Alila Ubud

I understand the critique of the hotel being that it's a bit away from the Ubud action... But honestly, I found that to be a strength. The location is absolutely stunning, and the hotel is only about 20 minutes from Ubud center on a motor bike. Exceptional service -- there was a mix up with an activity I had planned that day and I had to check out a bit later than planned. Staff were very accommodating... It's possible they just didn't quite need the room yet, but I appreciated their kindness and understanding nonetheless. Food at the restaurants was tasty, and I found the room to be very romantic. Will return here on my next trip! Read less

The hotel location is perfect. Nice and clean rooms, great pool, timely shuttle service to Ubud, variety of activities throughout the week, nice rotating breakfast menu, and super friendly and helpful staff. Only drawback is that the property is not really suitable for physically challenged/ elderly people due to the vast number of steps one has to climb up and down throughout the property. Other than that it's a great place to unwind and have a relaxing vacation. I would definitely stay here again. Read less

The Alila is a beautiful hotel, the pool area and the views are stunning however we did not like this hotel. As two young travellers, we found the Alila to be far too quiet, to the point we felt we could not speak whilst in the pool or sunbathing, which for us is not fun. This hotel is more for people who are looking to relax quietly and peacefully and it isn’t a hotel for a group of friends. It’s also so far out of Ubud and whilst the shuttle service is a lovely touch, the last shuttle back is at 5pm so no good for a return after an evening meal, which we had to have in Ubud town as a meal at the hotel is the most expensive we have found after travelling around Bali and Lombok. Way over priced as well as the spa which was equivalent to £70-£80 English pounds for a massage (you can get a massage in town for the equivalent of £5!) There are certain aspects of this hotel that I can see to be a 5 star but for me it certainly wasn’t. Read less

We stayed 6 nights at the Alila Ubud this past week. We were very happy with our stay, though it switched from Category 2 to 3 last month, and we booked before the change. So it felt like a great deal. We also used a friend's Hyatt Guest of Honor Certificate which gave us free breakfast with Globalist elite benefits. We had a room (119) that was standard, though we were told it's an upgrade. It was nice, everything in working condition, super clean, and spacious enough. Enjoyed sitting on the grassy patio area and listening to the birds in the morning. Was told that this hotel is 30 years old, originally built and run as the Chedi Hotel Ubud. Positives: F&B is excellent. Very good quality breakfast, every day had a different menu even in six mornings! Was told they do a 7-day rotation. You can order as much as you want from the menu, so it's unlimited but not a buffet. Really liked it. Great fresh fruits and juice station; decent pastries brought to all tables. Then you order the hot options (oatmeal, 2-3 western egg dishes, 2 local Indonesian options, and an Indonesian sweet option). Barista coffees brought to the table. Fairly quick service. Ate one dinner at the nicer restaurant, where they do breakfast. Did a Rijstaffel (look it up) and it did not disappoint. Lots of food. Did one dinner at the bar/restaurant next to the pool, good seafood burger etc. Infinity pool is very good. Heated (?) or at least warm for swimming. Nice chairs with towels and drinks brought to seats if you order. Very few kids. No kids club AFAIK (this is a positive to me!) Well located for various day trips (90 min to Virgin Beach on East Coast, 90 min to Banyumala Waterfall and some closer rice terraces, etc). 20 min to town. 4 shuttles per day, punctual, drop in center of Ubud. If you miss a shuttle, taxis seem to be a standard $10 each way. Didn't do Grab or Gojek but it's likely cheaper. Daily activity schedule rotates twice per week yoga, tai chi, or a rice field walking tour. Yoga had 12-16 people both days we did it. Nice class, by the pool. Bikes available to rent or take (free?) but main roads are too busy for me. Gym looks fine but we didn't use it. Quiet, friendly, serene place to stay in bustling Bali. Rooms super clean. Water is in glass bottles, replaced daily. Nightly turndown service also replaces towels and waters. Shower is outside and weather is warm so we liked it--but mostly (?) hidden from view, though upstairs entrance seemed visible from the shower. Happy Hour by the pool is 30% off on most drinks, I think. We went once. Nice tangerine clove margarita! Negatives: Location is far from town. Can't walk anywhere. But that's why it's serene and lovely and quiet! That's what I wanted from a week in Bali, not parties and traffic. But YMMV. Location means you need to either eat at hotel, which isn't crazy expensive but isn't cheap-- otherwise eat in town, and pay $10 each way for taxis back in evening. Rooms are not brand new, but we really didn't have any issues with maintenance. Room AC worked well, all outlets worked, etc. More activities (maybe an afternoon yoga/ rice paddy walk etc would be nice for those hanging out at the resort all day. Category 3 is still an ok deal when prices are north of $200 but unless you're Globalist you're then paying $20++pp for breakfast, that will add up quickly. Steps: Never been to a hotel like this, especially a high-end place. Kind of amazingly, there are hundreds and hundreds of steps, and no elevators. We were fine with it, but it's pretty amazing to see. We watched parents with strollers/prams have to pick up the stroller multiple times to get from front desk area to room, going up and down various steps. From pool, it's at least 50 steps up to go anywhere. No changing room for pool, nearest bathroom is shared with upstairs restaurant (so you either walk down 25 steps to use bathroom from breakfast room, OR you walk up 25 steps to use bathroom from the pool. Older people, those with mobility issues, etc-- I sadly would say to stay away. Monkeys: We saw a few monkeys here and there, and were warned by the staff not to leave doors open-- but actually we had no contact with them, nor did they come anywhere near the regular rooms. We did see them playing on the decks of some of the villas. Evidence of at least limited monkey presence in regular room areas (80% of the resort): Our neighbors (weirdly) left a banana sitting in front on their patio. It stayed there for 2 nights, no monkey came for it. Overall, we'd recommend it, Read less