First, I just want to thank the staff for being incredibly welcoming, accommodating and personable. Right from the start everyone was so warm that I couldn't help but look forward to my stay there. The views were also the selling point for me based on previous reviews. OH MY GOD, no words or pictures can do it justice, it's truly breathtaking in person. Rice paddies, the Ayung River, hilltop hotel bungalows, lush green jungle.... I mean, it was almost surreal. Everyone seems to complain about the breakfast too. I can understand why, but it's not AS bad as people make it out to be. The coffee was horrible, that much is true. I did end up trying other food on the menu, and it tasted really good. Plus, you can beat that view while enjoying a meal in the restaurant. It's not as close to town as I would have liked, but I enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and didn't notice the distance. Luckily there's a free shuttle to town that leaves at 10am and 4pm, but no returns unfortunately. Taxi is about $4-5 one-way. The second pool overlooking the river is nice and relaxing, but it could use some updating. The loungers were covered in ants, so I spent most of my time in the water which was a little unfortunate. There are also a number of tours you can book through the hotel, I was able to do the sunrise trek up Mt. Batur, as well as rafting the Ayung River. I highly recommend staying here and wouldn't hesitate to return when in Ubud again.
