We stayed in Bali for 6 days, with the last 3 days at Discovery Kartika. Our first impression were disappointing - the room we were given was in bad need of repairs, balcony doors could not close fully, the knobs to control the tv volume on the bedside table was falling off, the short power failures were frequent - and because of that the air-con kept shutting off. Finally the air-con broke down. At 12 midnight, we called the front desk continuously for 15 minutes - but there was no answer, finally we had to go downstairs to complain. We were told to wait for the technician to come into the room to take a look at the air-con. The technician came after a few minutes and verified what we told the front desk about the air-con.

Finally we were given a room at 1am - but the short power failures were still occuring and the air-con shutting off now and then. The night before we left - the toilet broke...and we were just glad that we were checking out the next day.

The room was definitely not worth what we paid for.

It was a good thing that the people, the culture and the atmosphere of Bali made up the good part of our holiday.

We stayed 3 nights at the Discovery Kartika Plaza. It was recommended by an Indonesian colleague as one of the best Indonesian 5-stars (as opposed to multinational chain 5-stars). We completely agree. Location is great for those who like to be near the "action" (the city with its shops and restaurants) rather than a secluded resort. Just 10 minutes from the airport, right on the beach, with nice landscaping and a huge new shopping mall right next door (although it did not disturb hotel guests in any way, since the hotel is set back from the main road). Our room was large and had all the facilities, large bathroom, fridge, tea-coffee making supplies and free bottled water (but you must ask for it). The pool was well-designed with a pool bar and the included breakfast was excellent with a wide variety of choices for the health nuts as well as everybody else (and we had all kinds in our group). As everywhere in Indonesia, staff are very friendly and courteous. The hotel management went out of their way to move us promptly when the a/c in our room died on the last day. We recommend this hotel highly, alhtough it was pricey ($113 per nght off seaon) compared to several other 5-stars that could be obtained on the internet for $60-80 per night at Kuta and Sanur.
One cautionary note when travelling in Indonesia: All merchants refuse to accept US$100 bills/notes that were printed in 1996. So check your wallet before going and don't accept the 1996 series bills.

I have been to Bali 6 times now and I have allways stayed at the Nikko Bali,so I wanted a change this time.I was travelling with my wife and my daughter aged 7 months.Sorry to say I was dissapointed.The rooms were ok but in need of a renovation specially the bathroom.There is no beach just a small road between the pool and the sea with sand on it.The pool is ok but if anyone needs shade because of small children then forget it there is about 20 sun shades for all the guests which is far from enough.A good friend of ours -a young indonesian girl aged 21 came to visit us at the hotel and when she left got held up at the security and they hit her she needed medical care afterwards.I complained to the general manager and I must admit he reacted and fired this guy.I booked for 5 days but checked out after 3 days with sorry to say no regrets.
Dave -Switzerland

I spent four nights (March 10-14, 2005) at the Discovery Katika Plaza and I can highly recommend it. It is situated on the beach, surrounded by several acres of gardens. Although right in the heart of Kuta Beach's commercial district, it is isolated from the road and has the feeling of being on an uninhabited island. I enjoyed the fact of the quiet and beauty of the hotel's grounds, yet being able to quickly walk to restaurants, shops, etc. My room was large and well-appointed, but I would not consider it luxurious, although no amenity was lacking and I was very comfortable. Best of all, I had a memorable view of the beach. The pool was beautiful and very large. The included breakfast was up to high-class international standards. The staff was friendly and accommodating. I would return in a minute. You can't go wrong with this hotel and at the price I paid, I considered it a bargain.