Hotels – The Suite Life Group

W Bali – Seminyak | Wonderful Ocean Facing Escape

The ultra-cool W Bali – Seminyak is a hotel experience that never disappoints. As part of the Marriott’s high-class lifestyle brand – W Bali is one of the most successful W properties in the portfolio. With hospitality heavy weight General Manager Craig Seaward at the helm, W Bali – Seminyak ticks all the boxes and the experience gets better every time I stay.

W Bali’s facilities are basically infinite and include a well-staffed day spa and wellness centre including a brilliant gym and weights room with state of the art facilities packed with HD screens and an endless choice of entertainment or the option to plug-in your own iPod! Large windows with views and well-trained friendly staff ready to help you with your fitness goals allow for a premium fitness set up for those of us looking to take a break from sipping cocktails by the pool and get the heart pumping.

The use of the gym and thermal spa room (men and women have separate rooms) is complimentary for hotel guests and include full access the thermal spa inside the gym’s men’s and women’s change rooms.

The Fitness Centre

Just behind the welcome desks – is Wired and Words library and business centre, which is jam-packed with plenty of great books plus four new iMacs and printers for complimentary Internet use. It’s a little haven of relaxation for those needing some time out located above the resort’s seafood restaurant ‘Starfish Bloo’.

Wired and Words

I never get tired of arriving at W Bali and walking into the luxurious open-air lobby and lounge – it instantly gets me into the holiday mode! Being whisked from the hotel’s front entrance (only a couple of steps from legendary from legendary beach club Potato Head) in one of the hotel golf buggies, the chilled Bali feeling instantly kicks in and my holiday and blogging trip starts off with an awesome check-in experience from the welcome team! Thanks Mena.

Open air Welcome section

My Starwood Preferred Guestrecognition allowed for excellent staff to guest rapport around the hotel, with the W Bali staff making a point to remember my name and specific preferences throughout my stay. The level of awareness of my personal preferences was the icing on the cake for my stay, and I was super impressed by this level of awareness and attention given to my room position preference (high with city or pool views) & the pillows I requested were in the room on arrival.

W Bali – Seminyak

After checking in with the welcome team, Mum and I were off to a great start. We received an upgrade on arrival to a wonderful ocean-facing escape suite on the 5th floor (top floor) facing the pool area, from our usual garden-view escape.

There are three elevators in the property and while they are quick – they need to buzz louder when they arrive (or light up more), as it’s a common problem when walking past or using the elevators that people don’t notice the elevator has already come and gone! The elevators are also very hot inside, not a particularly comfortable feeling with the humid Bali weather that’s for sure and something I hope the management attend to for my future visits.

Our room was twin share with two delightfully comfortable floating queen beds, a massive desk with plenty of power points and Ethernet hardwire plus the hard to resist munchies box which has now grown significantly since my last stay!

The mini bar cabinet features a coffee plunger and kettle, all the essential glassware for a balcony beverage to watch the sunset and a metal ice bucket (filled on request). There is a nice selection of tea available however not so much in the coffee department for the coffee-lovers among us! While it’s easy to head down to the restaurant for your caffeine hit, I think every 5-star hotel should have a decent selection of coffees and teas with fresh milk available for free in their mini bars.

The Electrolux mini bar fridge had the essentials – but only just. Not a huge selection really for a high-end hotel – just a couple of soft drinks including Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite, one juice and some mixers – no champagne this time or white wine which was a shame. The minibar seemed a bit hit and miss to be honest, on the desk was a 1/2 bottle of Grey Goose vodka (FRA) a bottle of red wine (ITA) – and that was it.

The free bottled still water for Starwood Preferred guests was replenished daily (in the room and in the bathroom for brushing your teeth) and never had to be ordered – loads of water is always very welcome in the steamy Bali heat!

The awesome ‘open’ bathroom (retractable roof blind with remote – see pics below) was a big hit and the bathroom also features a full stone soak tub/bath (above ground) with double vanity, twin illuminated mirrors, rain/wall shower and a full kit of amenities from BLISS including a foaming face wash, bubbles and shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, hand cream, etc. all from their signature lemon and sage scented range which is quite nice, fresh and fun plus a little bottle of Listerine mouth wash.

