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Located just 2.5 hours away from Singapore, Bali is fast becoming Singaporean’s favourite vacation spot for a short getaway. Bali is well-known for its myriad of historical sites, temples, unique culture, and of course, the beautiful beaches.
The tropical paradise is not just astounding in size, but also with numerous compelling and diverse accommodations to select from, it can be tedious to decide where to stay in Bali.
If you have no clue on which accommodation to choose, you can’t go past Hard Rock Hotel Bali, winner in the Top 25 Hotels for Families - Indonesia category of the 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards and 2015 Certificate of Excellence.
The 5 star hotel is strategically situated at the heart of Bali’s famed Kuta Beach.
The iconic Kuta Beach is a well-known surfers’ paradise that is a wonderful place for travellers to experience the finest that Bali has to offer, especially for first-timers.
Sprawling across 3.5 hectares of pristine tropical property, Hard Rock Hotel Bali is right in the heart of Bali's entertainment and shopping district, a 15 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Look at how big the hotel is! You will be surprised that every corner of the hotel is filled with activities.
Whether you prefer tranquility or some action-packed activities, you’ll discover everything you want right at your fingertips at the family friendly hotel.
The first thing that hits me as I stepped into the lobby is the dark, vintage Rock ’N’ Roll theme that screams rock. This is definitely something that is out of the ordinary experience as most hotels are brightly lit.
Despite the Rock ’N’ Roll edge, the lobby gives off a classy atmosphere.
Rock memorabilia can be found at every corner of the hotel, for instance Bon Jovi’s autographed guitar and Michael Jackson’s concert belt. It is pretty interesting and innovative to have such decor.
Upon checking in, the receptionist handed us a couple of discount/complimentary vouchers that we can utilise for the different facilities.
Crowned as the biggest hotel in Kuta Beach and Asia’s first Hard Rock Hotel, unwind yourself in one of the 418 tribute rooms or suites! Hard Rock Hotel Bali has spacious rooms and suites that are beautifully decorated with memorabilia and icons which give an impression of the uprising and development of music, fashion and arts, which celebrates artists from the 50's to the late 90’s.
All rooms and suites come with amenities and services to guarantee a pleasurable stay. Featuring individually controlled air-conditioning, private bath with shower and hair dryer, complimentary coffee and tea making facilities, mini bar, IPTV, docking entertainment system and electronic in-room safe. And not forgetting unlimited wireless internet connection!
With an emphasis on providing high quality yet reasonably priced accommodation, there are 11 categories of rooms and suites that cater to everyone’s different needs:
Why do I say that? Well, because the room which Hard Rock Hotel Bali had very generously prepared for us is big enough for a family of 4!
The 32 square metre room features earthy and woody tones that complement the lush green surroundings of the hotel. It has a luxurious king-size bed and two permanent Balinese style day beds that are ideal for lazing around in the room. That has got to be my favourite spot of the room as it overlooks the private Chill Out Pool! Would be perfect paired with decent cup of coffee from the NESPRESSO Pod Coffee Machine - a complimentary room amenity for the ultimate coffee experience from the bean to the cup.
The wardrobe provides ample space for guests to store their belongings. Also, there are two sets of robes provided which can be used for either lounging in the room or chilling by the pool.
Need some in-room entertainment when you can’t sleep at night? Enjoy a selection of international satellite channels or free HD blockbuster movies! Guests can even stream YouTube videos from the TV.
Alternatively, you can tune in to Hard Rock Radio 87.8 FM from the TV! How cool is it to have your own in-house radio station?
Hard Rock Hotel Bali actually houses its very own radio station that is broadcast 'live' throughout Bali on FM87.8. The DJs will have you rockin' to the latest hits and golden oldies from morning till night.
You can tune in here: http://tunein.com/radio/Hard-Rock-Radio-Bali-878-s81680/
What else is spotted in our room? A complimentary plate of snake apples - Indonesia’s tropical fruit that is rarely available in Singapore.
Bath amenities were provided, featuring the in-house brand, Rock Spa. I love the soothing lemongrass fragrance of these toiletries. At the end of the day, a nice good bath is all that’s needed.
Basic hygiene toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, cotton swabs are also provided.
Room tour ~
All Deluxe Premium Room guests enjoy nightly turndown service and exclusive use of the Chill Out Pool which is furnished with cabana style day beds, private bar and chill out music to allow guests to simply chill.
