Any comments on Ritz in Bali?
 

Does anyone have any comments on the Ritz at Jimbaran, Indonesia? My wife and I will be taking a trip there in the spring, and reservations is showing us a $155 price, which seems awfully cheap for a Ritz. Before snatching it up, I wanted to see if anyone has some background on the property. Thanks.

Mike

On arrival given cold towels (what a great idea) and taken to our room where they checked us in. Room was decent size with a balcony overlooking the beautiful grounds, the pool and the ocean.

Multiple levels of pools that are designed to look like they fade off into the ocean. Drink service is good. Lots of flowers.

Food was very good. Buffets were extensive.

Shuttle service to cliff above small, secluded private beach. The cliff has a long staircase that will discourage future visits. It is a long climb in the heat after swimming and sunbathing.

Staff was great. They were extremely friendly and eager to help. Even after I left, the concierge was willing to help resolve a shipping problem. Hotel helped arrange a car and driver. Unfortunately the driver wanted to take us to big tourist places. Made arrangements with a cab driver. He drove us all over the island.

The cold towels and bottles of water at the front entrance helped deal with the heat. The hotel is several miles from anything. Long ways away from any great diving or snorkeling.

My wife enjoyed the spa. I cannot comment on it or compare it with other spas since I did not use that service.

Was less impressed with Bali than I expected. It has been heavily commercialized. Lack of sanitation prevented us from eating at most of the villages. Restricted us to eating at hotels or brining packed lunches. Hotel packed a great picnic lunch.

I have stayed there a while ago. Was a very nice hotel. It might be a bit far from Kuta beach or whatever it's called (sorry that was 2 years ago !), but it's better - Jimbaran is actually the best place to stay on the isalnd = it doesn't have all the tourist traps of Nusa Dua (succession of luxury hotels http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif ) and not all the crowd of Kuta. Not surprising that Four Seasons, Inter COntinental and Ritz Carlton have found their place in Jimbaran. Great food in the little beach before the hotel with great seafood. Pool is a 2 level pool and is magnificent - on the lower level you can see a huge aquarium behind waterfalls. Breakfast is superb, one of the best I've had so far. A very nice stay I 'm sure you will enjoy it. And yes, it is a bargain - has always been. Bon voyage !

Seems way cheap for a Ritz, perhaps the time of year has something to do with the price?

For those who have been, is Bali always this cheap?

Yes.