Whatever/Whenever^® will help you replenish as much as you want during your stay, – (Its W hotels concierge!) here’s a snippet from the W Hotels website:

W Hotel’s signature service. Whatever you wish for, we’ll wave our magic wand. W’ legendary Whatever/Whenever^® service featuring a 24-hour concierge that grants your every wish is part and parcel of what makes the W Hotel the best hotel Seminyak has to offer.

A pair of tickets to the latest nightclub? Yours in the blink of an eye. That must have Miu Miu accessory? The secret shopper has it covered. Dine under the stars? Rest assured it will be an unforgettable experience!

Whatever you want, whenever you want. Your wish is our command, with our Whatever/Whenever^® service. Nothing is too big or too small, just make it legal!

Fees vary by service requested.

For more information please contact whotels.bali@whotels.com

Our room also had a large balcony with comfy chaise sofa and another single chair and table for those who like to have breakfast in their own room.

There was also a massive screen that closes the bathroom and main room areas for total privacy.

Night lights feature softly throughout the room (hidden at low-level), which is a nice touch (well, my mum raved about them!) that is activated by your bedside (with the reading lights and a master switch for the room).

The Bose DVD lifestyle system with full DVD library on hand & Whatever/Whenever® will provide you with the DVD’s of your choice from the catalogue provided in your room. This concept is a great idea – I think $15-$20 for an in-house movie is ridiculous at most hotels and it’s great to see the DVD’s are complimentary for in-house guests. DVD’s will arrive in approximately 10 minutes from when you order them, so you can chill out in your room after a big day by the pool.

There is a JBL alarm clock in the corner of the room if you prefer to set your own reminders and a long shaped sofa in the room with large coffee table – which was also very comfortable.

Both the blackout curtain and the day blind ensure a dark space when you’re ready to have a rest (that’s when the night lights come in handy).

The pool area at the W Bali is the stand out feature at this ‘open air’ modern property. The access points are limitless and there is plenty of deck lounges to choose from around the pool area. They also have cabana’s with luxurious cushions, plenty of shady umbrellas and double canopy hooded loungers for your poolside enjoyment.

As you are right on the beach at W Bali and it’s an easy walking distance from Potato Head and Ku de ta, there are lots of non-resort guests coming in from the beach entrance trying to use the pool facilities! These people are quickly ushered away by unsuspecting security – yet it happens all day long!

As soon as you find a lounger or chair to your liking, the pool butlers are quick to get you set up with towels, cushions, menus, water, sunscreen etc. and are dedicated to meeting all your needs while you’re poolside. We liked the lip pillows, which were a bit of fun!

The Woobar is the beach bar near the pool and had the best lantern-lit beer garden beside the beach, it’s a perfect spot for sun downers and expertly crafted mixes & drinks plus live DJ’s. Food is also available here and throughout the wet areas of the hotel. It’s always happening at the Woobar. The bar regularly holds DJ nights with all the latest lounge tracks and a themed menu if you prefer to eat there.

Go in inside and check out the fan above the bar – it’s massive and quite unique – intriguing layout for this bar, amazing triple layered decks with an observation ‘hole’ exposing all levels through to the rooftop terrace. (new)

Breakfast (held between 07:00 and 10:30) was included in our rate which was served at either Fire Restaurant (accessed via the lounge) or Starfish Bloo, which is beach side and a more resort style venue with ocean views. Both venues had buffet stations with a big focus on local individual dishes, international cuisine, donuts, croissants, muffins, pastries etc. – all the breakfast favourites!

image courtesy of W Bali – Seminyak

Sunday brunch at starfish bloo – highly rated

A la Carte breakfast dishes were available from both venues with a huge selection and at no additional cost – so you can order ten courses of brekky if you so wish! Think blueberry or strawberry pancakes with real maple syrup and fresh cream, waffles with caramel and banana, eggs Benedict, Florentine & salmon.

Here is the list for you..

