Hanging at the Gayatri Bungalows in Ubud Bali
Where to Stay in Bali with Kids
You know the drill, it’s time to book your hotel stays in Bali but as a family the process can be daunting.
You want to save money but you don’t all want to be sharing a bed. You want to have a pool for the kids but you don’t want to pay $80-$100+ per night for the privilege.
Many blogs and travel guidebooks, including my beloved Lonely Planet, recommend places like the Hard Rock Hotel or the Westin Resort as “great family friendly hotels in Bali”. Hell yeah, they are great for the family, who wouldn’t want a resort with water slides, man-made beaches, and babysitting? But, unless you have just won the lottery you may be like ourselves: looking for Westin comfort at hard rock bottom prices.
Finding budget-friendly, and family-friendly accommodations doesn’t always go hand-in-hand.
Below are the exact locations and accommodations we booked during our 30 day stay in Bali. Keep in mind, prices will fluctuate by 2-3x during the high season!
Budget Accommodations for Families in Bali
We found each of the places below to be wonderful, family and budget friendly options that will provide maximum comfort at median/minimal cost.
Jimbaran
Poolside at The Hotel Puri Bambu in Bali
WiFi: Very good
Jimbaran is not a “must see” location by any means on a Bali itinerary. It is made very nice by the well priced and well located Hotel Puri Bambu which really sells it in my mind as an airport stopping point. The breakfast is one of the best we have had and they have a convenient and free shuttle into Kuta.
Kuta Beach
WiFi: Very good
Sanur
WiFi: Spotty
Balian Beach
WiFi: Spotty, and it doesn’t reach the houses at the far end
Balian has a combination of surf and exotic accommodations that will blow your mind. Pondok Pitaya is the glue the brings it all together!We came to stay for a few days and spent a week. The surf can be hit and miss but if you want surf, yoga, sun, swimming and a mansion for a week for less than it costs to fill up your car back home, Balian is for you!
Pemuteran
WiFi: Very good
The Amertha Bali Villas were heaven on earth. Although we were housed near the entrance in a group arrangement, we ended up pretty much having our own pool, with a pool slide, a shared outdoor kitchen a wonderful sitting area and lots of frogs for the kids. You walk one way and you get the beach, you walk 3 minutes the other way and you are on the main drag. This is a real advantage when you are toting around little ones. Breakfast was heavenly, we ate right on the beach and although our accommodations set us back at almost $100 per night, we stayed within budget, as the huge breakfast and plenitude of free daytime activities meant we had very little extra out of pocket expenses.
Ubud
WiFi: Spotty and a bit slow, but free
Don’t miss our family friendly Bali destination guide.