Hotel Review: Alila Seminyak (Ocean View Suite) - Great Retreat Property with Excellent Location
The Alila Seminyak and the W Bali - Seminyak (check out my review here!) are often seen as comparable and competing properties as they are located just a short stroll away from each other (with the Potato Head Beach Club sitting between them). While I have been a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite member for many years now, I have only just been a World of Hyatt Globalist member for approximately one year and therefore, on one of my visits to Bali this year, I have decided to stay at the Alila Seminyak to see what the fuss is all about with this property.
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Hotel Lobby
Alila Seminyak
Unlike the W Bali - Seminyak which opened back in 2011, the Alila Seminyak opened a few years later in 2014 with mostly suites. Not to be confused with Studios at Alila Seminyak (which is a Category 1 property at a much lower price point), the Alila Seminyak only has a King Bed Deluxe Room (46sqm) and suites that start from 60sqm in size. When I got to the property at approximately 11:30 AM, I was informed that I was accorded an upgrade to the Ocean View Suite as a Globalist member, but it was not yet ready for check-in at the time of arrival. Since I have already made plans to check out Mano Beach House (which I would not return to) that afternoon, I decided to leave my luggage and return for my room keys later.
Bedroom
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
The Ocean View Suite is a Standard Suite here at Alila Seminyak but it is three categories above the lead-in room type which is the Deluxe Room. If you are planning on redeeming your World of Hyatt points here at the Alila Seminyak, this Category 5 property will require a minimum of 17,000 points (off-peak) per night. If you do not have any significant status in the World of Hyatt program, a Standard Suite (which you chose either the Deluxe Suite, Terrace Suite, or Ocean View Suite, depending on availability) starts from 29,000 points (off-peak) per night. Personally, I would not be redeeming my points at this property since the room rates start from under USD 200 if you book early enough.
Living Area
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
The Ocean View Suite measures 60sqm in size and while it may be smaller than the lower category suites, it does come with a view of the Seminyak beach and the ocean (which is probably the reason why you have selected a beachfront property anyway). Each Ocean View Suite also comes with a private balcony where you will be able to enjoy the natural ocean breeze and hopefully a majestic sunset in the evening. There is also a small seating area in the suite which can accommodate another adult (at additional cost).
I received a bowl of fresh fruits as well as some local snacks (which were cleared away the next morning before I had the chance to try them) as a Globalist member. I also received a handwritten welcome note which is always a nice touch. I am not too sure what the digital screen by the seating area is for since it essentially shows only a random photo but it does not contain any information about the property - perhaps it is just a digital photo frame but I have found the light to be slightly annoying especially when I am trying to sleep at night so I left the screen faced down for the duration of my stay.
Coffee Machine
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
There are only a handful of hotels in Bali with a club lounge (or equivalent) and unfortunately, the Alila Seminyak is not one of them. However, with that being said, you will find a coffee machine in the Ocean View Suite which is already a huge improvement from the W Bali - Seminyak which only has a coffee plunger. While there are plenty of cafes around the area, it is always nice to have a coffee machine in your own room for the sake of convenience. Complimentary drinking water is also provided in the room but I always find myself requesting for more as I need them for drinking, the coffee machine, and for making tea.
Coffee Capsules from Tanamera Coffee
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
One thing that I really do like about the Alila Seminyak is the coffee capsules from Tanamera Coffee which I thought was a really nice touch. It is not uncommon to find Nespresso-branded capsules in nice hotels but this was the first time that I have actually gotten these ones from Tanamera (which is an Indonesian brand). There are two capsules in each box and they are typically replenished each morning of your stay when housekeeping comes in to make-up the room.
King-size Bed
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
The Ocean View Suite features a king-size bed that is on the firmer side - the W Bali - Seminyak has a much plusher bed which I appreciated but in all honesty, it is quite difficult to justify paying almost two times more at the W (even if it does have a better bed). With all that being said, I do like the fact that the sliding doors do block out most of the noise (unlike at the W Bali - Seminyak) which is fantastic for light sleepers.
Power Outlet and USB Charging Ports
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
Two USB charging ports can be found on one side of the bed and there is also a power outlet (not universal) for you to charge your devices. Lightning controls can also be found bedside and the switches are purely functional - they do not look great but this is also a property that is probably due for some refurbishment in a couple of years to come.
Private Balcony
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
As mentioned earlier, most of the room inventory here at the Alila Seminyak are suites as there is only one room type which is the 1 King Bed Deluxe - on all stays here at the property as a Globalist member, I have been accorded an upgrade to an Ocean View Suite (60 sqm) which comes with a partial view of the ocean. Not to be confused with the Alila Ocean View Suite which measures 72sqm in size and more impressive views of the ocean, the Ocean View Suites are typically located on a lower floor (from Level 2) with a semi-obstructed view of the ocean.
