JP/Agung Parameswara

Good accommodation is almost as important as the trip itself, but it can be hard to find the perfect fit especially if you’re traveling to a destination as diverse as Bali. A stay by the beach is surely different from a room up in Ubud. So how do you choose the right place for you?

First is of course location. Bali may seem small but different parts of the island offer different atmospheres for different kinds of tourists. Those aiming for a lively night and beach should choose Kuta, while those arriving for greenery and serenity may want to stay in Ubud.

 Culinary enthusiasts are advised to pick accommodation near Legian and Seminyak, but if you come in pairs or on honeymoon, Jimbaran or even further north to Canggu would be a better option. Luxury accommodation like Hotel Tugu are famous for their charm and quiet sunset.

Picturesque scenery

Families can book rooms in Nusa Dua or Tanjung Benoa and enjoy watersports as well as other fun activities. Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa is highly recommended for those taking children on vacation, as it offers fun and educational activities through its Gecko Kids Club.

Peter Greenberg, the author of Hotel Secrets from Travel Detectives, advises looking into a comfortable room beyond what’s shown on the hotel brochure or website. This means reading what other people have to say about certain accommodation. “Not every expensive hotel will have great beds and not every budget hotel bed will send you to an orthopedic surgeon. My theory is that getting a great room at a hotel the first time is usually a combination of luck and good timing,” he said.

Bali is best known for its picturesque scenery, so booking a room with a view is a real temptation. Although Greenberg doesn’t recommend paying extras for what’s outside your window, especially if you’re only there for a short stay, but Bali is always worth the price.

Amazing scenery doesn’t only belong to luxury resorts by the beach, but also can be found on the mountainous region of Kintamani, Buleleng, Karangasem and Tabanan. One such location is the Munduk Moding Coffee Plantation Nature Resort and Spa, which is located in Gobleg village, Buleleng, Singaraja. Aside from beautiful views from its infinity pool, the resort also arranges cultural activities for its guests, ranging from learning about growing coffee to dances and arts and crafts.

Once eyes are set on the best hotel out there, according Brook Wilkinson, author of Pocket Posh Tips for Travelers, reading reviews are next in line. “Make sure your potential hotel gets favorable reviews, but take the results with a grain of salt. A number of similarly worded positive critiques suggest that they are written by people affiliated with the property; a single rant in a sea of raves probably signifies an unreasonable traveler out for vengeance.”

Once you’re done with a dozen or so, you are set to go and book your next memorable holiday stay.

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