J

Review of Padma Resort Bali

I'd like to mention first that a lot of the review...

I'd like to mention first that a lot of the reviews seem to be from novice travelers, families with children, first timers in Bali and people who have nothing else to compare it to.

If you are looking for Luxury 5 star, the Padma isn't it, yes, the grounds and pools are nice but it lacks the 5star service.

My wife and I, as well as my parents, stayed at the Padma for 7 nights. I had booked directly with the hotel for 2x Lagoon view rooms, I paid extra and booked through the hotel rather than getting the free upgrade with Luxury escapes or Travel zoo etc because those rooms are subject to availability and didn't want to risk missing out on the Lagoon view and a request for top floor.

I booked 2x lagoon rooms and requested the 4th floor but not next to each other, when we checked in both rooms were on the 2nd floor (no view at all) and were directly next to each other with an adjoining door!
I explained to the reception that both requests had not been looked at and I would like to be moved, unfortunately all the rooms on the 4th floor were fully booked until halfway through our stay, and while we did move upstairs when the room became available it was definitely a poor start to the trip.

We also noticed that other guests were given different treatment upon arrival and check in, some were given cold towels, drinks etc, we got nothing, maybe because they booked with luxury escapes, travel zoo etc??

Now to the rooms, 2nd floor in k4 has no views, if you want views it has to be 4th floor and in K1 or K2 building.
Lagoon view rooms are nice, all have a big bath and sliding door to the bedroom, balconies are very small though and seating isn't very good, you can't really sit out there and have food.

When you are paying a premium price for a 5 star hotel (I paid 2k for 7 nights during Aug) you expect at least a decent bed. Our room was described as having a King size bed but it wasn t it was two single beds pushed together.
This wasn t in just one room either it was like that all 4 rooms we saw because my parents had the same problem. You can't have a nice sleep with your partner on 2 single beds pushed together because there is a hard lump and gap between the two beds. When I mentioned this to the front desk they replied "but its bigger than king size" but it doesn't matter if you can't actually sleep in the middle.

Rooms service was poor also, we waited over 45min for our food and when we got it is was cold, my dad ordered 4 beers that took an hour, when he eventually got them, they brought the wrong ones, so they took them back, 30min passed so he called again to get a reply "oh do you still want them?"
Not once in the 7 days did we get a turn down service and on one of the days housekeeping missed cleaning the room completely!

I've stayed at lots of 5 star resorts in Thailand, bali, Japan etc, when the rooms are cleaned little things like towel arrangements on the bed, stuff in the bathroom arranged nicely, none of this was done at the Padma, just generic service.

One of the reasons I booked the Padma is the reviews about breakfast, I'm not sure if these other people have stayed at many 5star resorts but the breakfast was poor.
No Coffee service, I mean actual coffee, like a latte etc
The breakfast selection was basic international, Indonesian food with western.
Comparing this to a LOT cheaper 5 star hotel the Marriott, the Marriott beats it hands down.

The staff and security are always friendly and happy to help you, the grounds are immaculate and the gardens are beautiful.
I wouldn't book through the hotel because you get no benefit, go through Luxury escapes or something to get the best deal.

I was disappointed in the Padma and probably won't recommend or return.
For families I d say this place is fantastic, but for couples who are expecting 5 star and have a standard of what to expect I d say stay elsewhere.

It really shouldn t have a 5 star rating it should be 4 Star.
Stay on 4th floor Lagoon view in K1 K2, or Pool access rooms are nice, if you want one that's quiet opt for k4 pool access