View from Balcony
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
While the ocean view may be slightly obstructed, my suite did look out to the adults-only Serenity Pool where I spent quite a number of afternoons at. Unlike the other pool by the Beach Bar which is open to public, the Serenity Pool (as the name suggests) is reserved for hotel guests only but it does get pretty crowded quickly so you may not be able to get a sunbed or a poolside chair during the popular hours.
Bathroom
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
All of the suites here at the Alila Seminyak come with a bathtub and I particularly like the design of these bathrooms since there is a huge window by the shower area for you to enjoy the natural daylight.
Bathroom
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
The bathroom spans across the length of the bedroom and it features a somewhat narrow passageway that leads to the toilet. In between the wet area and the toilet is where you will find an open wardrobe as well as a large sink.
Alila-branded Amenities
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
You will find a range of Alila Living products here and these are an exclusive range of natural organic spa products which you can also purchase from the store if you wish. I really do like the fact that even things like sunscreen can be found in the room - on my previous stay at the Alila Ubud, even insect repellent was provided which I thought was an extremely nice touch.
Bathtub
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
If a bathtub is a dealbreaker for you, do note that the lead-in room category (Deluxe Room) only comes with a walk-in shower and no bathtub so you will definitely want to book a suite. The bathtub of the Ocean View Suite is placed next to a pretty tall window so you will get to enjoy the natural daylight during the day (but you may also lower the blinds for privacy reasons). In fact, if you really do wish to immerse yourself in the surroundings, the sliding glass windows can actually be opened to allow for the natural breeze to enter.
Bulk-size Bath Amenities
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
Bath amenities are in-house branded and as far as I know, they are the same ones that are offered in the spa which has great consistency. The bath amenities can also be purchased from the Alila Store (located in front of Seasalt) and they smell exactly like the ones that were offered in Alia Bangsar when I visited Kuala Lumpur a few months ago.
Perfect for Sunsets
Beach Bar - Alila Seminyak
Regardless of whether you are staying at the Alila Seminyak or not, I highly recommend dropping by the Beach Bar on the property for a drink or two. It is a great place to watch the sunset and if you prefer a pretty chill spot (versus the WOOBAR over at W Bali - Seminyak), this is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer (or a boozy cocktail). In fact, there is also a Gin & Tonic Sunset Club promotion (where you can get a glass of G&T from IDR 120,000++ per glass) which runs from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM each day.
Cocktails
Beach Bar - Alila Seminyak
Cocktails are priced from IDR 130,000++ each but they are generally quite good - wine by the bottle is pretty expensive like most parts of Bali (especially when you see the labels that you are actually getting) so do keep that in mind if you are planning to go crazy here. The Beach Bar at Alila Seminyak is open to public so you do not need to be an in-house guest to visit. In fact, you will even be able to utilise the pool which overlooks Seminyak Beach while you are here so be sure to pack a fresh set of clothes if you are planning to take a dip.
Outdoor Patio
Seasalt - Alila Seminyak
If breakfast is included in your room package, or if you have booked an eligible luxury travel advisor rate that comes with complimentary breakfast, you will be able to enjoy it at the beachfront Seaside restaurant. There is a rather decent buffet spread but also an a la carte menu that features a good selection of local and Western dishes that you can choose from. I really like the outdoor seats that are closest to the beach and these spots are typically quite popular (as you can imagine) in the early mornings.
Bubur Ayam (Breakfast)
Seasalt - Alila Seminyak
I really like the local dishes which are offered at Seasalt during the morning - there is also a good selection of fresh fruits and juices on offer. Since Alila-branded properties do not have an Executive Lounge or equivalent, it is highly imperative for me to get decent cup of coffee at breakfast.
Nasi Goreng is a staple and Seasalt serves a different version everyday - they are not radically different but some variation is always nice (especially for longer-stay guests). Regardless of whether you have any significant status in the World of Hyatt program or not, do keep in mind that the Alila Seminyak is a Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) and a property that is eligible for Hyatt Privé benefits when you book an eligible rate. Booking an FHR rate with The American Express Platinum Card or The American Express Centurion Card will give you at least USD 100 worth of property credit that you can utilise at the property during your stay (even on a single-night stay!).
Bedroom
Ocean View Suite - Alila Seminyak
If you do not have The American Express Platinum Card, booking a Hyatt Privé rate through a luxury travel advisor like ClassicTravel or HoteLux will allow you to enjoy USD 100 property credit on eligible stays with a minimum of two nights. Even though breakfast is already included for me as a World of Hyatt Globalist member, booking one of the aforementioned rates will allow me to enjoy USD 100 property credit (which I can also use during happy hour at the Beach Bar) and this gives me incredible value on short stays
Alila Seminyak
Jalan Taman Ganesha No. 9, Petitenget, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
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Planning a beach day can seem simple, but unexpected issues often arise. Mornington Peninsula’s beaches are popular, which means dealing with potential crowds, fluctuating weather, and poor preparation can easily ruin your outing. Arriving late might lead to parking challenges, and picking the wrong beach can limit your planned activities. Many forget important items that could make or break their beach experience, leading to stress and missed opportunities for relaxation.