Holiday Inn Canggu Hotel Review
The Walking Critic | Canggu, Bali | 2024
I’m going to eat another massive dose of humble apple pie here, because for me, Holiday Inn, is like an un-lit firework. The lettuce in a sandwich. The mortar between two bricks. The gang plank between a jetty and ship. Like all Holiday Inn properties, It is solid, reliable and dependable.
As a brand, Holiday Inn is stoically generic, even down to its logo, which acts like the ingredients on a packet of cereal. You kind of know what is on the inside the box, without having to look at it.
I have always thought of Holiday Inn as more function than fun. More motel vibe, than hotel slide.
Well, that’s what I thought, until I booked myself into the Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu.
In my past life, I wore a very different hat, when I oversaw the meeting management for IATA worldwide. It was quite a major role and Holiday Inn was an awesome arrow in my quiver. It was like a bath plug stopping water. Safe. Dependable. Consistent. It marched to a corporate tune and my clients saluted all the time. It was a win-win situation.
But that was the past. Today, I come at hotels from a different angle: holiday travel.
I never over-research any hotel before I visit one. It tends to kill “first impressions” with too much PR propaganda. Mind you, many hotels approach me first, so that angle is often nipped off at inception!
My mission, this time, was slightly different. I wanted to learn more about Canggu. Why was there such an eclectic buzz about this area? How come so many people I know were gravitating towards it? People I respect. And so it was that I started researching places to stay.
By the grace of good fortune, the Holiday Inn popped up on my radar and I booked it.
The last time I visited Canggu was right before COVID. I stayed at the COMO Canggu down on the beach, but I never had much time to experience the local neighbourhood. It was a fleeting trip. I wanted this time to be about exploration.
Canggu does not have a huge choice of hotels, even though it is booming. I wanted to immerse myself in the region and the Holiday Inn was in a perfect location, close to the beach, shops and restaurants. I did not have high expectations. I expected that same-old-generic-brand experience. I was wrong.
The Holiday Inn is located on the right-hand side of Batu Bolong road , about 300 metres up from the beach. It shares its sprawling grounds with the recently opened Regent Bali Canggu. Sadly, its doors were closed to prying eyes…like mine! When I was there, it was nanoseconds away from an official opening.
As soon as you turn off the main road, into the hotel complex, you quickly realise something special lies beyond the security sentry box. You can’t really see the distant Regent Bali Canggu, but your gaze is pulled down the paved grey road, towards a landscaped world of towering frangipani trees and cascading foliage. You’re beckoned and lured towards it, like a seduced bee drawn to nectar.
As soon as you clear security and the mandatory bomb check, the hotel structure rises beside you. With four floors, it is not oppressive. To the contrary, it is a perfectly balanced blend of neutral, clean, lateral lines, a modern composure of Balinese wood and tempered glass balconies. Lush green plantings burst with foliage and edge the walkways with character and colour. It is not that the hotel is making a statement. It is whispering softly, “I want you.”
A hundred metres deep, along the new driveway, a side road suddenly spurs and veers off to the right. It ascends gently to a lower, drop-off point from which taxis and cars can dispense their passengers and bags. I noticed how the smooth paving had morphed into rough cobbled stones, by design, not coincidence.
I was reminded how grand entrances make statements too.
Looking up, I noticed the intricate Alang-Alang thatch roof made of Imperata cylindrica grass. This holds deep cultural significance to the Balinese and is a hallmark of their traditional architecture, adorning and protecting homes and temples. It is both beautiful and functional.
The same could be said about Western architecture. In the 18th - and 19th – centuries, many grand buildings in Europe had elaborate doorways to a building through which a horse and carriage could pull up, providing temporary protection for arriving and departing guests. Known as porte-cochères, these structures had a function, not just to protect, but to impress.
And such it is that almost all Balinese hotels are designed with a covered arrival area, projecting power and wealth, as well as style. From my perspective, it is to save your butt from getting totally smashed by torrential downpours!
If there is one thing that melts my heart, it is the unrequited love that Balinese people give to strangers. It is so deep and sincere. As I climbed up to the reception area, I was greeted with glowing smiles by everyone, especially the lady at the check-in desk.
I felt completely at home (despite the collage of Holiday Inn and IHG logos lurking before me). I knew my tatty bags and computer gear where somewhere on route to my new room. I simply felt at ease and completely relieved of every “mental anvil” that might have been strapped to my back since breakfast.
As is customary with all hotels in Bali, on arrival, I was given a beautiful welcome drink (it was purple and I think called “Galanti”). Better still, I was given a rolled-up chilled flannel to wipe away my grime and sorrows. This is truly one ritual I savour and never bypass at any hotel, often prolonging the cold flannel across my face to breath in the scented lemongrass or frangipani.
