Bali's Historic Hotels: 12 Corners

Stay in rooms where Queen Elizabeth, Mahatma Gandhi, and kings have vacationed: the famous and legendary hotels of Bali, where every corner exudes history. The island boasts royal family apartments, the villas of famous artists and performers converted into hotels, and many other amazing places! We've compiled a selection of hotels where you can experience the history of the Island of the Gods.

Amandari

Tjampuhan Hotel & Spa, Ubud

This hotel is a true legend. It was built back in 1928 as a guesthouse for the Ubud royal family, under the orders of King Tjokorda Gede Sukawati. Just imagine how lavish and luxurious this home's decor must have been! Later, the building became a haven for the creative elite, as a friend of the royal family, the renowned artist Walter Spies, took up residence here. Every stone here is steeped in history, and the location is simply incredible – a quiet, picturesque gorge where two rivers sacred to the Balinese converge.

Rooms. The interior reflects the house's rich heritage, combining traditional Balinese style with comfort. There are both historic bungalows and more modern rooms, all harmoniously integrated into the lush tropical landscape.

Facilities. Guests can enjoy a renowned spa offering traditional treatments based on ancient Balinese practices and several swimming pools overlooking the gorge. The views are incredible! The restaurants serve local and international cuisine. Guests can enjoy strolls through tropical gardens. And since this is Ubud, art galleries, yoga studios, and creative workshops are just a stone's throw away, offering workshops.

Getting there: From Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), the journey by taxi or car will take approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Tjampuhan Hotel & Spa

Inna Bali Heritage Hotel, Denpasar

Queen Elizabeth, Charlie Chaplin, Mahatma Gandhi, and Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, have all stayed at this hotel. The place literally oozes history! These walls have survived the colonial era, the struggle for independence, and the emergence of modern Bali. Opened by the Dutch in 1927, it was the first modern hotel on the island at the time. The most famous room, where celebrities stayed, is room 77. Today, the hotel building is recognized as a cultural heritage site.

Rooms. Now a 3-star hotel, it has preserved the majestic colonial architecture, with high ceilings, spacious verandas, and antique furniture.

Facilities. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool and restaurants serving Indonesian and European cuisine. The historic center of Denpasar is close to the hotel, where you can visit local markets and museums. The hotel frequently hosts cultural events.

How to get there: Inna Bali Heritage is located in the center of Denpasar, approximately 30-45 minutes drive from the airport.

Inna Bali Heritage Hotel

Puri Santrian, Sanur

This hotel was one of the first resorts in Sanur, opening over half a century ago, in the 1960s. Owned by a Balinese family, the resort has actively supported and promoted local culture, art, and traditions from the very beginning. It harmoniously blends authentic Bali with modern comfort.

Rooms. The resort offers a wide variety of rooms, including exclusive club rooms and bungalows decorated in traditional Balinese style.

Facilities. The hotel features three swimming pools, several ocean-view restaurants serving local and international cuisine, a spa, and a fitness center. Guests can participate in cooking classes, yoga classes, and water sports.

How to get there: by taxi from the airport in 20-30 minutes.

Puri Santrian

Tandjung Sari, Sanur

This bohemian hotel, founded in 1962 by artist and architect Vincent John Samuel, is a true boutique masterpiece, the embodiment of "old Bali." From the very beginning, it became a magnet for creative intellectuals, artists, writers, and celebrities from around the world. Every bungalow here is a work of art.

Rooms. The hotel consists of individually designed bungalows in traditional Balinese style. Inside, they feature antique furniture, hand-woven fabrics, and artwork from local artisans.

Facilities. A magnificent seafront restaurant offers stunning sunset views. There's a swimming pool, a library, and the opportunity to simply enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Sanur Beach. The hotel is very creative, hosting exhibitions and cultural events.

How to get there: about 20-30 minutes by taxi from the airport.

Tandjung Sari

Amandari, Ubud

The hotel became one of the first truly luxury hotels in Ubud. It pioneered the concept of a traditional Balinese village, with quiet paths, volcanic stone walls, and Balinese-style temple buildings.

Rooms. The exterior resembles a cozy village. The villas are stand-alone suites with thatched roofs and private gardens, many with private pools. Natural, local materials are used throughout.

Facilities. The hotel's highlight is a magnificent infinity pool overlooking rice fields and a gorge. The restaurant serves gourmet cuisine. There's also a spa and a library. Guests can participate in ceremonies at the nearby temple, or go trekking or cycling.