The bar alongside the pool is where guests head for pre-dinner drinks or if they would like to have their breakfast privately.
Hard Rock Hotel Bali’s swimming pool and associated amenities is without a doubt the focal point of the hotel.
If I have to pick my favourite part of the hotel, it will definitely be the pool. Hard Rock Hotel Bali pool isn’t the typical pool that you get in other hotels. I’m already missing the place as I’m typing this.
Featuring a unique Sand Island, it is a sunbathing paradise which also serves as a stage for outdoor performances and volleyball matches. You’ll feel as though you’re on the beach as the pool is surrounded by sand.
If you and your friends are game for a beach volleyball match, simply borrow the ball from the service staff and you’re good to kick start the game.
Looking for a perfect spot for the kids to have fun? There it is! A small scale water park that is great for kids. Big fun for little ones! This pool to be designed child-safe and is supervised at all times.
On top of that, there are a series of activities happening from morning to evening on the Sand Island for the kids to participate in.
Facilitated by Hard Rock staffs, parents can be rest assured that their kids are well taken care of!
If you would like to have some private moment, you can book one of the 22 poolside cabanas. The cabana is perfect for guests who want some privacy, shade and peace by the pool.
Equipped with tables, chairs and 2 day-beds, the cabanas allow you to enjoy various spa treatments for the ultimate experience in poolside lazing!
Just make a call to the kitchen using the phone installed in the cabana and food will be served right to your doorstep.
At the cabana, treat yourself to wood-fired pizzas, rockin' pastas and cool cocktails. Dining under the clear blue skies while watching wet happenings by the pool is pure bliss.
The food were surprisingly tasty. I didn’t expected excellent quality food served because the better tasting food is usually served at main restaurants and those served by the pool are the so-so quality. But to my surprise, the food were absolutely delicious!
For sure, the cabana is my favourite spot at the pool. The tranquility and peaceful outdoor setting of the pool that is further augmented by day-beds truly promotes a luxurious escape from the city. Cheers! :)
The Shack is actually a half-submerged pool bar at the Sand Island. If you can’t get used to the sweltering weather, paddle up and spoil yourself with a groovy drink.
Your rock star experience is not complete without an hour or two at Hard Rock Hotel Bali’s very own Rock Spa.
Tucked in a corner near the pool, Hard Rock Hotel Bali’s very own Rock Spa is ready to pamper you with the new treatment menu line-up.
Rock Spa is every rock star’s one stop service centre that provides signature treatments such as massage, spa, facial, manicure and you will be surprised that they have something in-store for the kids too!
Before our 1 hour full-body Balinese massage, the friendly masseur handed us 2 forms to fill up, namely, medical history form and feedback form (to be filled up after the massage).
The medical history form allows the masseur to understand your health condition and have an idea on which body part to focus on and the intensity of strength to exert.
Si Hui and I occupy the twin sharing room.
Towels and disposable underwear are provided. There’s even a toilet for you to wash up after the treatment.
If you would like some privacy, single rooms are available!
This is my virgin experience on Balinese massage. Unlike the Javanese style that aims to improve blood circulation and toxins removal, Balinese massage focuses on relaxing the muscle tissues. It’s a relatively vigorous massage with firm pressure and oils are used. If you find pressure exerted not to your liking, feel free to tell your masseur and they will gladly accommodate to your request. The massage was very well done, the masseur are very professional, I had the feeling that I am in the hands of a total expert. I was feeling very relaxed after the massage, both physically and mentally.
Work out (at the pool), chill out (at the cabana) and bliss out at Rock Spa!
Other Amenities
Fancy a bit of exercise then how about the in-house rock climbing wall? Or work out at Body Rock?
Hard Rock Hotel Bali provides a whole lot of other amenities:
The hotel also organises special events from time to time that allow guests to participate:
Pinktober Campaign (Hard Rock International Global Campaign, every October, to spread the awareness of Breast Cancer), Imagine Campaign (Hard Rock International Global Campaign, to support needy children), Rock ‘N Run Charity 5k Run (This year is the 15th Chapter and will be held on 1st November), Let’s Dance, and charity concerts!
Hard Rock truly is the kind of place that could almost make you forget that there’s anything outside of its walls.
Whether you want to rest in a cabana, chill to Hard Rock Radio 87.8 FM, Hard Rock Hotel Bali has just what you need for a rockin' good time!
