The hype
Travelers universally adore the romantic, antique atmosphere and the staff's warmth, often calling it a 'magical oasis' in chaotic Jimbaran.
Balquisse Heritage Hotel
$117-250/ night
Book this if You want the 'Old Bali' dream—antique teak, frangipani-scented courtyards, and silence—without the sterile feel of a big resort.
Why People Love It
- The 'living museum' interior design by Zohra Boukhari that feels like a colonial time capsule
- Three distinct pools allow you to find a quiet corner even when the hotel is full
- Asam Garam restaurant serves incredible Indonesian heritage cuisine that rivals top local spots
Quick Take: A stunningly photogenic vintage fantasy that occasionally shows its age with creaky floors and the odd mosquito.
Reviewed by @sabrinachakici: I felt like I walked into a fairytale here. The mix of vintage antiques and lush jungle is magical. My favorite part was soaking in that huge tub and then having a candlelit dinner right on my terrace. It’s the perfect romantic hideaway in Jimbaran.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Some guests in unrenovated 'Superior' rooms report wear-and-tear like musty smells or aging plumbing that doesn't match the luxury price tag.
- You prefer 'shabby chic' character over modern, sterile luxury
- You want a romantic, quiet base to explore the south of Bali
- You appreciate high-design interiors and photogenic corners
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is thorough, with evening turndown that includes lighting mosquito coils.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, though vintage grout and stone tiles can look 'aged' even when clean.
- Maintenance: Most rooms are well-kept, but some unrenovated units have reports of peeling paint or musty smells.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, crisp linens and plush towels, often scented with lemongrass.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of tuberose and incense; older rooms can occasionally smell damp after rain.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Footsteps from upper-floor rooms
- Kitchen noise for rooms located near the restaurant
- Morning roosters and nature sounds
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is a la carte and excellent, costing around IDR 300,000 (~$19 USD) if not included in your rate
- Airport transfer is available for IDR 350,000 (~$22 USD), which is smoother than haggling with taxis
- The hotel is strictly non-smoking in rooms, but has designated areas
What to pack
- High-strength mosquito repellent (the organic lemongrass stuff provided is nice but mild)
- Earplugs for the inevitable rooster or creaky floorboard
- Slip-on shoes for easy transition between pool, room, and spa
Room Genie
Best picks
- Plantation Junior Suite (recently renovated with better soundproofing and heirloom details)
- Vintage Teak House (standalone unit on stilts for maximum privacy and romance)
- Shaba Master Suite (huge, luxurious, and feels like a private residence)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard 'Superior' rooms near the kitchen (noise and potential cooking smells)
- Ground floor units under occupied rooms if you are sensitive to footstep noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love to request one of the renovated Plantation Suites or a standalone Teak House to ensure privacy. Please avoid placing us in a room directly adjacent to the kitchen or under a family unit due to noise sensitivity.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it adults only?
No, children are welcome, but the vibe is very grown-up and quiet. There is no kids' club.
How far is the beach?
About 800 meters, which is a 10-15 minute walk or a quick ride in their free vintage VW shuttle.
Is there a gym?
No traditional gym, but they offer yoga classes in the 'Shaba Shala' pavilion.
Do the rooms have AC?
Yes, all rooms have air conditioning, though the vintage wooden structures can sometimes be less airtight than modern hotels.
Is the pool crowded?
Rarely. With three different pools for fewer than 25 rooms, you can almost always find a private spot.
Are there mosquitoes in the rooms?
It's possible. The rooms are not hermetically sealed. Use the provided mosquito nets (in some rooms) and keep doors closed at dusk.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for the 'Vintage Teak House' if you want the most 'Instagrammable' standalone experience.
- ✨
The hotel offers a 'Melukat' purification ceremony at their on-site temple—a genuine cultural experience most guests miss.
- ✨
You can rent a scooter directly from the hotel to explore Uluwatu's beaches (15-20 min drive).
5 things to know before you go
💡The water pressure in the vintage showers can be temperamental—sometimes a trickle, sometimes a blast.
💡Lighting in the rooms is 'moody' (read: very dim), making it hard to apply makeup or read at night.
💡The 'shabby chic' aesthetic means some furniture is actually shabby—wobbly tables or stiff drawers are part of the deal.
💡You might share your outdoor bathroom with a gecko or two (they are harmless and eat the mosquitoes).
💡The on-site boutique sells the actual linens and decor used in the rooms, but they are pricey.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Balquisse Heritage Hotel is located and what's nearby.