Breakfast Menu

New and Old Cravings
Classic Egg Benedict
Smoked country ham, English muffin, poached egg, hollandaise
Smoked Salmon Benedict
Smoked tassie salmon, English muffin, chive hollandaise, tobiko
Warm Poached Asparagus & Poached Egg
Bedugul farms asparagus, shaved parmesan, hollandaise
Poached Prawn & Mascarpone Scrambled Egg
Butter poached prawn, chives, mascarpone, organic eggs
House Buttermilk Pancakes
Stewed berries, maple syrup, whipped cream
Cinnamon Brioche French Toast
Stewed berries, maple syrup, whipped cream
Seared Foie Gras
Caramelized onion, sunny side up, natural jus, mini croissant
Grilled New York Steak & Eggs
Grilled beef steak, almond romesco, eggs as you prefer
Bibimbap
A traditional Korean rice dish with vegetables, sunny egg kimchi, beef & chilli paste

Healthy & Vegetarian Alternatives
Organic Vegetable Egg White Omelet
local spinach, mushrooms, onions, asparagus, chives
Poached Prawn & Mascarpone Scrambled Egg White
Butter poached prawn, chives, mascarpone, organic eggs
Assorted Sashimi & Maki Rolls
Sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, wasabi, soy sauce, pickled ginger

House Made Honey Granola Parfait
Local berry compote, strawberry yoghurt, dried fruits
Mixed Asian Greens Salad
Green apple, soy-lime vinaigrette, jicama, crispy shallots
Seasonal Balinese Fruit Platter
Local tropical fruits, organic bedugul honey

On the Side
Toast-White or Wheat
Balinese Pork or Chicken Sausages
Roasted Organic Tomatoes
Two Organic Eggs-Any Style
Fragrant Jasmine Rice, Shallot-Garlic Oil
Basket of House made Pastries

Sip
Juice
Apple Papaya Orange Pineapple Mango Young Coconut Watermelon
Probiotic Smoothies
Banana, date,cinnamon,honey, yakult & ice; Mango, passion fruit, honey, yakult & ice; Papaya, tamarello, honey, yakult & ice Blueberries, strawberries, honey, yakult & ice

Coffee Selection
HOT Espresso Black Coffee Cappuccino Flat White Latte Hot Chocolate Machiato COLD Black Over Ice Coffee Frappe Iced Chocolate
Tea Selection
English Breakfast Berry Bliss Earl Grey Exotic Paradise Golden Chamomile Green Tea Peppermint Tea
Retox, Detox, Recovery
Berroca Booster
Served with fiji water

B-B-Bloody Mary
Tomato and vodka and everything nice; served a bit spicy
Vanilla Bellini
Crushed peaches, W-made vanilla vodka, lemon, sugarcane and fresh vanilla
Mint Lychee Royale
Crushed lychees & mint, with vodka and drowned in champagne
Louis Roederer Brut

We ate out most nights when we stayed here, as that’s what you come to Bali for – the amazing nosh available at a surprisingly low price – and the venues at the W Bali are more ‘sunlight’ themed/orientated.

Don’t get me wrong, Fire and Starfish Bloo are two consistently top-ranked restaurants on TripAdvisor and the vibe around the hotel in the evening is electric, we just usually explore other venues around the Seminyak area.

Amazing W villa host Imam whisked me away to show me around W’s luxurious villas – which are behind the property and secluded behind the scenes for privacy.

Imam with the honeymooners welcome amenity – chocolate truffles

They have a network of convenient golf buggies who drop off and pick up guests arriving and departing this hidden/secluded villa area (it even has its own private temple with offering available) which is located near the amazing 3 bedroom villas (which are massive and are located in their own section).

The villas are lovely. The lead-in or standard one bedroom villa has all the facilities and features the hotel rooms have, but are a step up and more luxurious – plus far more relaxed in colour their palate.

Be aware – if you’re the type of person who needs to be closer to the action & the main pool area – these villas may not be for you. They are more secluded and are serviced by buggies to and from the main reception area at W so if you want to be in the thick of it, you might want to stay in a hotel room rather than a villa.

I inspected a 1-bedroom villa, which was just being finalised for a honeymoon couple arriving at 4pm. The room presented like this!

The stunning bathroom is totally different to the garden & ocean escape rooms and the villa included a private pool area with loungers & cabana – very secluded and tranquil. (1-bedroom Wow Villa).

private pool area with loungers & cabana – very secluded and tranquil. (1 bedroom wow villa)

Improvements to the front area of the hotel (the beach entrance) would probably make a lot of guests happier. I would really like to see some clean white sand or grass here instead of the brown-grey sand. It’s just an eyesore for guests and easily fixed by management. We also noticed the furniture is always stained around this area and guests never seem to be using this section – maybe it’s because they don’t like the sand!