It’s time to rock the night with eventful activities happening at Centerstage!
Centerstage the coolest live rock venue in Bali, lies at the heart of the hotel and doubles as a lobby, a bar, and even a rock museum.
Its million dollar audio visual system packs a 100,000 watt charge into night celebrations every day. Centerstage rocks on from 10 AM to 1 AM, with nightly live band performances from 8:30 PM to 12 midnight.
Thumbs up to the live band. From rock to pop, they had it all covered.
That’s not all! You can continue your after-party by dancing the night away with live DJ entertainment or relax with a cocktail by the lounge at the legendary Hard Rock Cafe!
The 2 storeys cafe that can house up to 450 pax is a cafe in the morning, a bar at evening and a nightclub at night. With live music every night, dine in an interesting and unique atmosphere cafe while the live band brings the house down. Sounds perfect for all rock lovers! ;)
The cafe that transformed into a nightclub when night falls.
The female DJ spins well!
Areas that guests can dine or lounge in.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a legendary meal, dance the night away to exciting live entertainment, or soak in our historic music memorabilia, you won’t want to miss a visit to Hard Rock Cafe Bali.
After exhausting our energy it’s time to fill up our tummies! Hop on to a gastronomic adventure at the six cutting edge food and beverages outlets at the property. From popular classic and International flavours at Starz Diner to contemporary Mediterranean, Western cuisine at Splash Bistro, or a rustic hearty Italian fare at Jamie’s Italian, you will be spoilt for choice by the extensive selections available.
Breakfast is served at Starz Diner, an all-day casual dining restaurant.
Contrary to the Rock ’N’ Roll vibe of Hard Rock, Starz Diner has a stylish, modern contemporary decor.
We liked how the natural light from outside illuminates the entire outdoor dining area while boasting a panoramic view of the pool and it was completely breathtaking.
Starz Diner’s breakfast is definitely one of the best buffet breakfasts that I have had. The restaurant serves international cuisine with a bit of Asian dishes, greens and fruits. The wide-ranging breakfast spread is made up of cooked food, congees, noodles, pastries, cereals, pancakes, eggs, bacons, sausages, curry and many more!
Our breakfast spread over the 2 mornings when we were there.
I love it so much and I couldn’t stop at one!
Don’t be overwhelmed by how much we took. We just need to try everything because everything looked awesomely delicious! And we had minimal wastage, we polished off most of the food (I’m serious!)
Additionally, there are 3 cook-to-order stations:
1. Eggs Station
Master(egg)chef is patiently perfecting the runny sunny side-up on one pan and stir frying the condiments for the omelette on another.
A breakfast is never complete without a good omelette or sunny side-up.
2. Noodles Station
The perfect comfort food if you would like to have something light in the morning to warm your tummy.
The broth was so simple and wholesome.
3. Coffee ‘Station’
The coffee ‘station’ isn’t an actual station. To get your caffeine fix, approach any service staff and let them know if you would like to have cappuccino, latte or any other hot beverage available.
For buffet style dining, it is a norm that food gets refilled from time to time when quantity is running low however, I was pretty impressed that even at 10AM which is nearing closing time (1030AM), food are still being refilled. And you don’t have to wait long for the service staff to top-up your favourite bacon or apple juice. Late comers don’t have to worry about missing out on any items.
Look out for the service staffs (in purple) who are always running around to ensure that the food never runs out.
We had breakfast at Star Dinerz for both mornings. Choices of food differed slightly, which is a good thing, so that diners can try out more variety. Despite different chefs at the different cooked food stations and different service staffs on duty, the standard of food and services were consistent throughout.
The quality and variety served were extensive and beyond satisfying. Nothing beats starting the day right with a wholesome breakfast.
Dine al fresco at the poolside Splash Bistro! Nestled along the pool, dinner at Splash Bistro was a casual and relaxing affair (don’t worry, safe distance from the pool, you will not get any splashes on yourself or the food).
Dinner was at Splash Bistro for the first night, the bistro was less crowded in the evening compared to the crowd in the afternoon.
The interior white furnishings and dimly lit lightings give a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for couples.
Service staffs were extremely attentive, they attached portable LED light to the menu as the lighting was pretty dim. And they offered to take pictures of us. They are always happy to accede to all our requests.
Our picks for the evening:
The meat is succulent and juicy.
I’m not a fan of pork, but this is really good.
Steak!
