| Nightly rate | IDR 771k nett (S$72) |
| Length of stay | 1 night |
| Date of stay | May 2021 |
| Membership level | Diamond |
Hilton Bali Resort opened in 2016 as a rebranded hotel after some renovation works. The hotel was originally built in 1996 under the name Nikko Bali and then Grand Nikko Bali. There are 408 rooms in this resort.
Location
The hotel is located in Nusa Dua, a quiet area in south-eastern Bali. The long stretch of beach in this area is mostly connected to 5-star hotels like Ritz-Carlton, Sofitel, Hilton and Apurva Kempinski. It is less crowded (as compared to Seminyak beach) as it faces East (no sunset view). That’s not a bad thing, as it is usually very quiet; perfect for evening walks/runs/cycles.
- 22 mins drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
- 1 hr 15 mins drive to Ubud Town
Arrival
Upon arrival, we had our temperatures taken and were assisted with our luggages before being directed to the reception.
I was very keen to find out how this hotel does upgrades for Diamond members and was hoping that it didn’t exclude suites like Conrad Bali. Unfortunately, that is the case here as well. Suite upgrade Diamond members is not a thing at Hilton Bali. But hey, at least the staff were straight forward about the upgrade policy and did not lie like those at Conrad Bali!
I had booked the base room and was upgraded to the King Cliff Tower Ocean View room. After speaking with some local friends who’ve stayed here recently, I found out that this is the standard Diamond upgrade at the property.
The room (King Cliff Tower Ocean View)
Room 911 is 50sqm / 538sqft in size. Thanks to the recent renovation, furnishing in the room was very good! It looked a lot more modern than the rooms at Conrad Bali.
The view from the balcony was fantastic. It was my favourite part of the stay. All for 75% less than what Alila Seminyak is asking!
I wished that there was a coffee machine and a proper work desk in the room though.
Best rooms
I usually request for a room on the highest floor possible and it must not be a connecting room (less noise).
There is no doubt that the best rooms in this hotel are those in the Cliff Tower. My room was on the 9th floor and there were about 10 more floors above mine.
External food delivery
Like Conrad Bali, this hotel also does not allow external food delivery riders to meet guests at the lobby. Guests have to collect food from the main security post. It was a good 8 minutes walk from my room.
Very odd rule to have, especially as all other 5-star Marriott and Hyatt properties in Bali allows it.
Executive lounge replacement
As the executive lounge was closed because of low occupancy, I was given drink coupons (2 drinks per guest) that can be redeemed at The Shore Restaurant, only from 5 to 7pm.
It was probably the most underwhelming executive lounge replacement that I’ve experienced in recent months but it’s hard to fault the hotel when room rates were that low.
Breakfast
Breakfast is complimentary for Gold members and above and can be enjoyed at Grain restaurant from 7 to 10.30am.
It was disappointing that there wasn’t any transparent screens to protect the open buffet. I’ve stayed in over 50 hotels during the pandemic and this was one of very few hotels with loose social distancing and hygiene practice.
Like all open buffets in a hotel with low occupancy, food was not good. Pastries were hard and tasted like they’ve been out in the open for a few hours. Was glad that the restaurant offered made-to-order eggs!
Click here to view the hotel’s à la carte menu.
Other facilities
The swimming pool is beautiful. There are bridges crossing over sections of the pool and even a lovely ‘cave’ area with a slide next to it.
The gym is tucked away behind the ‘cave’ shown above. The size was alright but there wasn’t any view.
My ratings
| Breakfast | 5/10 |
| Service | 5/10 |
| Location | 10/10 |
| Room furnishing | 9/10 |
| View | 10/10 |
| Peace & Quiet | 9/10 |
| Facilities | 8/10 |
| Elite member recognition | 6/10 |
| Value (for what I paid) | 8/10 |
Bottom line
Quality-wise, this is probably the best Hilton property in Bali. However, other than the view and swimming pool, there was really nothing much to love.
Staying in Conrad and Hilton Bali made me appreciate all the amazing Marriott Bonvoy and Hyatt properties in this island even more.
Stayed at Bali Hilton for 2 weeks, as a family had the best to time. Everything was 5 stars. The pools restaurant, hotel and staff. Loved everything can not say anything bad. First class resourt 5 stars Hilton .
From the Novakovic family
Melbourne Australia
We were going to stay at both the Conrad and this hotel in June. We are Diamond members. We also spoke to a couple of other former guests. Between all the reviews and comments we have cancelled both stays.
Data point : as a diamond guest i received an upgrade to a suite, king terrace ocean suite.