The beach area in front of the W Bali is quite wild. There is always a strong current and you swim at your own risk. Beware of the strong rip that tends to present itself in front of the property at times for less than strong swimmers; it’s probably a safer idea to stay in the pool!

Staff at the property are all 5 star! Most of them know us by first and last name and welcomed us with smiles and advice every day of our stay and liked to joke around with you and ‘have a chat’ whenever they could. A big mention must go out to the welcome team and the lounge steward Melah who has been at the property since early days – a genuinely sincere and funny person who remembers us each and every visit!

We didn’t see Craig from the executive offices this time around, but will definitely catch up next time mate! You have crafted an exceptional team and maintained this property and its facilities to a very high standard! Kudo’s mate!

W Bali – Seminyak is a polished and on-trend lifestyle hotel which oozes excitement, luxury, opulence and fun in every way. It really is a delight for the senses. The level of service I receive at this property always amazes me and most of the little creases that were evident last stay have been ironed out flat! W Bali is definitely a favourite hotel of mine.

A few extra quirky facts about the W Bali – Seminyak. The hotel has its own sound recording studio, W Sound Suite, with a sound engineer on hand to help you make a few tracks or explore the equipment with ease! After all, it’s all about lifestyle! The hotel teams up with acclaimed international DJ’s to create the sounds you hear throughout the property, which is also available for via purchase in Symmetry – see below. It’s getting a bit old now (about 7 years) – but the music remixes always bring back memories.

I’ll be back – next time I would love to review the more secluded villas for all the solo’s, couples, families and honeymooners wanting more seclusion and intimacy. Keep tuned and enjoy the pics!

Overall, I rate the W Bali – Seminyak a total of 5.5 out of 6 possible stars

September 3, 2018September 3, 2018 by JAMIEJET

The Oberoi Bali Indonesia – Lanai Garden Room

The Oberoi in Seminyak

with an unbeatable position – literally right on seminyak beach and ‘in the hub’ of great restaurants, shopping, bars, clubs, spa’s, beach clubs etc. this 15-hectare property takes you back in time, in the most unforgettable way. Think traditional Balinese village with open air restaurant, lobby, café and sporting facilities with 75 lanai rooms and villas, clustered spaciously throughout the tropical gardens on the property.

The feeling you experience is quite like no other, it is just the most perfect ‘traditional’ Balinese property that we have ever experienced and it left us enchanted and totally relaxed after 5 nights of pure “Heaven amongst the hustle and bustle of Seminyak”

John Halpin, the resorts GM, has been at the resort for the past 7 years and he came from the Oberoi in Lombok after a helm of 10 years. His staff are extremely sincere, happy and humble and his presence is felt throughout the service areas and ‘heart’ of the property.

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is all about entering a world of Luxury and Leisure. Having recently been awarded “world’s best hotel brand” by the readers of Travel + Leisure, USA in the 2015 and 2016 World’s Best Awards.

The Oberoi Seminyak is a lush beachside haven that offers a complete Balinese experience, filled with serenity, hospitality and tropical beauty.

This is a place where you can relax in truly fabulous settings that celebrate your privacy with charming thatched roof villas and lanais which feature private swimming pools, unique garden bathrooms and exquisite interiors with traditional Balinese art.

The pool area

and the outdoor bar

The property only features one restaurant (Kura Kura), one café for breakfast and lunch (a la carte) (frangipani café) and one bar. So you don’t need to think too hard about your choices here!

The frangipani café is just set back from the beach and is located beside the swimming pool. Every morning we enjoyed breakfast and juices here. Its truly a tropical café with everything you could imagine on the menu – from bacon and eggs to benedict or Florentine, gourmet sausages, waffles, pancakes, pastries, omelettes, fresh fruit and preserves, French butter, cold pressed juices, mocktails – you name it and they probably had it! Service around this café is unbeatable. They are familiar with you and what you like to order, which is exactly what I like. Recognition is so important to me on holidays, after all, the less I have to think at breakfast the better!

All newspapers and reading materials available for everyone – even the Australian and The Age.

Oh… The coffee is fab. They make it just the way you want – extra HOT flat white with an extra shot Miss Karen? Would you like that in a mug or cup today? (my mother) Yes thank you – just a cup please Miss Tarni (always happy and smiling).

