Grand Barong Resort

I booked one night at Grand Barong Resort, but within minutes of entering the room I could tell it wasn’t acceptable. It was dirty, uncomfortable, and extremely noisy, and I didn’t feel I could stay there. I went straight back to reception to explain and ask to cancel, since I had only just checked in and hadn’t used the room. Isma was dismissive, and the hotel refused to refund me. They offered another room, but after seeing the state of the first one and experiencing how noisy the property was, I wasn’t comfortable taking it. The staff were rude and dismissive, and management was worse. If you arrive and find the room unacceptable, be aware the hotel may refuse to help or refund you even if you raise it immediately. I wouldn’t stay here again.

We spent 10 nights in a family suite and would come back. The location was great, the rooms were clean and tidy, and the shower was absolutely awesome, with good pressure and temperature. Pool towels were supplied, and the pool with its swim-up bar was excellent. Breakfast was included, which was a good way to start the day, with a choice of food. Everything we tried was so yummy, from the front restaurant to room service. The staff were happy and helpful. Thanks for your hospitality, Grand Barong.

Good value for money, with clean rooms, polished amnesties, prompt and helpful room service, and a pretty good breakfast selection. The location is very convenient: Beachwalk Mall is less than five minutes away on foot, Kuta beach is around ten minutes, and the party street is about five minutes. Just keep in mind that traffic can get pretty bad during and after sunset if you aren’t riding a bike.

After 28 years of staying here, it’s a shame to end my time in Bali this way. The security guards who’ve been here for 28 years deserve credit, and people along this street know me. But I won’t stay again. Yesterday, the bell was going for six hours from 7am, faaaarrrk that. Then this morning I asked a Royal Jacks staff bartender when they opened and was told 9am. It was the ashes series, so I waited in the hotel lobby for a delayed start. The bar didn’t open until 9:15. When I asked to watch cricket with the volume on, I was told to be quiet because it wasn’t open. The bar attendant was shocked that the manager lady didn’t know, and the attendant had been getting tips daily for amazing service and wanting to please customers. I went 100m up the road instead, where the match was on loud and clear, just how every Aussie and Pom would want it. Nine hours later I came back to watch BBL and sat at a table by myself. Some random guy joined me, and suddenly his drinks were on my bar tab. He was someone I’d never met, though he was a guest staying in house whom I’d met earlier. I told staff I didn’t know him, but they said we had the same bar tab and told me to work it out at the end. Clearly I was left with a double bill because of staffing errors. I stayed loyal and paid the TAB, but I’m not happy. After 28 years, reception told me it was different businesses, even though it isn’t, and couldn’t deal with it, saying to come back tomorrow. The owner might be in Perth enjoying dry season, but nobody should have to deal with this when reception can’t sort it out. And pancakes on a breakfast buffet should be in a Bain Marie. No one wants cold pancakes.