Bali’s best hotels take on different personalities depending on the neighbourhood you choose.
If you’ve been to Bali more than once, you already know this: the island has range. One day you’re sipping a flat white in Canggu surrounded by digital nomads, and next you’re on a quiet clifftop in Uluwatu watching the sky melt into the ocean. Head inland and suddenly you’re in Ubud, wrapped in jungle greens and the smell of incense. So when people ask, “Where should I stay in Bali?” my real answer is, it depends on the kind of holiday you want. To help you plan the perfect Bali holiday, I’ve put together a friendly guide to the best hotels in Bali for each neighbourhood.
First… which Bali neighbourhood is best for you?
Seminyak – Stylish, central and full of great restaurants. Seminyak is perfect if you want the beach, boutiques and cocktails all within easy reach. Ideal for foodies, couples and friends who like a polished but still laid-back vibe.
Canggu – Buzzy and social with all the famous cafés, shops and beach clubs. Great for first-timers, digital nomads and anyone who loves a fun, modern, café-driven holiday.
Uluwatu – Clifftops, sunsets and hidden beaches. Uluwatu is for ocean lovers, surfers and couples who want dramatic scenery and a slower pace.
Ubud – Lush, green and cultural. Ubud is your spot for rice terraces, wellness retreats, temples and a calmer rhythm.
Sanur – Relaxed, breezy and easy. Great for families, older travellers or anyone who prefers calmer waters, a beachfront promenade and a quieter atmosphere.
Kuta / Legian – Lively, central and budget-friendly. Good for first-timers, groups or travellers who want everything within walking distance, beaches, shops, bars and markets.
Want the full breakdown? Take a look at our Bali neighbourhood guide.
Best Hotels in Seminyak
Seminyak is one of Bali’s most polished and lively areas. You’ve got sunset bars, little boutiques, great coffee, and some of Bali’s best restaurants all packed into one walkable (well… semi-walkable) neighbourhood. It’s perfect if you want a holiday that feels fun and effortless.
Here are my favourite stays when I want to be right in the heart of Seminyak:
For a Luxury Resort: The Legian Seminyak
For a Mid-Range Hotel: Desa Potato Head Bali
Best Budget Friendly Option: Horison Ultima Seminyak
Looking for more options? Check out our full Seminyak hotel guide here.
1. The Legian Seminyak
Beachfront elegance with a Michelin Key to prove it.
The Legian Seminyak is the place I recommend to people who find most modern hotels a bit too “trendy” and want something that feels timeless. It recently earned a Michelin Key, and you feel that the second you walk in. Everything is spacious, calm and beautifully put together, and honestly, the service is the kind that ruins other hotels for you. It’s a splurge (I know!), but if you’re celebrating a 30th or an anniversary and want to feel completely looked after, this is the one.
Best for: Couples or families celebrating something meaningful.
Address: Jl. Kayu Aya, Seminyak Beach
Price per night: Starting from IDR 11,000,000++
2. Desa Potato Head Bali
A beautiful balance of eco-friendly design and slow-living luxury.
Staying at Desa Potato Head Bali feels like being inside a very cool, very sustainable art piece. Think natural materials, recycled elements, and those earthy tones that make the whole space feel calm and grounded. If you’re into “slow living” but still want a world-class cocktail, this is the spot. I love how they do sustainability without sacrificing comfort, some suites even come with private rooftop jacuzzis and in-suite gardens, which feels almost unfair (in the best way!). Want to stay even closer to the beach? Book the eco-friendly studios.
Best for: Eco-minded travellers and groups of friends who want a stylish stay in Bali
Address: Jl. Petitenget No.51B
Price per night: Suites starting from IDR 4,800,000++
3. Horison Ultima Seminyak
Comfortable, affordable and right in the middle of Seminyak’s action.
Horison Ultima Seminyak is one of those rare finds in the heart of Seminyak. Affordable, but without feeling “bare minimum.” It’s simple, clean, and surprisingly spacious for the price point, which is why it’s the budget hotel I always recommend to friends who want to stay central but still save their rupiah for beach clubs and great meals.
The location is honestly the biggest win here. You’re minutes away from Seminyak’s cafés, shops, and the Double Six beach, making it easy to explore without constantly booking Gojek (motorcycle taxi).
Best for: Travellers who want a comfortable, budget-friendly hotel in a super convenient location.
Address: Jl. Arjuna, Seminyak
Price per night: Starting from IDR 600,000++
Best Hotels in Canggu
If you’re in Bali to party, Canggu is hands-down the place for you. It’s home to Bali’s buzziest beach clubs, late-night bars, and those chaotic-but-fun streets where everyone somehow ends up after sunset. I personally come to Canggu whenever I need a night out or just that social, slightly unhinged energy. As you have probably heard, Canggu is lively and a little messy, but honestly, that’s the whole charm!
Still, beyond the nightlife, Canggu is full of stunning stays with their own unique character. Here are my personal picks:
For a Luxury Resort: COMO Uma Canggu
For a Mid-Range Hotel: Shore Amora
Best Budget Friendly Option: FRii Bali Echo Beach
Or check out our full list of best hotels in Canggu to plan your perfect Bali getaway!
1. COMO Uma Canggu
Refined beachfront escape with wellness, surf and slow luxury at its core.
COMO Uma Canggu is the definition of modern luxury, with its clean, contemporary design and sweeping ocean views that make it very hard to ever leave (trust me, very hard). It’s the perfect hotel if you want sophistication but still having Canggu’s buzzing energy at your doorstep. You can go from a sunrise surf session to a nourishing COMO Shambhala breakfast, spend the afternoon lounging by the pool, then head out for cocktails at Batu Bolong – all within minutes.
If you’re celebrating something special, the three-bedroom COMO Penthouses take things even further. Think rooftop infinity pools and panoramic views that are pure holiday fantasy. Totally worth the splurge!
Best for: Luxe travellers who want ocean views and the very best part of Canggu.
Address: Echo Beach, Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan, Canggu
Price per night: Starting from IDR 4,150,000++
2. Shore Amora
Modern, beach-near living with a relaxed Canggu feel.
Just steps away from Pererenan Beach, Shore Amora is an urban lifestyle hotel with modern rooms and its very own little stretch of rice field. What I like about staying here is how easy everything feels. You wake up to soft light, wander down to the pool, then decide whether today is for the beach, a massage, or doing absolutely nothing. The rooms are bold, with dark architecture that looks incredible against the bright green rice paddies – modern, a little moody, and very “New Canggu.”
Best for: Solo travellers or friends on a relaxed surf-and-sun trip
Address: Jl. Pantai Pererenan, Pererenan
Price per night: Starting from IDR 1,500,000++
3. FRii Bali Echo Beach
Budget stay made for beach lovers and café hoppers.
Travelling in style doesn’t always have to be expensive, and FRii Bali Echo Beach proves exactly that. Located in one of the most convenient parts of Canggu, this budget-friendly hotel is a long-time favourite among surfers and café-hoppers. The rooms are simple, clean and bright, with just enough comfort to make your stay easy. The highlight is that you’re only a short walk away from Echo Beach, with great coffee spots nearby and all the fun along Batu Bolong (hello The Lawn beach club!).
Best for: : Solo travellers and budget-conscious surfers who want to stay close to the beach
Address: Jl. Munduk Catu No.32, Echo Beach, Canggu
Price per night: Starting from IDR 1,500,000++
Best Hotels in Uluwatu
We’ve now reached the Bukit, otherwise known as Uluwatu – Bali’s golden child for surf, sunsets and those dramatic cliffs you’ve definitely seen all over Instagram. Uluwatu is calmer than Canggu, more grown-up than Seminyak, and easily one of the most scenic corners of the island. But more than that, it’s also home to some of Bali’s best hotels, especially the ultra-luxurious ones. Here are the best places to stay in Uluwatu that are truly next level (quite literally!):
For a Luxury Resort: The Ungasan Clifftop Resort
For a Mid-Range Hotel: Dreamsea Surf Camp Uluwatu
Best Budget Friendly Option: The Warm Sun Bali
Want more awesome recs? Check out our list of best hotels in Uluwatu, handpicked by our editor who has lived in Bali for 15 years!
1. The Ungasan Clifftop Resort
Clifftop resort with butler service, beach club access and sunset views.
The Ungasan Clifftop Resort is where you go when you want the full Uluwatu experience with endless ocean, its own beach club, and spacious villas. Every villa sits right on the cliff, so you wake up to pure blue stretching out in front of you. The cable car that takes you straight down to Sundays Beach Club is definitely my favourite part about staying here. You go from your room to white sand and turquoise water in minutes! Think sunbeds, cocktails, toes in the sand, the whole thing. It’s honestly one of the best beach days in Bali, and having it right below your villa feels unreal every single time.
Best for: Families or groups wanting a private villa stay.
Address: Jl Pantai Selatan Gau, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma
Price per night: Starting from IDR 13,500,000++
Book The Ungasan Clifftop Resort
2. Dreamsea Surf Camp Uluwatu
Surf hotel facing the world-famous wave Padang Padang.
Wake up at Dreamsea Surf Camp Uluwatu and you’re already looking straight down at surfers paddling out – honestly, it doesn’t get more Uluwatu than that. This laid-back hotel sits right above the ocean, with boho-style furnishings and a relaxed, barefoot feel throughout. If you’re looking for something cosy, simple and budget-friendly, Dreamsea is the hotel I always recommend. And the sunset from here? You’ll understand exactly why it’s called Dreamsea.
Best for: Couple- and solo- travelling surfers looking to stay directly by the sea.
Address: Labuan Sait Beach, Pecatu, Uluwatu
Price per night: Starting from IDR 1,200,000++
Book Dreamsea Surf Camp Uluwatu
3. The Warm Sun Bali
A bright hideaway with dreamy white interiors and a lush little poolside.
Looking for budget hotels that are still Instagram-worthy? The Warm Sun Bingin is exactly where I’d point you. Dominated by all-white interiors, soft linens and woven rattan touches, it’s bright and so visually calming (but still incredibly cosy). The pool area is just as lovely, think a little turquoise pool, leafy tropical gardens and sunloungers that make it feel like a private little hideaway.
However, it is a bit off the beaten path. That means it’s quiet, but it also means you’re not exactly in the middle of Uluwatu’s hottest spots. For first-timers who want to be right in the action, the location might feel a little too tucked away. But if you don’t mind scootering around, this one’s a gem.
Best for: Budget travellers looking for a quiet, aesthetically pleasing stay in Uluwatu.
Address: Gg. Pirta, Pecatu
Price per night: Starting from IDR 810,000++
Best Hotels in Ubud
If you want to escape the party vibes of the south and experience the more traditional side of Bali, Ubud is where to go. It’s the spiritual heart of the island, the place people come to reset and recharge in nature for a little while. Beyond the temples and traditional villages, Ubud also happens to be where you’ll find most of Bali’s MICHELIN Key hotels, which honestly makes perfect sense. So if you want that world-class level of luxury, here are the ones I always recommend:
For a Luxury Resort: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
For a Mid-Range Hotel: Bisma Eight
Best Budget Friendly Option: Clan Living: The Founder
If Ubud’s calling your name, check out our full Ubud hotel guide for more recommendations.
1. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Ubud’s most exclusive sanctuary and Bali’s only Three MICHELIN Keys hotel.
Mandapa is where I send people when they ask for “the best of the best” in Ubud. It’s quiet, intimate and deeply luxurious. The villas sit between jungle and rice fields, each with a pool, a huge outdoor lounge area and that beautiful, slow Ubud energy. And don’t even get me started on the sunrise view right from the balcony, it’s absolutely worth the early wake-up call just to watch the mist lift off the trees. As expected from a Three MICHELIN Keys hotel, the service is world-class, but it doesn’t feel “stiff” or formal; it just feels like everyone is always one step ahead of what you need.
Best for: Couples and families looking for a riverside stay with fine dining and breathtaking views.
Address: Jl Kedewatan, Banjar Kedewatan, Ubud
Price per night: Starting from IDR 16,000,000++
Book Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
2. Bisma Eight
A MICHELIN Key jungle retreat with artisan details and one of Ubud’s dreamiest infinity pools.
Bisma Eight is easily one of Ubud’s most beautifully crafted boutique hotels, and its MICHELIN Key award says it all. Here, you can shape how you want your holiday vibes to be. Whether you’re visiting as a couple, in wellness mode, or craving a deeper cultural experience, there’s a curated package perfect for every occasion. The suites feel comforting, with handcrafted details, warm woods and big, light-filled spaces. And yes, the signature barrel-like soaking tubs are every bit as dreamy as they look!
Best for: Travellers looking to curate-your-own stay experiences.
Address: Jl Bisma, Ubud
Price per night: Starting from IDR 3,500,000++
3. Clan Living: The Founder
Budget hotel in Ubud with a clever mezzanine layout and a strategic location.
If you’re travelling on a budget but still want a clean and modern base in Ubud, Clan Living: The Founder is such a great pick. I booked one of the first-floor rooms and loved that I could literally step out and be right by the pool, so convenient for a quick morning dip. The rooms are surprisingly spacious too, thanks to the mezzanine-style layout that gives you extra breathing room without losing that cosy, minimalist feel. It’s also very close to Ubud’s touristy spots like the Monkey Forest and Ubud Palace.
Best for: Long-stay guests looking for a clean, convenient base close to Ubud’s best bits.
Address: Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud No.108
Price per night: Starting from IDR 650,000++
Best Hotels in Sanur
If you love exploring restaurants and bars but want something softer than Canggu’s constant buzz, Sanur is your sweet spot. The food scene here has grown so much, and as someone who lives around the area, I’ve really watched it come into its own. Think great cafés, cosy wine bars, and relaxed beachfront lounges, all moving at a calmer, more grown-up pace.
Sure, there’s still traffic (it is Bali), but it’s nowhere near as frantic. You can actually wander to dinner without feeling stressed, stroll the beachfront path for sunset drinks, and still hear the ocean while you eat. It’s walkable, breezy and refreshingly unhurried – all the fun, just less chaos. So if you’re curious about Sanur, here are my top recos:
For a Luxury Resort: Maya Sanur Resort & Spa
For a Mid-Range Hotel: Seascape Resort & Spa Sanur
Best Budget Friendly Option: The 1O1 Bali Oasis Sanur
Want more recs? Our lifestyle writer (who lives in the neighbourhood!) has rounded up all the best hotels in Sanur.
1. Maya Sanur Resort & Spa
A polished, breezy escape right in the heart of Sanur.
Maya Sanur Resort & Spa is the perfect middle ground between modern architecture and that relaxed Sanur energy. The rooms are bright and calming, perfect for slow mornings or long post-beach showers. And the best part? you get direct access to the beach for golden sunrises, and then you’re just a short stroll from Sanur’s best restaurants and cafés. And if you can, book one of the suites with a private pool, it’s perfect for a floating breakfast before heading to the spa (which I also highly recommend).
Best for: Spa lovers who enjoy modern beachfront stays
Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.89M, Sanur
Price per night: Starting from IDR 14,500,000++
2. Seascape Resort & Spa Sanur
Adults-only boutique stay made for quiet and romantic days in Sanur.
If you’re looking for a kid-free boutique stay in Sanur, Seascape Resort & Spa Sanur is such a good find. It’s small, calm and intentionally designed for grown-ups who want a quiet, romantic escape. The suites and villas are warm and earthy, with smart-room features that feel a notch above the usual resort standard. It’s tucked slightly away from Sanur’s busiest spots, but that’s exactly why it feels so peaceful. And when you’re ready to leave your bubble, you can just hop on their shuttle to hit the beach or the neighborhood cafés. If you want a cosy stay where you can truly unwind, Seascape is an easy yes.
Best for: Couples or honeymooners wanting a peaceful staycation.
Address: Jl Aruna No. 8A, Sanur
Price per night: Starting from IDR 4,850,000++
Book Seascape Resort & Spa Sanur
3. The 1O1 Bali Oasis Sanur
A great-value Sanur stay with a huge lagoon pool and central location.
The 1O1 Bali Oasis Sanur is the hotel I always recommend to my budget-traveller friends, especially first-timers who want to stay around Sanur. The price is reasonable, but the quality genuinely surprises people in the best way. The pool is the star: a long, curving lagoon that winds through the property, with plenty of sunloungers and leafy corners that make it feel like a mini resort. And the location? Chef’s kiss. It’s right on Jalan Danau Tamblingan aka one of the most convenient areas in Sanur, so you don’t have to rely on Gojek for the whole trip.
Best for: First-timers who want a central, walkable stay in Sanur.
Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.136A, Sanur
Price per night: Starting from IDR 950,000++
Best Hotels in Kuta & Legian
Kuta and Legian are Bali’s classics, the places many of us (yes, including me) first fell in love with the island. There’s a nostalgic charm here, like the long beachfront paths, golden sunsets, and that easy holiday feeling. While now it may not be as buzzy as Canggu or Seminyak, this area is still very much alive with cafés, restaurants, shops and lively spots to explore. So if you’re thinking of staying in this part of Bali, here are my top recommendations:
For a Luxury Resort: Padma Resort Legian
For a Mid-Range Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta
Best Budget Friendly Option: The Mahata Legian
If you’re planning to stay in the Kuta/Legian area, check out our complete list of hotels in Kuta/Legian.
1. Padma Resort Legian
Beachfront hotel that gives off those classic ‘Bali holiday’ vibes.
Padma Resort Legian is one of the best hotels in Bali you’ve probably heard of, and it truly lives up to the reputation. It’s big and beautifully maintained, with lagoon pools, tropical gardens and a beachfront that catches some of the prettiest sunsets in the area. What I really appreciate is how well it balances everyone’s idea of a holiday. Kids run off to the Wolly Kids Club (trust me, they’ll love it), while the adults get their moment of peace at the spa, think proper Balinese massages, quiet corners and that soft post-treatment glow. If you want a resort where you can spend days by the water and still be steps away from the beach and Legian’s food spots, Padma is an easy choice.
Best for: Families and travellers who love classic Bali resorts with great pools (Padma has four!)
Address: Jl Padma No. 1 Legian
Price per night: Starting from IDR 4,000,000++
2. Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta
Modern comfort, great value and a super convenient location.
Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta is my go-to when I want a reliable, modern stay. It has that familiar Sheraton quality: clean rooms, good beds, multiple pools and all the little conveniences that just make a trip run smoothly. And because of where it sits, you can easily explore Kuta’s favourite bits: cafés, markets, beach clubs, shops, all within a short walk.
What I love, though, is how peaceful it feels once you’re actually inside. Kuta can be lively, but the moment you step through the lobby, everything softens. If you’re a type A traveller like me, this hotel is your best bet.
Best for: Travellers who want comfort and convenience
Address: Jl. Benesari, Kuta
Price per night: Starting from IDR 1,500,000++
Book Four Points by Sheraton Bali, Kuta
3. The Mahata Legian
A boutique hotel that blends ‘New Indies’ heritage design with top-quality comfort.
The Mahata Legian is a great little budget find if you want to stay close to Kuta-Legian’s favourites without being right in the noisy centre of it all. It’s clean, a little retro and surprisingly calming for the area, with simple rooms that are bright and comfortable. Personally, it is exactly what you need after a long day at the beach or wandering around the shops. Pro tip: definitely make time to grab a cocktail at their stylish on-site bar. It has a great local buzz and a sophisticated aesthetic that makes it the perfect start before a night out.
Best for: Budget travellers who want a homey room close to Kuta and Legian’s favourites.
Address: Jl. Lb. Bene No.121, Legian
Price per night: Starting from IDR 750,000++
Final thoughts on Bali’s best hotels
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Bali, it’s all about your budget, the vibe you’re after, and the area you want to stay in. If you want more recommendations, you can check out our other Bali stay guides here.