For all our mains, we’re able to select 2 sides from the options available.
This added a good touch to the meal, not everyone love fries and we do crave for our greens sometimes.
Girls being girls will never fail to leave some room for desserts.
Apple Crumble - a pretty unique combination with strawberry ice-cream. What we usually get is vanilla ice-cream but this combo was quite refreshing.
Exotic but good.
It felt so good to dine under the stars with an unobstructed view of the pool, dining by the cool ambience of the pool that has an amazingly therapeutic effect.
Jamie Oliver, a household name, needs no introduction - arguably one of the most outstanding British chefs in the world.
Officially launched in Bali earlier this year, Jamie’s Italian is just a stone’s throw away from Kuta Beach, sitting on the ground level of Hard Rock Hotel Bali.
From the sunny street-facing terrace to the large bar packed with gorgeous Italian spirits and bustling open kitchen upstairs, this restaurant is great for family and friends gathering, a quick post-surf pizza, an ice-cold beer in the afternoon or a late romantic dinner.
The decor and menu selection is similar to Singapore’s.
Like all Jamie’s Italian restaurants, the beverages and food menu is extensive.
Look at the beverages menu. I spent a good 5 minutes studying this extensive menu and deciding what to order.
The rustic and hearty offerings of pastas, pizzas, antipasti, mains, planks and sides.
Everything on the menu appeals to me. How I wished I have 4 stomachs like a cow to order everything from the menu.
After 15 minutes of battle with the menu, here’s our selection for the night:
I got caught off guard, I wouldn’t have expected that this simple-named dish could be presented and cooked in this way. Salivating from looking at this picture.
Best ribeye that I’ve ever tasted. Ordered it in medium and topped it off with garlicky sauce, there’s a party in my mouth.
And not forgetting pasta !
One of the highlights at Jamie’s Italian will be the pastas that are made fresh in-house daily. How could we miss that.
A very unique flavour.
The food quality is superb and the level of service is impeccable, the service staffs went the extra mile to ensure that all diners are having a pleasant and comfortable dining experience.
Thank you Jamie’s Italian for this hearty Italian fare, I went back with a happy tummy and I’ll definitely be back for more!
Shopaholic
Last but not least, rock on into the Hard Rock Hotel Rock Shop and check out the extensive range of Hard Rock designer wear, souvenirs, cool gifts and funky accessories. Be sure to get some Hard Rock merchandises for yourself and your family and friends!
Rock Shop has everything under the sun with over 200 customized items, from ready-to-wear accessories to gifts. There’s definitely something for everyone.
Items available include Hard Rock Hotel merchandise, sundries, magazines, local gifts and surf wear.
We really went wild at the Rock Shop!
Hard Rock Hotel Bali is smack right in the middle of all the action of Kuta. It boasts spectacular pools, excellent dining options and rooms that are perfect for families. This hotel has something for everybody.
It is also just a stroll away from many major attractions and city sights like Kuta Square Shopping Mall, Beachwalk Shopping Mall and Kuta Art Market.
My stay at Hard Rock Hotel Bali was nothing short of perfection. The service staffs are beyond attentive and friendly providing all guests with world class service. It is common for most hotels to have well-trained polite staffs, but the staffs are Hard Rock went the extra mile with their hospitality. When asked for directions in the property, instead of confusing you with the ‘turn left, turn right, turn left again’ kind of instructions, the helpful staffs took the initiative to bring guests to the place they are looking for. Everyone from the concierge, to housekeeper, to restaurants servers are always happy, smiley and welcoming. They never fail to greet guests with ‘Hello! How are you?’ and ‘Have a rockin’ day!’ This certainly brings a huge smile to my face. Hard Rock Hotel Bali defines how you can discover a one-of-a-kind hotel stay.
Are you ready to rock the island?
Here’s a good news!
From 5th to 11th October, Sample Store is giving away 1 set of Hard Rock Hotel Bali, 3 sets of Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya and 3 sets of Hard Rock Hotel Penang 3D2N Staycations worth $300 USD!
To win, here is all you have to do:
1. Download Sample Store mobile app that is available on both Apple and Android devices or via this link: https://samplestore.com/mobileapp
2. Make any checkout using the app during the period of 5th to 11th October.
They have got a handful of free products that are up for redemption!
3. Sit back and wait for our winners announcement on 12th October on SampleStore.com!
Just to share a little information about Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya & Hard Rock Hotel Penang.
