Andaz Bali: What to expect

Enjoy light snacks and beverages at the Andaz lounge during your stay.

The first time I visited Bali I stayed a couple of nights at 2 major Hyatt properties on the island including the Andaz Bali and Grand Hyatt Bali. Both were wonderful in their own ways. This year, upon returning for a quiet and relaxing stay, I decided to return to the Andaz Bali. It simply fit better with what I was looking for out of a holiday.

During my initial stay at the resort last year the place had been open for less than 12 months. As someone who frequents Hyatt hotels, it’s always fun to see what iteration of the local experience they want to come up with. Andaz is the more boutique, artsy brand in the chain and I’ve observed how much more local flair and sourcing is put into the design at each of these unique places.

I know this is a strange analogy but if you’re familiar with the skincare company Aesop, it’s a similar thing to what they do to their stores. Each store location is a reflection of the history, climate, and culture of the place.

The same I have found to be true at Andaz properties. In that way, even if you stay in your hotel room, you are immersed in the culture. This is ideal for me because so many of my most favorite holiday moments are relaxing in a hotel room. To each their own.

What is special about the Andaz Bali

The grounds

They’ve successfully created a village that feels communal and also rooms and patios that allow for solitary moments. You’ll walk past any number of flowing fountains, immaculately kept koi ponds with lily pads and lotus flowers balancing on the water surface. There’s a dynamic nature to the setting that feels alive but peaceful.

The grounds are beautiful in the way that reflects the local culture, cutting edge design and ancient traditions of using natural materials in a way that feels completely modern. And the GARDENS! I sometimes think the groundskeepers outnumber the guests because the way the gardens are kept shows how much care and attention is paid to this property. It does end up feeling like a village.

The rooms and restaurants seem to converge onto a main grassy square with impressive Banyan trees. When you’re sitting in a shaded area your eye gets drawn to this main area and it feels like a focal point of this little village that you’re a part of for your short stay. In fact, this is where the reception was being held for a couple that were getting married the weekend that I had stayed on the property.

The grounds are lush and green everywhere. Pictured are bikes for the guests to hire.

The rooms

With my Globalist status I was given a free upgrade to a Deluxe Suite.

Once you get into your room you’re met with natural fibers and materials again from the stone in the bathroom to the wood and woven materials that line the walls and headboards. The attention to detail and richness of the patterns and textures is something that I feel so greatly reflects the artisan nature of Balinese culture that I’ve encountered.

My favorite part about this well-designed room is that the bathroom is huge and there’s a rainforest, overhead shower situation plus a tub.

The only thing to keep in mind for people who are really into taking photos or getting content in a place is that these rooms are dark. I think it makes sense in this climate for the purposes of keeping things cooler than no direct sunlight comes in, still it’s something to consider if that matters to you.

Also, you’ll be happy to know that all of the outlets have their own adapters, so any plugs fit but they are 220V. You’ll want to check that your devices and charges can use this voltage. My Australian hair straightener is fine but the American one I have would get fried here. Normally electronic chargers on brand name laptops and phones have dual voltage (which would be labelled with something like: 110V-220V) and you can use it as long as the plug fits.

The staff

I don’t normally mention the people who work at a property because I find Hyatt to be very consistent with the professional practices, however it is worth mentioning that here and at the other Bali properties everyone that I’ve encountered is so warm and attentive. It feels more a part of the culture.

A few helpful tips before you stay at the Andaz Bali

· Bring a lightweight water bottle or plastic bottle from the airport before you arrive. They have plenty of water in the rooms, but they’re glass so they’re not quite as portable.

· Enjoy the free snacks and beverages in your room. Like most Andaz properties the snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in your minibar are free of charge and will be replenished once a day when housekeeping comes through.

· Fill out the form they send you via email. When you receive your welcome email from the hotel manager there will be a link to an form you can fill out to put your preferences. I was able to request my airport transfer here as well, thus avoiding having to find a taxi in the confusing arrivals area of the airport.

· The front desk likes to communicate through WhatsApp. If you’ve put on the privacy setting on your door they’ll message you to see if you need anything and confirm you don’t need them to stop by again.

Is there room service at the Andaz Bali?

You can order food from ‘In Room Dining’ during your stay at the Andaz Bali. You will be asked to pay upon delivery unless you had already arranged for a room credit allocation. They asked me at check in whether I wanted to put through a room charge credit from the outset. I opted not to and so each time I ordered food I either paid with cash when they delivered it or used their portable credit card terminal they had with them.

Is there a Globalist breakfast at the Andaz Bali?

Breakfast is included with your stay if you are a Globalist member and it’s a really good one. You order from an a la carte menu and can choose any number of items that you want. There’s no official cap on what you can order but having stayed a few times now I’m very careful about food waste. My favorites are the pineapple French toast and the Bubur Suro with a green juice and ginger tea.

Globalist breakfast gets you access to a delicious a la carte menu where you can order any number of food items and beverages included.

What is the gym like at the Andaz Bali?

If you want to workout during your stay at the Andaz Bali, you’ll have to hop over to the Hyatt Regency next door. Luckily, using the gym at a larger property means it’s much better equipped than if the Andaz tried to fit in a tiny workout space (like many of the Italian properties I’ve stayed at, sorry but they’re not great). The key card to your Andaz room should work on the gym entrance.

Points or Pay?

The Andaz Bali is a classified as a Category 5 property which puts it out of reach for one of the regular (Category 1-4) vouchers. It is 20,000 points a night to redeem for a free night and I think for a luxury stay it’s worth it to pay the nightly room rate here and save your points for when you stay in a city that is much more expensive (think Rome or Sydney).

Should you stay at the Andaz Bali vs Grand Hyatt Bali

I’ve stayed at both properties to see different beaches. The Grand Hyatt Bali is older, and it feels dated to some extent, but it has very large resort feel to it. Because of that you’re going to be around more guests. The pool is great for kids or for a novel place to lie outside and have your lunch. The shade from the trees is divine. If you’re a Globalist member the club lounge is wonderful, and you can have all your meals and snacks there without having to pay for anything else. It’s a very affordable option if you’ve got a longer stay in Bali.

The Andaz Bali I prefer if the hotel is going to be your sanctuary, and design is important for you. Also, if you like staying at a newer property this one is far more modern. It’s quieter in a lot of respects as it simply holds fewer people and feels a little more exclusive if you prefer solitude.

They are very different stays but I’m sure you’ll find something to enjoy either way.