I’m a creature of habit when it comes to booking hotel accommodation. I like to stay with properties that I’ve had great experiences with. I crave familiar faces and consistent service. I like the feeling of knowing what I will be getting as I hate unpleasant surprises. And I would switchto a different hotel when the service starts to deteriorate, or the people whom I’m familiar with are no longer there – in other words, the hotel has turned cold.
Sleep / Indonesia / Bali
You’ve lost that loving feeling – Conrad Bali Indonesia

Conrad Bali Main Pool
This is why, despite the proliferation of newer villas and resorts in Bali, I’ve never thought of replacing Conrad for a new love. I’ve written many great reviews on Conrad Bali over the last seven years and each time, the reviews are better.

The infinity chapel
Bali in April is very humid. And it is not uncommon for your driver (from the hotel) to pass you a cool face towel and a bottle of water to freshen up. It’s almost like a standard practice for any luxury hotel airport transfers. When I was not offered a cool face towel and bottle of water, I knew something was amiss. Was the driver new or was the hotel trying to cut cost? I decided to give the hotel the benefit of doubt especially when I knew that the hotel was fully booked over the Easter weekend.

Conrad Bali Suite Private Pool
But my friend and I were taken aback when the driver almost dropped us off at the main lobby when we were booked under the Conrad Suites, which is located at the extreme end of the property and has a separate entrance. The driver was shocked when I directed him to the suite entrance. And to my dismay, there was no one to receive us. From our past experiences with Conrad Bali that upon arrival at the airport, the driver would have informed the staff at the suite lounge, and someone should be at the suite entrance to receive and check us into the resort. Why make your suite guests check in at the main lobby only to make them walk a long distance to the suites?

Conrad Bali Suite (Living room)
Anyway, as the hotel was fully booked, we were advised by the hotel staff to rest either at the suite lounge or the Jiwa Spa. Since it would be another two hours before we could check in, I thought I might as well use the spa facilities. During my previous trips, I enjoyed using the spa facilities such as the hot whirlpool, cold pool, steam room and sauna. Unfortunately, this time, the hot whirlpool and cold pool were out of order for the whole four days when we were there!

Conrad Bali Suite (Bedroom)
Conrad Suites does not allow children below 12 years old to use the private suite pool and lounge. Unfortunately, I noticed that the staff was inconsistent in enforcing the rule. Some guests’ children were allowed to use the private pool and lounge, and some were refused entry. The worst part was that the kids who were using the facilities did not behave themselves.

The beautiful bale oversee the beach
Frankly, the hardware was the same. I still like the huge suite, the comfy beds, the lush greenery and some attentive staff (only because a couple of them remembered us – Thank you Harin & Eka at Suite Lounge and Eka at Eight Degrees South). The hotel is using Aromatherapy Associates toiletries now, which is an improvement.

Conrad Bali Club Lounge
Although the fixtures and room were still well maintained, I felt that the service was no longer warm and not as exclusive as before. I didn’t like that suite guests were given standard service. The luxurious accommodation plays a part, but the treatment to suite guests should be one notch higher than the rest. I’m not sure if I would go back again. But one thing for sure, I will start exploring the other newer properties.
Complimentary Services for Suite Guests
- Complimentary Internet access in room and lounge
- Complimentary access to Conrad Suites Lounge from 6am to 11pm
- Complimentary tea and snacks from 3pm to 5pm at Kirin restaurant
- Complimentary Cocktails from 5pm to 7pm at lounge
- Complimentary laundry service
Conrad Bali
Jalan Pratama 168 Tanjung Benoa, Bali, 80363, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 778788
www.conradbali.com