Located an hour and a half drive from Bangkok, for work, play, meetings or parties, there is something for everyone and everything that music lovers would wish.
The new amenities, restaurants, bars and services all add-up to elevate the renewed Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya into the list of must-see destinations in Pattaya, unique and distinctly different to the rest.
Whether you are flying solo, with family, friends or lovers, there’s plenty of choice; the rooms all sport an updated aesthetic, in a style that is as unique as it is Hard Rock luxe.
The 323 rooms & suites include exceptional Rock Star Suites, new accommodation for families with kids, luxurious digs for Composers and Executives, and Sea & City view Deluxe rooms for those on a break, to chill or to work. Smoking and non-smoking floors are available, along with rooms for the physically-challenged.
The rooms are either overlooking the hotel’s giant free form pool or the sea, the garden and the city; We’re sure you’ll feel at home.
If music is the food of love, eat on! Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya offers a wide choice of cuisines, from local Thai, Pan-Asian to Mediterranean, Italian, and classic American dinner fare.
Whether it’s all-day dining and international buffet dinner at Starz Diner, chilling out to live Soul, Jazz and Bossa at the luxurious Soul lounge, relaxing poolside at The Shack Bar, outdoor lounging on Pizzeria deck sofas, or rockin’ to live music at the iconic Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya...
We are not quite done yet; there’s a new Lil' Rock Club for kids, Tabu Club for teens and families, a world class Rock Spa, Rock Shops with the coolest merchandise and a list of live gigs and happenings to check out.
Other Entertainment and Amenities for a rockin’ good time:
Hot Deal
Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya is offering a hot deal with special room package including daily buffet breakfast for two, complimentary WIFI usage and free ice-cream Brownie Sundae and Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya.
Rates starts from BT 2,970 ++ per room per night and valid now till 26 December 2015.
Terms & conditions apply.
For reservation and more information, call + 66 38 428755-9 or email rooms.pattaya@hardrockhotels.net or visit http://pattaya.hardrockhotels.net.
Located at the famous Batu Ferringhi Beach in Penang, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is a trendy hotel that sets itself apart from the conventional beach resort; blending rich music culture, contemporary design, and family friendly facilities.
“Hard Rock Hotel Penang is one of the most sought after attractions in Penang. It defines modern and stylish beach resorts with all the unexpected attributes for each one of their guests to experience a lifestyle that is over the top,” said John Primmer, General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Penang.
The 6 storeys hotel boasts 250 rockin’ rooms and suites, most of which feature beach frontage.
The modern structure is completed with tasteful furnished bedrooms such as sensual guest bathrooms, Sleep Like a Rock (branded bedding) and modern in-room amenities. Keeping up with the times, technology is also a significant feature at the hotel. All rooms are fully equipped with DVD/CD players, minimum 32 inch LCD/LED screen TVs, iPod docking stations, complimentary WIFI and wired connectivity, and an interactive IPTV system which offers complimentary blockbuster movies on demand.
So Family-friendly
There are facilities for everyone at Hard Rock Hotel Penang.
For the fitness junkies, the Body Rock gym features state-of-the art gym equipment.
Parents with children 4 to 12 years of age, will be pleased to know that the Roxity Kids Club offers hourly fun activities every day from 10AM to 9PM.
Teenagers can rock it out at the TABU Teens Club, which includes a mini-theatre, pool tables, foosball table, computer, gaming console and more.
For a trip to the Batu Ferringhi night market, the family can hop on and get a free ride on the Hard Rock shuttle, available on a daily basis from 6.30PM to 11PM.
The world famous Hard Rock Cafe leads a line-up of six food and beverage outlets at Hard Rock Hotel Penang.
The Pizzeria serves up a great selection of pizza and pasta dishes in a relaxed atmosphere by the pool. An amazing view of the sea from the Pizzeria also tops off a perfect lazy holiday meal.
Thinking of staying in? The extensive 24 hour In-Room Dining Menu offers a variety of cuisines that is certain to satisfy any craving.
At Hard Rock Hotel Penang, the guests are guaranteed nothing but a Rock ’N’ Roll experience. The hotel’s in -the-know Concierge team and Rock Agents are all set to rock, serving each and every guest under the Hard Rock mantra “Love All. Serve All”. Visit Hard Rock Hotel Penang and experience a new way of life.
Fore more information, please visit http://penang.hardrockhotels.net
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