Was that all for today Jamie? Arrrrr maybe I can fit some pancakes, banana’s and maple syrup in! – that was my attitude every day I went for breakfast!! Solid.

Most days we would just graze at breakfast and soak it all in, then casually stroll to the pool area which is grassed and has padded sun loungers with 2 towels per person and your own wooden box to put your belongings in. If you order pool side dining, they set up a little table in front of you and have everything set up as if you were at a table. Need the attention of a food and beverage butler? Just wave your white flag and voila! At your service Mr Mansfield.

The rooms are spacious with everything that you need. The mini bar was stocked with plenty of choices from nuts and chips, to chocolate bars and candy. The ice bucket was filled daily (I love that) and the mini bar replenished every second day.

The bed was super comfortable and the linen was dreamy. They have a pillow menu here, so you can choose your favourite from concierge.

Room service is available 24/7 here at The Oberoi Bali Seminyak – With a wide range of choices available on the menu, which is located in the hotel services directory.

Just outside the property you have everything you need on just about every corner and more. Seminyak square always has some decent markets during the day and there is a good grocer and liquor store here also. Upstairs from the markets houses a bar where we watched the preliminary finals for the AFL where the eagles got thrashed. Had a few beaut icy cold bintangs here, they were literally nearly frozen – something our family requires (my mums mother Fay loves a cold beer and it runs in the family – it must be super cold or else! lol).

The incredible Kura Kura Restaurant (Tortoise)

The dimly lit candles and open-air ambiance of Kura Kura really hits you upon entering this open-air restaurant located just off reception and before frangipani café.
The wait staff explain the menu to you and the origins of the restaurant with a little history about the chef and the famous people they have served and their recommendations.

We placed our orders with the waitstaff who were very helpful and intuitive. The service was impeccable, flawless. Such caring and thoughtful happy staff members! We were gobsmacked by this level of service we received.

First, the bread was offered and you were given 3 choices which were just baked served with lavosh crisp bread, extra virgin oil and balsamic.

We both ordered a glass of the Italian red blend which was superb! And the usual Pellegrino bubbles and coke (for me!)

We then put our eye to the food. I chose “Pickled Beetroot Carpaccio crumbled chévre “Anny Buche”, mixed organic garden greens, raspberry vinaigrette with fresh cow’s milk burrata” for my entrée while mum chose the “The True Taste of Iberico the very best Spanish ham “de Beher” and chorizo of acorn fed black pork, cured for 36 months, grilled sourdough, Brittany butter with fleur de sel”.

Then for mains mum chose her favourite “Spaghetti Con Gamberi – house made angel hair pasta with white prawns from Papua New Guinea, preserved lemon, kemangi basil, chardonnay beurre blanc, black garlic, & cherry tomatoes” and I had the usual “Premium Black Angus Rib Eye from Nebraska for 1 (300 g) “burned” cherry tomato ragout with tarragon and edamame, crushed baked potato with cucumber and bacon, crispy onions, béarnaise jus w frites” thank you very much!

A HISTORY OF THE OBEROI, BALI – courtesy of Oberoi Hotels.

