Puri Rama Cottages

What a nightmare. The place was empty, but the receptionist, an older woman with black glasses, was rude and argued about everything. I’d booked a queen bed, yet she insisted on giving me a twin room. She also said the whole hotel was full, which was a lie since it was empty. Her attitude was horrible. I can accept old rooms and bedsheets when I know what I paid for, but why did talking to her leave me so angry? I came for a holiday, not a lesson. She’d be better off as a high school teacher than a hotel receptionist.

If you’re after a very cheap bed, the back section is what you’re paying for, so I don’t think it’s fair to expect luxury at that price. For a nicer room, stay in the main building at the front. Some rooms are older, but they’re being updated gradually and are lovely and clean. I’ve never had a safety concern, the staff are kind and helpful, the garden is kept in shape, and both pools stay clean. I keep coming back because it feels like my home away from home. This is a modest Balinese family hotel, not a place owned or backed by foreign investors. It’s made it through hard times, including the pandemic, when not every place in Bali was so fortunate. If you want four or five stars, pay for that level and don’t be surprised by a budget stay.

Everything was good. The only thing missing is a separate locker for each person in the triple-bed rooms.

It felt eerie because we didn’t see another guest the whole time, and I never saw anyone using the pool either. The place was filthy, especially our room, which looked as if it hadn’t been cleaned in years. There were cockroaches and spiders everywhere, and the beds had various bodily stains. I’d only consider booking if you’re on a tight budget, and even then, don’t expect much. (Also posted on hostelworld.)