Gili Sands Hotel & Bar

My husband and I stayed one night, but loud party music from the beach club outside kept going until 3 AM. The walls were literally shaking, and we couldn’t sleep. The booking.com listing says there might be noise, but there will be noise. We checked out the next day instead of staying the four nights we had left. Staff told us the rest would be refunded. Two weeks later we still hadn’t received the money, despite contacting them several times. Now they’re talking about a fine or fees, but the refund still hasn’t arrived. We feel scammed and don’t trust the hotel or its staff. The island is beautiful, so please do yourself a favor and book somewhere better. Stay away.

The location is central and good, but the service was appalling. Booking.com said evening entertainment was offered. When we showed up for the live music, they handed us a menu. After spending so much on the hotel and on food there earlier that day, a horrible man, whose photo I’ve attached, made a fuss when we said we probably wouldn’t order drinks. I have a stomach ulcer and was in pain if I ate or drank. He raised his voice and said the entertainment was only for paying customers. We explained we were staying at the hotel and the listing said we could attend, but he began kicking us out. At check-in, the man at reception had told us everything under the Gili Sands name, including tables, beach seating, and the entertainment area, was included and free during our stay. Our room was near the pool, and I could hear every word and footstep around it, even quiet conversations nearby. All night, about once an hour, people talking outside woke me up. I understand it’s a party island, and that wasn’t what bothered us. I just wish outside sounds weren’t so clear inside the room. Don’t stay here if you want a full hour of sleep at night.

The staff were nice, and at first we thought the room was nice too. Then night came. There was no sound insulation, and live music and a DJ played very late every night. We were booked for four nights but left after one. Even AirPods with music playing weren’t enough. Don’t stay here if you need sleep. They said we’d get a refund, but the money still hasn’t come.

The two-bedroom villa was roomy and having our own pool was lovely. We stayed four days, my first time here with my husband, and the price felt affordable. Gili Sands is right by the beach and close to the harbor, restaurants, and bike rentals. Room service was okay, though the bathroom and pool could have been cleaner. I’d recommend the villa for a few days on Gili Trawangan.