The Umari Bali

A very disappointing stay, and I wouldn’t recommend it. There was no room service, and we weren’t given basic things like glasses or plates. The manager was rude and charged us extra for basic amenities. Staff were extremely unprofessional: they cancelled our room, then said we had cancelled it, and charged us a cancellation fee after we’d already booked another room elsewhere. Construction started around 7 AM, with constant noise that made it impossible to rest. Poor management and very little service made the whole experience unpleasant.

The Umari is in a nice spot, about a 10-15 minute walk from central Ubud, and the bed was comfortable. But for the price, I think there are better places to stay. The room was only so-so for cleanliness, the shower head could use a clean, and the blanket was just a linen cover laid over the duvet, so I kept touching the duvet itself. There was also a musty smell mixed with washing powder that reminded me of stinky durian. Breakfast was tasty, but it’s from the bakery next door and only has three choices: bread with ham and eggs, bread with jam and butter, or another option. You can have it in your room, though the included-breakfast rate costs more than buying it at the bakery yourself. We only got one towel per person, no pool towels and none for the bathroom or entry. The pool wasn’t relaxing when we were there. One guy was groaning while working out, someone was doing yoga, and two women spent the day filming and posing together. Maybe that’s just the people you run into in Ubud, I don’t know. The Umari felt way too expensive, which might explain why it was one of the few places available at short notice.

For the price, this was more than I expected. The hotel was even nicer than the photos, with thoughtful design and a cozy feel. It’s right in Ubud but still quiet and peaceful. The staff were so friendly, and the pool and small room terrace were both lovely. Breakfast is served at the café next door, or brought to your room.

Everything felt peaceful and zen, and the pool area was quiet and really pretty. Our room was spacious and lovely, and the reception staff were extremely helpful with arranging things. It is quite far from many places you might want to visit, though walking didn’t bother me.