Selini on the Hill Villas & Spa

The location is awkward: it's far from the main road and you can't drive right up, so I wouldn't suggest it if you're carrying lots of luggage or traveling with kids. The room's decorations took up too much space, leaving barely any room for bags. The AC didn't work, there were no blinds for privacy, and the room got extremely hot during the day. The semi-outdoor bathroom wasn't great either, with spider webs everywhere and lots of lizards. One office boy was very helpful and carried our heavy luggage. I feel sorry for him. I hate leaving a bad review, but the hotel needs to improve cleanliness and fix the AC, since they can't change the location.

The view over the water and city is hard to beat, and I found the staff warm and helpful. They helped me arrange scooter rental, island day trips, and suggestions for dinner and breakfast. My bed was made every day, and there were little notes and thoughtful touches all around. Some English may be difficult to translate, but we're in a foreign country. Despite the harsh reviews, my stay was so pleasant, and I'd recommend the place. Ignore the overly mean reviews.

With temperatures around 90°F (33°C), the room was unbearably hot because the AC didn't work. There were no blinds or curtains, so people walking past could see inside. A huge boulder took up nearly a quarter of the room, leaving little space to sit or sort out luggage. Getting there was difficult too. You can't drive up to unload bags, and reaching reception meant walking up a long, steep ramp and climbing very steep, narrow stairs. There were more stairs to get to the room. This would be a poor fit for anyone with heavy bags or mobility concerns, or anyone who values comfort and privacy. The poor access, heat, and lack of basic amenities made for a frustrating stay. I wouldn't recommend it unless these problems are addressed.

The restaurant area wasn't really operating while we were there. Still, we loved the vibe, the comfortable room, and the stylish wood and beach decor. The balcony had chairs and a sofa, and the outdoor shower was nice. There's a wonderful view over Labuan Bajo harbor. A great spot to relax.