Gili Exotic Villas

For what we paid, Gili Exotic Villa wasn't worth it. The room had dust and cobwebs, peeling walls, and lots of ants. The toilet's bottom sealant was broken and leaking, there was no hot water, and the extra bed was just a mattress on the floor without a base. From the start, the receptionist or person in charge acted like a salesperson, pushing activities instead of dealing with room cleanliness. He rented us bikes, and I have never ridden one, so I scraped myself up. The location near the harbour, pubs, and restaurant was the only good thing.

Around 4am, there was a very loud voice from a nearby mosque. I don't know whether that's common at other hotels on the island. Otherwise, the staff service was just okay: one boy understood everything, while the other didn't seem to know what to do. Like the previous review, I think the mansion needs more money spent on renovating its rooms and facilities. I might come back if the rooms improve and the price stays the same. Otherwise, I won't.

A small, quiet hotel with just a few rooms, a lovely reception and dining room, and a very nice breakfast. I enjoyed lounging by the pool, and Aangga gave us a warm welcome. They even carried my suitcase to the boat. Lovely stay, and I can't wait to come back.

The map pin on Google is off. From the square in the middle, where the evening food stalls are, take the road immediately to the right and keep walking straight for about five minutes. The villas are on the left. We stayed in number 5, one of the two villas at the front with a private sitting area. Numbers 4 and 5 feel more secluded than the ones by the pool or reception. Inside, the villas are spacious, clean and attractive, with an open bathroom, TV and fridge. There’s a lovely pool for a dip, plus a lounge with a TV, books and a laptop you can use, and a kitchen. Breakfast is served there by the friendly staff: pancakes or toast, fruit salad, fresh juice, tea or coffee. Plenty to get you going. The beach, harbour and restaurants are nearby. The downside is the noise. A hostel backs onto the property, and from villas 4 and 5 we could hear a lot at night. The mosque is close too, so you hear the preaching during the day and get woken in the morning. There are also a couple of roosters that crow at odd hours. Bring earplugs, or look elsewhere if you want quiet. Apart from that, it’s a great place.