Bali has long attracted people of style and charm, from Dewi Sukarno, Margaret Mead and Mick Jagger, and various other celebrities, kings, queens, princes and princesses. Originally built in 1972 as an exclusive private club named “Kayu Aya”, on the site of an ancient village, it was a multi-million-dollar cluster of villas for the world’s wealthy and famous. A team of Balinese skilled craftsmen and artisans laboured for more than two years to combine the comforts of the West with the mystique of the East. Distinguished Australian architect, Peter Muller oversaw the initial building of The Kaya Aya Club and later the restoration and expansion of the hotel that would become The Bali Oberoi. The job would include upgrades overseen by Muller for the next 30 years. As Muller tells it; “It was an magnificent piece of land, so first I designed a house, and while I was designing it the first owners asked if I could add five guest villas for their friends — Princess Grace, Salvador Dali, people like that.” Muller and his wife Carole remained in Bali and built a prototype guest villa on the land using only Balinese materials and technology. Four more were built straightaway. Finally, it was decided that a mix of villas and guestrooms would be appropriate. Very quickly it grew to 63 rooms, including 14 villas and a Presidential Villa and went from being a private residence to The Kayu Aya Club.” Kayu Aya was short lived as the money dried up and land ownership came into question. The 1974 half abandoned Kayu Aya hosted full-moon parties in the beautiful seaside gardens, with musicians jamming under half-finished pavilions and stunningly beautiful people from all over the world dancing in the moonlight. The parties were said to only last a couple of seasons, but are still remembered as legendary. Meanwhile, Kayu Aya’s investors, fought a court case in the Jakarta courts for almost three years, finally winning in 1977, and, as a foreign-owned entity, they were obliged to immediately put the property up for auction. In February 1978, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts entered into a Management Agreement with P.T. Widja Putra Karya to operate “Hotel Bali Oberoi” as it was initially known. The property was closed for 6 months for upgrades and renovations bringing the facilities up to the standards of a luxury resort. On 5th August 1978, Hotel Bali Oberoi opened for business with 63 rooms (14 villas, one Presidential villa with swimming pool and 48 lanai rooms), one Restaurant and one Bar. The resort was welcomed as Bali’s first exclusive beach resort under the personal guidance of The Oberoi Group’s founding Chairman, late Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi. In 1980, the second upgrading of the hotel was undertaken with the addition of Lanai rooms to bring the total to 74. A Spa and a Tennis Court were also added. Between 1988 and 1999, the third and most ambitious multimillion dollar upgrading of the hotel was launched. All villas, lanais and public area cottages were rebuilt, existing plant and machinery facilities upgraded and a new spa with fully equipped fitness centre were introduced. The Boutique and the Gallery also opened as additional facility for guests offering unique handcrafted jewellery, objects d’art and handicrafts. The Oberoi, Bali today offers every convenience required of an exclusive resort whilst bowing to the rich history, architecture and style the resort holds as it was initially known.

Quite intriguing literally.

Thanks for the stay TOBI, I will be back one day – soon I hope!

I rate this property a total of 5.8 out of a maximum 6 stars.

October 18, 2017October 29, 2017 by JAMIEJET

Crown Towers Perth – Premier Twin with Crystal Club Access | 6 star

After much anticipation, 3 years and $645 million dollars worth of construction, the Crown Towers in Perth has opened its doors. Expect the very best Perth has to offer with a massive extravagant pool area, an opulent spa and large well appointed spacious rooms, prepare to be wowed.

Being a massive investment and the ‘jewel’ of the crown portfolio, The 500 rooms are spread across 23 storeys. The two-level porte-cochère that channels guests into separate pick-up and drop-off points works extremely well and the integration with the existing casino floor is seamless.

Even the entry-level guestrooms (premier rooms) are a spacious 47 square metres, with floor to ceiling windows and rich furnishings.

The amazing pool and cabana area with the swan river in the backdrop

We were given access to the amazing Crystal Club located on the 23rd floor of the towers which included breakfast each morning, snacks throughout the day and a light dinner (canapés) with a selection of juices, sodas, coffees, teas & alcoholic beverages. (spirits, beers, wines and aperitifs) This is also where you access the Salons. More to come on the salons in my next review of crown towers.

Bravo to the brilliant staff at the crystal club lounge

Crown Towers is definitely in the same class as St. Regis, Ritz Carlton & Park Hyatt, with its own sense of opulence & style. All staff are genuinely friendly and over-the-top helpful, and spend the time talking and getting to know you, thank you very much Karen, for taking the time to entertain my Grandma Fay . (Karen was the wonderful host in the crystal club who truly went out of her way to make sure our stay was amazing)

The food service around the pool however needs to be looked at. They only had a limited choice on the menu (a few things where not available) and it was particularly hard to get the servers attention. Basics like serviettes, cutlery and plates where not given to us – only after numerous requests (and we were given 1 plate which was dirty and 2 serviettes?) The service was aloof. They had not prepared sufficiently for the masses of people coming down to the pool area for lunch.

Room service was much better. With a fantastic selection of modern cuisine, everyone is well catered for. The food arrived when specified (20 mins) and was delicious & steaming hot. Nailed it.

Being part of a casino group, they have a smoking area in the main foyer leading to the lobby (outdoor) overlooking the Metropol’s pool area.

If you have kids, they are well catered for. Not only are they allowed throughout the wet areas of the Towers, they also have a direct link to the water slides and full wet areas located next door at the Crown Metropol. Big bonus. Hours of fun and entertainment to keep them occupied, giving parents some respite.

