When we pulled up to the Grand Mirage, we knew we were in for a treat. As we usually travel as backpackers, this hotel with its marble lobby, was everything we were looking for.
We had booked a garden view room to cut down on costs but were happily surprised to see we had been put in a beach view room. The room was spacious and clean, with a good size balcony. Our room overlooked the pool as well as the beach, which made for a gorgeous view. (The hotel is beach front.)
The bathroom was marble with a shower and separate bathtub, with an extendable washing line if you wanted to hang up wet bathing suits etc. One odd thing was that there were shutters on one side of the bathroom, in case you wanted to be able to see the rest of the room while you were in there.
The pool was actually a series of small pools connected. One had a swim up bar and you could swim under a bridge to get to the others. Lots of lounge chairs both at the pool area, on the grass and on the beach for guests to use.
A buffet breakfast was included with our package and it was wonderful. It changed daily and offered both hot and cold food, an egg or waffle station, fresh fruit and drinks. You could tell an effort had been made to include items that would appeal to all nationalities.
The inside of the hotel itself was very beautiful. A waterfall ran down the middle of the hotel and it must have been 3-4 stories tall. Everything was very airy and light.
The staff were always friendly and helpful, we changed rooms after our first night as we could hear construction near by and it was no problem at all. Each night, someone will turn your bed down for you and leave a flower on your pillow.
There are many little restaurants across the street that offer a combination of Indonesian and Western food. The food in the hotel, while good, is expensive and it's worth the little walk across the street. There is a little store as well where you can buy snacks and drinks across the street as well. Further down is a 7-11 type store that has an ATM inside.
A taxi from Tuban, where the hotel is located, will take about 20-25 minutes to reach the Kuta area and will cost you about 40,000 rupiah, including tip. It's not a hassle at all, as you can flag down a taxi on the street in about 2 seconds. Taxis are very inexpensive, however always make sure the meter is on. If you aren't sure, ask.
We loved our first experience in Bali and the Grand Mirage only helped to enhance the experience. Can't wait to go back!