Welcome to Ask Sheila – your place to ask me all those big (and small) questions you have about visiting or living in Bali. This week – Should You Stay in a Hotel or a Villa in Bali?
Should You Stay in a Hotel or Villa in Bali?
If you’re like me, you enjoy researching and planning for an upcoming trip. If you’re organising a Bali holiday, deciding where to stay is very important. Where you stay in Bali can definitely make or break your trip!
In my last column, I described which areas are best for different types of travellers. This time I want to help you decide if you should stay in a villa or hotel in Bali.
Staying in a hotel or a villa both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s go through them, so you can choose the best place to stay in Bali.
Advantages of Staying in a Hotel in Bali
Need convenience and full-service amenities like 24-hour reception, on-site restaurants, and facilities like pools, gyms, and spas? A hotel is what you’re looking for during your Bali holiday! These amenities make it easy to relax and enjoy your stay without worrying about the logistics. Shared spaces in the hotel are also good if you enjoy a social atmosphere.
If you’re choosing to stay in a hotel, then your next decision is big resort or small boutique hotel. Big resorts are great if you need some absolute relaxation, everything taken care of, and lots of different amenities. Not to mention, if you have children, I have 2 magic words for you: “kids club”. While small boutique hotels often have their own unique design and charm, personalised service, and may allow you to immerse yourself in local culture.
Disadvantages of Staying in a Hotel in Bali
Big hotels offer lots of conveniences, but they can sometimes feel crowded, especially during peak seasons. Sometimes your holiday can be interrupted by all those people around you. Often larger hotels can feel very same-y, and it’s hard to experience the joys of local Balinese culture.
Advantages of Staying in a Villa in Bali
Staying in a villa in Bali offers unmatched privacy and exclusivity. Often at a very affordable price, especially compared to other countries. You can have your own “lifestyle of the rich and famous” moment!
There are villas of all sizes and price points, so they cater to couples seeking romance, families looking for space, groups of friends wanting to enjoy a private getaway or many other types of holidays.
Many villas come with dedicated staff, including chefs, housekeepers, and even drivers, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious, tailored experience.
Disadvantages of Staying in a Villa
There aren’t many downsides of staying in a villa in Bali. One disadvantage is that it can require you to plan each day’s activities. At a hotel, there will be an activities desk, who can organise everything for you. At a villa, it’s up to you. However, with so much information online these days, it really isn’t very hard!
Unfortunately, one growing problem of staying in a villa is the number of scams that have appeared. As booking online is so easy and convenient, unscrupulous characters are stealing photos of real villas and creating a fake profile with another villa name. Check the online profile very carefully before booking.
Which Option is Best for Your Stay in Bali?
This is the big question, and like most things, it comes down to your priorities. Personally, where I choose to stay in Bali depends on who I’m travelling with and what our plans are.
If you value convenience and amenities, staying in a hotel in Bali might be the best choice for you. However, if you prioritise privacy and a more personalised experience, staying in a villa in Bali is an excellent option. Choose the best option for you, and your Bali holiday is off to a great start!
Find our favourite hotels and villa in Bali in our Directory!
Got a question for Sheila? Visiting Bali and not sure what to do or where to go? Building a villa in Bali? Want to know our favourite secret spots? Tips on how to have the best Bali holiday? Send your question to admin@bali-interiors.com