Parking was a bit of an issue. If you want to arrive at the front door and not carry your bags from the free carpark, they are going to slog you $50 per day for valet parking which is the only other option. I thought that was bit hard to take considering I didn’t really feel like carting all the luggage from the carpark to the lobby.

We dined at epicurean which was definitely a delight for the senses. With a huge selection of deli inspired sections, the food was plentiful and very well presented. Seafood selection was excellent with prawns, crabs and scallops with a variety of sauces and condiments.

Massive meat selection of different style briskets, pastramis, sirloins and bone in cuts for the avid meat consumer.

The desserts where definitely a stand out with everything individual, from creme brûlée tartlets, lemon meringues, fruit tarts, a chocolate fountain with many different dip ins to choose from and so much more…

The beauty about staying at the Crown is that you have a plethora of venue’s to choose from for meals and drinks. There really is something for everyone. Rockpool, Nobu, Silks, Modo Mio, Bistro Guillame, The Atrium (the house buffet), Epicurean, Carvers, Junction Grill, Market & Co., The Merrywell, Poolside Bar & Grill and 88 noodle bar. Fast food is also available – Mcdonalds, Subway, Cotta Cafe, Snax & Wok In a Box.

The Waiting Room in the lobby is a fine and sophisticated place, for those who like a pre dinner drink or if you are ‘waiting’ for your guests to arrive, then this is the place to be! Great selection of cocktails and mixes with a tapas style food menu.

the bottom line

My stay at Crown Towers was absolutely superb! It lived up to all my expectations and more.

My rating for Crown Towers Perth is 5.8 stars out of a possible 6 stars.

Villa Bedroom will be reviewed next stay

August 1, 2017October 4, 2017 by JAMIEJET

Anantara Resort Seminyak | 5 star self rated

After considerable and lengthy thoughts of traveling back to the W Hotel in Seminyak or the St Regis Hotel in Nusa Dua, I chose to stay somewhere more traditional and use the hotels loyalty program (discovery) to see where they stacked up against Starwood, Hyatt & Co.

**Natalie and Jake Leahy tying the knot at the Bali Niksoma! Happy Days..**

My brother Kane and I stayed at the Anantara Hotel in Seminyak to attend our sisters wedding at the Bali Niksoma. (which was 5 minutes away in Legian)

The food at the wedding was delicious. The whole wedding went off without a hitch and was a huge success for my gorgeous sister Natalie and her awesome husband Jake. This was also the first time I was to meet my nephew Tyler, who is such a happy & placid little man! So much going on for the little one.

The Bali Niksoma is a very good choice for a wedding and reception, their grounds and location is perfect. The set up was spectacular. Kudos to Bali Niksoma.

The Anantara in Seminyak is a lovely getaway and retreat as such and is more suited to couples and newlyweds, not so much for twin share. The grounds are lush and there are water ponds throughout the lobby and it creates a very calming and tranquil feel as you enter the property.

About the suite..

It was a good size being 80m² and the floors consisted of wooden panels and marble with a rug in the sitting area which had 2 comfortable single wicker loungers.

The king bed was ‘floating’ on marble and was fitted with all white luxury soft sheets, cushions, pillows & quilt. The bed was top of the line and medium to plush, which is one of the most important things to me as a traveller – If I don’t get my sleep, I’m not a happy camper! The bed was super comfortable. The linens and duvet where heavenly.

We paid $USD45++ per/night for a single ensemble (large roll-away) which was set up in the lounge section with linen/duvet or you may prefer the hollywood twin (pictured above) or have the lounge set up as a bed at no additional cost.

The bathroom was huge and took up nearly a third of the total room space! However there is not one inch of privacy, no blind or privacy screen between the room and the bathroom (just a clear sliding window) and no door to the bathroom, just a large marbled entrance. Again suited and geared towards couples!

Bathroom included a large sunken marble bath with upgraded ammenities, ginger soap, bath salts, bubble bath and a massive hard cover book to read (all perched upon a wooden tray inserted over the bath)

The walk in massive shower featured a large rain system and normal extendable arm on the wall. Water pressure was fine and the water was a good temperature. Toilet was inside the bathroom (separated by a glass door laminated from the middle down) and reading materials are supplied (lifestyle and hotel magazines) A second telephone was located in the toilet.

