Carlton Bali Cliff Villa.
I received a tour of this beautiful Villa before it was completed. Upside is the privacy and beauty of the amenities and rooms in this villa. Downside is the location. You really don't have a cliffside view, and access to the main property would be a pain. But maybe, this was just my 'American' perspective....
What was explained by my trusty tour guide Gatot, the resort was designed for all different cultures. Western Europeans/Americans, Chinese, Japanese, and Russians etc. all seek different accommodation types while on vacation. The RC Bali has taken this into consideration and created many different suites, and villa types to please each of these different cultures. It was impressive to say the least.
All of the woodwork on the property was beautiful.
The grounds looked rough. But the Villa was not completed yet, so I'm sure this will be addressed.
Ritz Carlton Bali 3 Bedroom Oceanfront Villa
Kempinski brand hotel under construction next door. The noise never bothered us nor was ever loud, but I wasn't too impressed at the sheer size and what will no doubt look like something straight out of Las Vegas once it's complete. Definitely the 'downside' of Nusa Dua.
Spa/Gym still under construction. (June/July '15 completion?)
Main Pool / Pool Side / Beach Views
Drinking coconut juice in the main pool I shared with maybe two or three other couples. Never had a difficult time getting a beach side or a pool side bale or bed. Mrs. daberlin appreciated this more than I expected. She was honestly thrilled that the resort was still in it's 'soft' opening.
Beach
Indonesian Army Foot Patrol. Overall, we felt very safe in Nusa Dua. People visiting Bali for the first time might be alarmed by the presence of armed military/police/security but I've always felt their visibility is quite balanced given Bali's recent history.
Romanic lunch or dinner opportunities.
Grand Nikko Camel Rides. (Indonesian Camels???)
Beachside lunch (every meal we had on property was outstanding).
Beachside Gelato / Ice Cream Bar
Wedding Chapel Views
Mar 15, 2017, 7:17 am
#55
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
Mar 18, 2017, 5:14 am
#56
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA, US, AA, Hyatt Platinum, Hilton Gold, & PC
Posts: 289
Mar 18, 2017, 7:51 am
#57
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
Mar 18, 2017, 10:10 am
#58
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: US/TYO/LON
Programs: Marriott Titanium; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 411
You seem to have missed that fact that post #52 just quoted the TR, without really adding any comments, of the TR, as devastor correctly pointed out, from 2 Years ago (May 2015).
Also, given that that TR was of the hotel in its soft opening phase, a new TR and update is sorely needed.
Also, given that that TR was of the hotel in its soft opening phase, a new TR and update is sorely needed.
Mar 19, 2017, 9:22 am
#59
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
You seem to have missed that fact that post #52 just quoted the TR, without really adding any comments, of the TR, as devastor correctly pointed out, from 2 Years ago (May 2015).
Also, given that that TR was of the hotel in its soft opening phase, a new TR and update is sorely needed.
Also, given that that TR was of the hotel in its soft opening phase, a new TR and update is sorely needed.
Cheers.
Apr 8, 2017, 10:12 pm
#60
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: LAX, DCA, FUK
Programs: UA 1.5MM 1K, AA EXP, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime
Posts: 156
Greetings everyone. No photos since mine from two years ago? Yikes.
We are heading back to Bali in June/July '17, so I guess I'll add more photos and give an updated trip report afterwards. On this upcoming trip we are staying at the Ritz in Hong Kong, Ritz in Tokyo, 6 nights at the Mulia Villas (price was too good to pass up), 2 nights at the Ayana Cliff Villas, and am considering again staying 2 nights at the Ritz in Bali to see how it's come on since two years ago. There is a pretty good Ritz Rewards Card promotion going on called 'Bali Experience Rewards Offer'. Ritz is all confused how to book it since it combines Club upgrade with other perks, but hopefully I will get it resolved in the next few days.
Overnight accommodation with daily breakfast for two.
Savings up to 2% of the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Member Rate.
Enjoy $100 resort credit for qualifying dining, spa or other hotel recreational activities for minimum 2 nights stay.
Use one of your Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card Club Level Upgrade certificates to experience our Club Lounge facility. Must have Club Level Upgrade e-certificate available and subject to availability at the time of your reservation.
2 experiential activities per stay: Sunrise Yoga by the beach and Culinary Cave Cooking Class.
During the soft opening I was given a pretty awesome points stay upgrade from the Jr. Suite to the Pool Pavillon (Villa). For this upcoming trip I don't plan to pay with points but will booking the Sky Villa One Bedroom. Can't wait!
We are heading back to Bali in June/July '17, so I guess I'll add more photos and give an updated trip report afterwards. On this upcoming trip we are staying at the Ritz in Hong Kong, Ritz in Tokyo, 6 nights at the Mulia Villas (price was too good to pass up), 2 nights at the Ayana Cliff Villas, and am considering again staying 2 nights at the Ritz in Bali to see how it's come on since two years ago. There is a pretty good Ritz Rewards Card promotion going on called 'Bali Experience Rewards Offer'. Ritz is all confused how to book it since it combines Club upgrade with other perks, but hopefully I will get it resolved in the next few days.
Overnight accommodation with daily breakfast for two.
Savings up to 2% of the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Member Rate.
Enjoy $100 resort credit for qualifying dining, spa or other hotel recreational activities for minimum 2 nights stay.
Use one of your Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card Club Level Upgrade certificates to experience our Club Lounge facility. Must have Club Level Upgrade e-certificate available and subject to availability at the time of your reservation.
2 experiential activities per stay: Sunrise Yoga by the beach and Culinary Cave Cooking Class.
During the soft opening I was given a pretty awesome points stay upgrade from the Jr. Suite to the Pool Pavillon (Villa). For this upcoming trip I don't plan to pay with points but will booking the Sky Villa One Bedroom. Can't wait!
Last edited by daberlin; Apr 21, 2017 at 10:29 am