Lembongan Garden Cottages

I’ve been to Bali a few times, and this is one of my favorite hostels. The room was good and the service was great. It’s not right by the beach or in the centre, but getting to most places is easy. Back at the hostel, you can enjoy a chilled-out break.

The beds were comfortable, and the staff were friendly, but I didn't find them very helpful. I’m not sure why this place gets such good reviews. The showers and toilets were dirty, and there was no soap in the bathrooms. The dorm bunks had no privacy curtains, despite what was stated. Breakfast was called free, but it was just dry toast with jam, no butter, and a small piece of fruit. I've stayed in much better hostels.

Dream Beach, Devil's Tear, and several restaurants are about a 10-minute walk behind the hotel. Head the other way and Mushroom Beach is also about 10 minutes away by shortcuts, with plenty of places to eat and fast boats to Bali with The Tanis. There aren't many streetlights, but my phone light was enough. We walked around every night for two weeks and never felt unsafe. The family who run Garden Cottages were among the friendliest, most helpful people we've met in two years of travel. After a 40-minute walk from the Yellow Bridge, we got a welcome drink and our room was ready for early check-in. The team is on site all day to arrange day tours, ferry tickets, or a motorbike hire. Our room was spacious and spotless, cleaned at least every two days and sometimes daily. It came with four towels, two for the pool, shower gel, shampoo, a fridge, and tea and coffee. There's a mosquito net, though we hardly saw any mosquitoes indoors. Breakfast had four or five delicious, freshly made choices. The pool was pristine, with a quiet, well-kept area and enough sunbeds. We extended three times and ended up staying for weeks. No surprise!

We arrived hours before we expected to, but after a delicious welcome juice they showed us straight to our room. The staff were so kind and the service was excellent. The rooms were beautiful, clean, and comfortable, and the garden really lives up to its name. Highly recommend.