Minibar was satisfactory with soft drinks, beers, chocolates, a juice and sparkling waters which were all easily replaceable if you travelled just a 5 minute walk to the supermarket just down the road. (at a fraction of the cost) As most of you may know, I usually like to empty the mini bar out (place it in the cupboard and not use it) and stock my own items in the fridge, as this saves money and you can have all your favourite things at hand.

The rate was inclusive of a one hour massage per person. Kane lost track of time and said that I could use his massage for organising/booking the trip. (and it took many hours – let me tell you!)

My masseuse Anik was wonderful and managed to put me into a deep state of relaxation, after melting away the knots in my neck, shoulders and back. I found the position of the spa to be relaxing. Your perched above the trees and its such a nice view. Quality essential oils and Elemis products (consistently rated at the top) are used in store and throughout the massage/treatments.

Housekeeping and room service where excellent. The room was always cleaned immaculately and replenished in such a quick time, usually while we where at breakfast. (3 people cleaned at once!)

The room service food was delicious, always arrived when stated (usually 15 – 30 minutes) and steaming hot. (tray was also collected immediately after It was placed out the front of the door – Jedi like)

I always received a follow-up call from room service to ensure that the food was to my liking and if there was anything else I required – excellent.

My privilege rate also included full buffet breakfast daily in the moonlite restaurant located on the 4th floor – with glorious views of seminyak surf beach. The crew at breakfast where awesome – they could not do enough for you! Always greeted Kane and myself by first name. Cold pressed juices where my definite go to in the morning, my ritual being the Popeye (spinach, pineapple & coconut water) and the ABC (apple, beetroot and carrot). Was the best start to a great day. Oh did I mention, as much coffee as you like here also – made to order from the barista.

The breakfast was served as a continental buffet with all the usual suspects (breads, pastries, cereals, fruit, yoghurts, croissants, cold meat cuts and cheeses, nuts, salads, Balinese cakes etc.) The best part of the package in my opinion was the ability to order off the breakfast menu. (a la carte – cooked to order) You could order anything on the menu and as much as you wanted! Just the way I like it.

The reception needs to step up its game a bit in my opinion. Upon check in, I have a habit of confirming the inclusions in my booked package (anantara.com) One being my foam pillow request and the room location (quieter spot). They confirmed the pillow and location, which was great. I then asked about the credit I was to receive according to their website and confirmation, and this was to be later adjusted at check out. (which I later found out was not included)

They kept asking for deposit off the credit card for security? I was just puzzled as to why they couldn’t just do a pre-authorisation and block the money off the card – maybe things have changed in Indonesia?

Anyhow, when I checked my account the night before departure, it hadn’t changed at all! Getting frustrated by this stage, I was then told that the inclusions where only included if you booked the ocean suite? Again, I pointed to my confirmation which confirmed my flash sale 30% credit, and I had budgeted according to this. I was not prepared to argue over this at reception, but did mention to them we have had a misunderstanding and that these problems need to be ironed out.

So, overall..

For over $USD300nett ++ per night, we were happy with our choice in Seminyak. Hopefully the reception will start to deliver on their promises instead of nodding their heads in approval, when maybe they did not understand correctly? Hotels need to train their reception staff to be completely aware of package inclusions and conditions. Hotel guests need to be advised the correct details upon check in, to avoid any nasty surprises when checking out. (one of my pet hates)

No special recognition was provided for being a privilege member with Minor Hotels, even though I was told that reception would be going through this with me on arrival, but unfortunately this didn’t happen.

Would I return to this hotel? Yes. My overall rating of this hotel is in the higher bracket simply because it ticked the majority of the boxes. One or two problems with the reception is not going to break the deal for me.

PS. Use the stairs at this hotel, as the lift is very slow and it stops on every floor. (where staff are trying to get in with trolleys!)

My rating of this hotel is 4.5 stars out of a maximum 6

I would also like to visit the Anantara Ubud property, where I’ve heard many great reports. May just have to include that in my next trip to Bali, but its back to the W Hotel when next I’m visiting Seminyak.

**seclusion of room 101 (pool access suite) – bottom left corner**

June 27, 2017August 1, 2017 by JAMIEJET

Breakfast Menu

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: