Hotel Review: Renaissance Bali Uluwatu
The Renaissance Bali Uluwatu is a new luxury hotel in the South of the famous holiday island. While the property has no beach, it’s still a really nice place to stay at. In this extensive hotel review, we’ll explain what you can expect of staying here!
Marriott has plenty of properties on Bali and the Renaissance Uluwatu is one of the newest in the portfolio. While most luxury resorts on the island are located by the beach or in the Northern Ubud area, the Renaissance is actually located in the South, but still not by the beach. That might sound a bit weird at first, but was actually something I learned to like about the property as it had a very different feel to other luxury hotels on the island like the Conrad Bali.
Suite at the Renaissance Bali Uluwatu
Even though I only had booked a Standard Room for my stay at the Renaissance Bali, I was upgraded to a really nice suite for my stay due to my status with Marriott.
The property consists of different buildings and I was given a room at the bottom of the resort, which is located hillside. Nevertheless, the suite was really nice and felt very spacious.
The entrance area had a sitting space with a sofa of sorts, an armchair and a really cool low table.
The King Bed looked very special as well with two nightstands on both sides and a flat-screen opposite. It just didn’t look like your typical hotel room, but way more stylish.
The same is true for the long table on the corridor between the room and the bathroom. It felt more like a loft kind of kitchen.
This miniature kitchen has a sink, but also houses a coffee machine and the minibar.
Interestingly, the bathroom set-up at the Renaissance Bali Uluwatu is somewhat open as well and feels really spacious as well.
Somewhat randomly, there’s a free-standing tub opposite of two sinks with lots of storage.
Then next to the window, there’s an open and very spacious shower with two shower heads.
Speaking of the window, both the bedroom portion and the shower and bathroom area, come with large windows overlooking the pool and the greenery – be aware that others can see you too 😉
The bedroom also comes with a nice balcony with two chairs, a lounger of sorts and a table.
As you’d expect, the toilet is less exposed and can be found in a separate room.
All in all, the room I got at the Renaissance Bali was really special, but I also liked it very much. I actually preferred it design-wise to other luxury hotels like the Amarterra Villas Bali or The Legian Bali.
Breakfast at the Renaissance Bali Uluwatu
Breakfast is served at the hotel’s main restaurant in the morning and consists of a massive spread with various different stations.
Everything looked really tasty and it was a nice touch that many things were prepared right next to the buffet, making it possible to check the preparation and freshness.
There were not only tons of different fruits, pastries etc., but also various hot dishes. I particularly enjoyed that there were stations with hot dishes from various different world regions.
Service was a bit spotty and I didn’t like the dark indoor seating (outdoors was very busy), but other than that breakfast at the Renaissance Bali Uluwatu is quite good.
Food at the Renaissance Bali Uluwatu
During my stay at the Renaissance Bali Uluwatu, I had two meals. First, I had a tasty sandwich with fries by the pool, which was served after about 40 minutes.
Then later on I had a hamburger, which I really wasn’t a fan of. I can’t really tell why, but it just wasn’t a good hamburger to my taste.
Prices for food and drinks are high by Bali standards, but relatively similar to what you pay at other hotels on Bali.
Pool, Gym & Activities at the Renaissance Bali
When on Bali, your focus most likely is on relaxing and certain holiday activities. Let’s start with sports as there’s a decently equipped gym with a nice view.
There are different cardio and strength machines as well as a good selection of free weights, so you can go for a full workout here.
The pools at the property are really nice as well. There’s one massive pool on the main floor, where you can also find the restaurant. It’s an infinity edge pool with stunning views of the sea in the distance.
You can not only swim here very nicely, but also just relax and enjoy the views as the pool is so big that you aren’t in the way of anyone by just relaxing in the pool.
There are also tons of loungers around the pool, making it easy to find a place to relax.
Nevertheless, I actually preferred the smaller and much more quiet pool on the bottom of the resort.
It’s located right in front of the greenery and has a very special feel.
As you’d expect, there are several comfortable loungers here again.
Obviously, that’s by far not everything as there’s a free shuttle to a nearby beach (which I didn’t take advantage of) and a selection of three free activites a day.
I enjoyed the yoga session in the morning, which was relaxation. If you like to get a treatment, there’s also a spa with several options.
Overall impressions of the Renaissance Bali Uluwatu
My stay at the Renaissance Bali Uluwatu was enjoyable from the start to the end. While the property is not cheap, it’s also not outrageously expensive. You can expect a hotel with beautifully designed rooms, nice pools, a good breakfast and decent service. While not being at the beach on Bali might not be for everyone, if you can live with not having direct access (there’s a shuttle), I’d highly recommend staying here!
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