My aunt and cousins came all the way from Canada to visit us in the Philippines. They had time for side trips elsewhere in Asia, and since they had never been to Indonesia, I instinctively suggested Bali. Again, they were first timers, so I wanted them to experience Bali’s highlights rather than to stay put in a resort. For this reason, I required a hotel that’s comfortable yet affordably-priced. Having great experiences with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) properties, I chose Holiday Inn Express Bali Raya Kuta, where I booked a really good rate for our three-night trip.
The hotel is located technically in Kuta—I say technically because it’s a few kilometers away from the famous strip along Kuta Beach. But with the popularity of Uber and Grab in the island, a car or motorcycle can take guests to Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Denpasar, Nusa Dua, Benoa, and other places quickly and affordably. By the way, despite being away from the more touristy places in Kuta, there are convenience stores and a food court nearby the hotel.
Aboard an airport transfer that we pre-booked via the app Klook, we arrived in the hotel after a four-hour early morning flight. Good thing, our rooms were already ready, so we were handed our keys in no time.
The hotel offers only two type of rooms—deluxe and suite—and we went for the former. As expected, it was clean, bright, and modern, and it was similar to a room at a Holiday Inn in terms of look and feel, only perhaps a little less spacious.
In terms of features and amenities, it was pretty complete—it had a comfortable queen bed with quality linens and a choice of soft and firm pillows, a hip lounge chair, a desk that doubled as a dresser, an LED TV, a minibar, coffee and tea making facility, closet space, an electronic safe, adequate universal power points, and of course, free wireless internet. The clean bathroom had a powerful shower, nice quality towels, and some basic toiletries.
Included with our stay was daily Express Start Breakfast at The Great Room. Admittedly, the selection at the buffet wasn’t much, but it was adequately filling and good nonetheless. I was also happy that there was a Grab and Go option for those who have to be out early for their tours.
Although it’s marketed as an affordable hotel, Holiday Inn Express Bali Raya Kuta isn’t short on facilities. For one, it has a sizeable swimming pool—and being in a resort destination, it’s one of the few Holiday Inn Express properties in the world that does. It also offers a fitness center and a self-service laundry room.
WHY STAY THERE?
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Rates are really affordable for a Holiday Inn Express property.
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Rooms are appointed adequately and nicely designed.
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Location is perfect as a base for touring around Bali.
HOLIDAY INN RESORT BALI RAYA KUTA
Jalan Raya Kuta, Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 761 728
Email: info.holidayinnexpressbalirayakuta@ihg.com
Website: www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/bali/dpsbl/hoteldetail
Social Media: Facebook and Instagram
