Balisani Padma Hotel - Legian, Bali, Indonesia - part II

Balisani Padma Hotel -
Legian, Bali, Indonesia - part II

The Balisani Padma Hotel is located in the middle of the Australian family package holiday scene Legian. A short 25-minute drive from the airport, the hotel would be a great option for a family with young kids. The location means you can start your holiday within and hour of arriving in Bali. The immediate area offers dining options on Jl. Padma (Stadium Cafe, Drops) and shopping on Jl. Double Six and Jl. Legian. The beach is only a 4-minute walk, via either Jl. Padma or Jl. Double Six.

Arriving at the Balisani Padma Hotel I first noticed the large kul kul (traditional Balinese drum) tower outside. This is next to the lobby steps that are marked by 2 Balinese umbrellas. The lobby itself is small and conjures up what one imagines a Balinese hotel of 20 years ago to be. The construction is fairly open and there is a heavy reliance on natural materials (palm tree poles, bamboo and alang alang) Decorations including Balinese wall carvings.

From the lobby a set of stairs led directly down to the central garden area and the swimming pool. There are 40 rooms and 16 of these are cottages, which come in 1 and 2 storey. The rooms and cottages are situated in close proximity with a garden running throughout the property. This is well kept and neat, though not lush. Throughout the property a combination of tile and natural roofing is used. The most attractive part of the hotel is the swimming pool that has been renovated within the last 12 months. The pool is super clean, spacious and has an operating pool-bar.

Inside the rooms the décor is quite plain with white tile floor and white walls and is very clean. The age of the hotel is shown once again by the bamboo furniture. Bathrooms all have a bathtub and hot water. Rooms comes with simple comfortable beds, AC, TV, fridge, telephone. Twin or double rooms available, in room or cottage.

The restaurant is located next to the pool and seats about 30.

Location:
The Balisani Padma Hotel is located on Jl. Padma Utara in Legian, which is in between the beach and Jl. Legian. From the airport it will take you about 25 minutes.

The location is off of the main street but is still fairly busy outside. A 2 minute walk to the west will take you to Jl. Double Six and all the shops and restaurants there. A 2-minute walk east will take you to Jl. Padma that is wall to wall restaurants. The beach is a 4-minute walk, Padma being a nice surfing break.

Kuta is a 3-minute taxi ride south and Seminyak is close by to the north.

Atmosphere:
The Balisani Padma Hotel is an older hotel built in Balinese style. Its not flashy and you can see the signs of age. The Balinese atmosphere is created first of all with the large kul-kul tower at the entrance, leading upstairs to lobby. Lobby / reception area décor includes carved couches and wall decorations. Extensive use has been made of natural materials in construction including, palm tree poles, bamboo and alang alang for the roof.

The staff are 90% Balinese and seem to enjoy conversing in their natural way.

The hotel is very compact, but the pool is spacious and new. The general overview I got was of a small older hotel that definitely is showing its age, but where the staff try hard to keep the place maintained and clean. Gardens are smart, though not lush and restaurant is very decent.

Luxury level:
The Balisani Padma Hotel is not a luxury hotel, its is a budget hotel. Rooms are decent, very clean and all have TV, AC, hot water and fridge. The hotel opened in 1991 and has not been renovated apart from the pool that looks very nice and has a functioning pool-bar. The hotel does have a restaurant and bar serving Indonesian and western food as well as room service.

What makes this hotel unique:
The Balisani Padma Hotel is unique because it offers an affordable option for families and couples with a decent standard of room, restaurant and pool. The location is great. Close to the airport, shopping and beach. One major thing this hotel has is its Balinese staff. Most have been here since the hotel opened and love to wander over and pass the time.

Staff Friendliness:
The staff at the Balisani Padma Hotel tends to be slightly older than the 17-year-olds you will find at some of the larger hotels, and they love to chat about family and friends. They really make the Balinese atmosphere here.

Why would you stay here:
I would stay at the Balisani Padma Hotel if I wanted a hotel that was within 30 minutes of the airport, that was a decent budget option and close to the shopping, nightlife and beach. It is not a new hotel or a flashy hotel but the location for families on a short trip is very good.

Why would you stay somewhere else:
I would stay somewhere else if I did not want to be in tourist central (Legian) or needed a more modern hotel with a higher degree of luxury.

How do the rooms feel:
The rooms feel like many of the other older Balinese style places from the outside. White brick exterior walls and carved door frame. Inside the rooms the white tile floors and white walls give a clean effect and contrast with the natural wood fittings such as bamboo cabinets and traditional Balinese paintings. Beds are neat and tidy, and each room has AC, TC, hot water and a fridge. The porch areas are small and usually have a simple wooden bench or 2 chairs.

Bathrooms are clean and some have a funky design. The cottages having a sliding door that separates the bedroom from the bathroom. All rooms have a simple bathtub.

Proximity to the action:
This hotel is located right in the middle of touristville as far as the Australian package tourist is concerned. Plenty of shopping, places to eat and nightlife opportunities close at hand on Jl. Padma to the east, or Jl. Double Six to the west.

Noise levels:
Jl Padma Utara does get some traffic during the day for sure but I think that will drop off during evening hours and noise should not be too much of a problem. However the hotel is compact and when all 40 rooms are occupied one cannot guarantee how much noise the other guests will make.

Photo Gallery:
Balisani Padma Hotel-Legian, Bali, Photo 1
Balisani Padma Hotel-Legian, Bali, Photo 2
Balisani Padma Hotel-Legian, Bali, Photo 3
Balisani Padma Hotel-Legian, Bali, Photo 4
Balisani Padma Hotel-Legian, Bali, Photo 5
Balisani Padma Hotel-Legian, Bali, Photo 6
Balisani Padma Hotel-Legian, Bali, Photo 7
Balisani Padma Hotel-Legian, Bali, Photo 8