Frequent travellers on Boardingarea and Flyertalk often rank the Intercontinental Bali Resort as one of their top favourites on the island. Since I had some IHG points to spare, I just had to check the property out for myself. Rewards night for this property is usually for the Classic Resort Room but I lucked out and manage to redeem a night in the King Singaraja Room for 35000 points instead. Not too bad a deal considering the room was selling for USD$370.50 per night before tax.
Security here was significantly tighter than at the Hilton Garden Inn Bali Ngurah Rai Airport. There were three guards in total who searched the trunk, interior of the car and one even used a mirror to look underneath the car. As my Uber pulled into the lobby, a bellboy banged a gong to announce my arrival. Soon, two bellboys assisted me with my luggage and two other staff came down a flight of stairs and presented me with a flower wreath before escorting me to the check in desk while giving me a brief of the property. There was so much going on simultaneously I was rather overwhelmed, but in a good way. I have never experienced such a warm welcome before. This must be the Balinese hospitality that everyone raves about.
At the check in desk I was served a welcome drink and cold towels. Definitely a thoughtful gesture considering it was blazing hot and the lobby was open air. After all the usual check in procedures were settled, I was offered a further upgrade to the King Club room for an additional USD$100. I found it quite expensive so I rejected the offer. The front desk agent then made a counter offer of USD$80. It was not even my intention to haggle with him especially considering the setting we were in. It made the place seem very dodgy, like the agent could offer any price he wanted at his whim and fancy. It reminded me of the days in Las Vegas where I slipped $20 bills during check in to get a better room. But having heard so much about the club experience, I accepted the USD$80 offer. It should also be noted that this property do not upgrade their Royal Ambassadors to a Club room and one can only pay to get it.
As my room was not ready considering it was slightly past 1pm when I arrived, I was escorted to the Club Lounge to wait. The colonial-infused interior made the lounge one of the most luxurious ones I have ever set my foot into. There was a crystal chandelier and a grand piano right at the entrance. The tables were all set with white linen tablecloth and fine China. Everything seemed so extravagant and fancy. The lounge is open 24 hours a day and provides free breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. I took the opportunity to clear some email and soon it was teatime. The staff automatically came out with a three-tiered cake stand with sweet and savory snacks, which was paired with TWG tea that I could select from a menu. There was even a pianist playing familiar melodies on the grand piano, which I thought was so over the top, but I absolutely loved it.
After having tea, my butler walked me to my assigned room, which was about a five minute walk from the lounge. He then proceeded to give me a tour of the room before offering to unpack my stuff, which I declined politely. I do not really get the point of having a butler because I prefer to do things myself. (Am I a minority on this?) I do not want a stranger to be rummaging through my underwear and whatnot, especially since I literally throw all my stuff in my big with zero organisation. Plus most of the time I just live out of my carry on without unpacking. Anyhow, the room was spacious at 58 square metres, it was roughly the size of junior suites I usually get. The room was typical Balinese style with use of woodcarvings, lots of local hand woven textiles and wooden furniture.
I was lucky to get a room on the ground floor, which gave me direct access to the Club Intercontinental pool. It was nice having a private pool just 20 steps away from the room. The room was beautiful, but it was definitely starting to show a bit of age for sure. The bathroom door creaked and one can see wear and tear on the wooden furniture, but everything still worked completely fine.
The bathroom featured a tub and shower, which was reasonably sized. Haron toiletries that came in huge 100ml bottles were provided. They smelt lovely with a faint citrusy smell. If I had a gripe, it would be that the knobs of the taps had a bit of mould on them, not something I would expect from a five star resort.
Once I was all settled in, I decided to take a dip in the pool before heading over to Jimbaran beach to watch the sun set. I had my first round of evening cocktails by the Club Intercontinental Pool before heading to the Club Lounge for seconds. The evening cocktails here was quite a let down. Like there was so little food it cannot be passed off as dinner. Apparently they use to have an a la carte menu which guest could order any food off, but ever since the cutbacks these have all disappeared. Instead they brought out some appetizer plates and had a small buffet spread consisting of fruits, chocolates and cheese. Quite a disappointment considering the premium I paid, and the fact that I am used to the lounges in Hiltons and Conrads where the offerings can easily be a meal replacement. The plus side of the evening cocktails would definitely be the drinks. They had such an extensive drink menu which had almost everything one can ask for from the Bali Hai to the Long Island and Cosmopolitan.
Since I was still hungry, I proceeded to have dinner at the seafood stalls along Jimbaran beach to taste something local. The meal was probably one of the freshest I ever had and was extremely affordable. I was literally facing the sea and had the best sea view one can ask for.
I also managed to squeeze in some gym time before bed.
Overall the resort was amazing. I have never been to a hotel where I felt so welcomed before. Literally ever single employee I encountered at the resort was genuinely friendly. They would greet me the traditional way with a huge smile and it did not seem forced at all. (I mean it is quite easy to tell if being friendly does not come from the heart.) If one wants to experience true Balinese hospitality, this is definitely the place to stay.