How to get there: by taxi or car 1.5 hours from the airport.

Amandari

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Seminyak

One of the first luxury hotels to open in the late 1970s, it is a beautiful oasis nestled among lush tropical gardens right on the oceanfront.

Rooms. The resort offers several types of accommodations, including lanai (bungalow-style rooms) and luxurious villas with private pools. All are furnished with natural stone, teak, and adorned with works of art by local artisans.

Facilities. The pool offers magnificent ocean views. There are several restaurants serving Indonesian and international cuisine, a spa, and tennis courts. Since the hotel is located in Bali's most developed resort, all the trendy boutiques, restaurants, and clubs are within easy reach.

How to get there: 30-45 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS).

The Oberoi Beach Resort

Grand Inna Bali Beach, Sanur

This is a true Bali legend, the first five-star hotel and the tallest building on the island. The 10-story tower was built at the initiative of the Indonesian president. Due to strict local height restrictions, the hotel remains the tallest building on the island. It has undergone several renovations, but retains its historic spirit and grandeur.

Rooms. Grand Inna offers spacious rooms, many with breathtaking ocean views. The design combines elements of mid-century modernism with Balinese influences.

Facilities: The hotel boasts several swimming pools, restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, direct access to the famous Sanur Beach, a golf course, and tennis courts.

How to get there: just 20-30 minutes by taxi from the international airport.

Grand Inna Bali Beach

Balquisse Heritage Hotel, Jimbaran

This boutique hotel, founded in the 1960s, seems to have stepped out of the pages of an old novel. It combines Javanese colonial style with Asian and Moroccan décor elements. Every corner tells its own story.

Rooms. The rooms are furnished with antique furniture, rare artifacts, and luxurious fabrics. The colonial architecture features high ceilings and spacious verandas.

Facilities. The hotel features several swimming pools surrounded by shady gardens. The restaurant serves exquisite cuisine. An ideal place for a romantic getaway.

How to get there: the road from the airport will take 15-20 minutes.

Balquisse Heritage Hotel

Handara Golf & Resort Bali, Bedugul

This luxury golf resort, designed by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson, is considered one of the finest in Asia. Situated in the cool mountains, the hotel is a short distance from the sea and surrounded by pristine forests and volcanic hills. The famous Handara Gate has become one of the most photographed spots in Bali.

Rooms. The property features rooms and cottages decorated in traditional Balinese style, using natural wood and stone.

Infrastructure. The main feature is, of course, the 18-hole golf course. There are tennis courts, and guests can enjoy mountain hikes and excursions to Lake Bedugula.

How to get there: the hotel is 2 hours by car from the airport.

Handara Golf & Resort Bali

Hotel Tugu Bali, Canggu

Although it's the youngest of all the historic hotels, just 35 years old, it's steeped in history. Its owner, Anhar Legowo, is an avid antique collector. He has transformed the hotel into a veritable museum of Indonesian history. Every corner is filled with antiques, works of art, and artifacts reflecting the cultural heritage of Java, Bali, and other islands of the archipelago.

Rooms. Unique themed suites reflect Bali's history through decor and artifacts. Exquisite architecture inspired by ancient temples and palaces.

Facilities. The hotel is set in a manicured garden with a large artificial pond reminiscent of a water temple and a pool with crystal-clear water. The restaurant serves authentic Indonesian cuisine, with the opportunity to sample dishes based on ancient recipes. The spa offers traditional massages and Balinese revitalizing treatments.

How to get there: the journey from the airport will take about 1 hour.

Hotel Tugu Bali

Tirtagangga Water Palace Villas, Karangasem

The hotel's uniqueness lies not only in its historical heritage (it's over 70 years old) but also in its location. Tirtagangga Water Palace Villas is located next to one of Bali's most famous and beautiful water palaces, built by the last Rajah of Karangasem. The villas are built and decorated in keeping with the traditions of centuries past.

Rooms. The villas reflect traditional Balinese architecture with carved wood, stone, and decorative elements. Many rooms overlook the palace gardens or surrounding rice terraces.

Infrastructure. Guests have access to the Tirtagangga Water Palace with its bathing pools, fountains, and statues.

Getting there: The drive from the airport can take 2-3 hours. This is a more remote but very picturesque region.

Tirtagangga Water Palace Villas