Melati Bali 2

We ended up leaving for another hotel because the room was so unpleasant. We stayed in room 9 as a couple, and the urine smell was really bad. When I raised it, staff said several rooms had a smell problem. The room was very small, with little space for luggage or moving around, and getting out of bed on the wall side was annoying. Lighting was poor and barely any daylight came in. The internet worked fine, and the location was great. The staff were kind and helpful, though sometimes communication in English was difficult. Given the 4.6 rating, we were surprised, as it didn’t match our experience. If you won’t spend much time in the room and don’t mind the smell, it might work for you.

The pool and garden were gorgeous, and I spent many afternoons reading or relaxing on the poolside beanbags and bench outside my room. Even with that peaceful, green setting, Melati Bali is right among Canggu’s restaurants, shops, and nightlife, with the beach about a 10-minute walk away. My spacious room was charmingly decorated, extremely clean, and cleaned daily. The bed and bedding were so comfortable that I slept well every night. Breakfast was brought to the outdoor sitting area each day. It was simple and tasty, with something different on most days. The shower was piping hot, and the Wi-Fi stayed strong and stable, so I could work from the room without trouble. The staff were wonderfully kind and helpful, and the hospitality was amazing. I was so glad I booked this calm little oasis. I’d absolutely stay again when I return to Canggu.

The bathroom floor was so badly sloped that water ran into the room. It was late and we were tired, so we slept with it there, and almost half was still on the floor in the morning. The shower head hadn’t been cleaned in a long time, with blocked holes and water pressure that kept coming and going. There was only one plug by the bed, so we had to choose between charging a phone and using the reading light. The wardrobe was missing the rail for hangers, and the poor receptionist tried three times to cut and fit a replacement stick. There was no fridge in the hot, humid weather either. On arrival late at night, we first had to walk along a very narrow 200m dirt path because cars couldn’t pass the hotel’s new construction, carrying heavy bags to reception. We were given a very small room, then changed it after I remembered we’d booked a room with a balcony, hauling the bags up and down. Later we learned the room I’d booked needed toilet water repairs that were leaking into the room, but they were still selling it online. Construction nearby woke us at 6am, with work 30m from our wall and three more sites next door, in front, and around the hotel. I know that isn’t the hotel’s fault, so I’m just letting future guests know what they may deal with. I asked to cancel my next two nights. The owner said the toilet water wasn’t a problem and no one had complained before. After an argument, they said they’d pay me if I came back in a month.

Melati 2 has a lovely traditional design and a tranquil feel, and the hardworking staff keep it looking nice. There was some street noise from Canggu tourists at night, but it was minimal. The pool was usable, though it needs more frequent cleaning, and the pool chairs were filthy and need washing. The rooms were clean, but the bathrooms need a much more thorough clean: corners by the floor and wall were moldy, the drains smelled like sewer, probably because there’s no P trap, and water from the open shower ran toward the toilet, leaving the room humid and messy. The dresser had no coat hangers, and another shelf would help. The kitchen is available, but it’s minimal, with a two-burner stove and few cooking tools. I’m concerned about hygiene at breakfast too. Dishes were washed with an old scrub brush and scouring pad, without hot water. Food service needs to meet a standard that keeps guests safe. Since there doesn’t seem to be a strict handwashing routine before food prep, they might consider food prep gloves. They’re doing their best, but the standards need a little work.