Review: Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran (Avant Garde Suite)

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran opened in 2013 with 117 rooms. It is a Category 4 Marriott Bonvoy property requiring 20,000 to 30,000 points per night for award stays.

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Location

The hotel is located in Jimbaran.

There were a number of seafood restaurants located between the hotel and the beach that badly pollutes the air in the area every day. Instead of using gas to cook, these restaurants burn coconut husks as fuel.

Although I’ve read about this problem on the hotel’s TripAdvisor page, nothing could prepare me for the smell. It was horrible. It’s a real pity that the hotel’s business and everyone’s health are affected by the selfish acts of these restaurants.

• 2 mins walk to Jimbaran Beach
• 15mins drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
• 1 hr 10 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 had booked the base room and was pre-upgraded to the Avant Garde Suite two days before arrival.

The receptionist mentioned that they are not able to process my Marriott eGiftCard. I’ve stayed in 14 Marriott hotels in Bali and this is the second hotel with the problem, after Fairfield Legian.

It wasn’t the hotel’s fault but I was hit by the stench of smoke the moment I arrived at the hotel.

Avant Garde Suite

Room 205 is 124sqm / 1334sqft in size.

Furnishing in the suite looked fresh. The living room and bedroom are connected by a small door and the balcony.

Unfortunately, there were many things that could be improved in the suite:

• No coffee machine
• Water from the taps came out cloudy and smelly the first time
• Television lost signal frequently and audio/video was not synchronized
• No shampoo in the bathroom, only 2 shower gels
• Strands of hair near the shower gels
• Water temperature at the bathtub cannot be adjusted

On top of all the above, there’s also that external factor of air pollution whenever I open the balcony door.

Here’s a quick video tour posted on our Instagram page:

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Breakfast

Breakfast is complimentary for Platinum members and above and was served as à la carte buffet at Bamboo Chic restaurant from 7am to 10.30am.

I had the option of having breakfast sent to my room and went for it during my stay. Food quality was average and delivery was on time.

Breakfast menu:

Swimming pool

The swimming pool is large for a property with just over 100 rooms.

Other facilities

My ratings

Bottom line

Although I was offered a 4pm check out, I couldn’t wait to leave after breakfast. Was glad that I did not commit more than 1 night here. This is probably the only Marriott Bonvoy hotel in Bali that you should avoid.