Having dispensed with the formalities of check-in, two lovely ladies approached my 7-year-old son and asked him if he wanted to make a temple offering, better known as a Canang Sari. which literally means “a beautiful purpose”.
My face lit up.
I have watched thousands of offerings placed on family temples and shop fronts. It seems every doorway is blessed with a daily offering and the burning of incense. Yet I have never known where these offerings came from.
For me, this was one of “life’s great mysteries”, replete with so many unanswered questions. How were they made each day? Who was responsible for making them? Was it by pecking order of seniority: the eldest, youngest, male, female member of the household? Are all Balinese kids taught how to make these offerings? Where do they get all their ingredients from? A shop? Their garden? What prayers are said when the offerings are completed and presented. To which god are they offered?
I think I was more excited to learn about this than my son!
I watched and learned a lot about the placement of flowers, in a simple woven basket, made in this instance from janur (young coconut palm) or pandan leaves. My son made his own special container, which had the modern twist of not being so much woven, but stapled! Even so, the process was fascinating. None of the flowers were randomly chosen; every colour and placement had meaning.
The Canang Sari has many meanings and philosophies, depending upon where you go in the world, though they all follow the same ritual of the compass
White flowers point to the east, a symbol of purity. Purple (or blue) flowers point north as a symbolise of love, compassion and higher spirituality. Yellow (or orange) flowers are placed to the west, a symbol of Indonesia, as well as the sun, warmth of life, prosperity and success. Red faces south and is a symbol of power, protection, health and vitality. And in the middle is green representing abundance, balance, growth, harmony and healing.
My short description skirts over a ritual I have taken for granted, for so long. I have always watched the daily offerings with great reverence, Today I hold the Canang Sari, along with the sprinkling of holy water and the wafting of incense smoke with even greater respect. Even as my son was escorted down to the temple, to place his offering at its foot, I felt something better had happened in our universe and those of the Balinese people too. I sensed a glow and a warmth within that was not there before.
Of all my travels throughout Bali (and possibly beyond), this has to rank as one of the best family rooms I have ever booked. The kid’s suite is staggering in design, style and space. It was almost better than the adult area. Even I would love to sleep there!Bali is astonishingly backward when it comes to family rooms and this is not the case with the Holiday Inn Canggu. Most hotel properties have token roll-in, roll-out single beds, or sofa conversions, if you are lucky. And even then, they only suit families of three, forcing bigger families to book two rooms (often with no connecting door!).
Holiday Inn has done a huge leap of faith and created an immensely successful “Kids Suite” in both name and delivery. It has its own blue and grey nautical bedroom, enclosed with sliding doors and floor to ceiling Venetian blinds. A giant bunkbed...with real mattresses and super-solid ladder…is the central statement piece. Even the sides to each bunk have porthole openings, posing as safety barriers, as well as wall-mounted ‘whale’ reading lights. Not to be outdone, the wallpaper is emblazoned with decorative fish and the bed linen is splashed with either printed lighthouses or other swimming creatures.
There is even a kid’s desk and funky stool, though I had to fault one thing: there are no plugs. Name me a kid that does not have or want an iPad to use!
All in all, this space is so much fun. I want to be a kid again!From a parent’s point of view, the Kid’s Suite is like a second bedroom; part of the hotel room, not an offshoot of it. The bed and bunks have their own space that can be closed off, despite it sharing space with the lounge and TV area. That means at nighttime, you can tuck the kids in tight, slide the door shut, roll up the Venetian blinds and know your kids are loving life. The master bedroom is still your own enclave, in eye and earshot.
And whilst I’m on the subject of parents, let me say this. Holiday Inn Canggu is not your typical Holiday Inn property. Far from it. The master bedroom is stylish, not functional. It has character and appeal. It respects the needs of holiday goers, more than travelling suits. Charm is pervasive, down to the bathrobes and slippers, glass walled shower and toilet. Towels and face cloths. I’m not convinced the Dove body lotion is a winner, but Americans know and love it. I just think there are more marketable odours smells, than the smell of soap!
Apart for that, everything is in the room; the Nespresso machine, mini fridge, complimentary water, personal safe and yes, even international wall plugs and USC charging. Anyone that knows me well, especially from the hotel world, knows that I will zero-in on wall plugs. If you can’t provide for modern needs, USB at the very least and USC preferably, then expect my vitriol. Holiday Inn Canggu ticked almost every box (except the kids desk). Even caravans and cruise ships recognise the importance of charging mobile devices. It is nice to see that Holiday Inn is ahead of the curve.
Roomah is the main dining venue at the Holiday Inn Canggu. It is located on the lower level, at the opposite end to the reception area. The interior is modern and bright, with high vaulted ceilings, giant windows and plenty of seating options. Food is served daily at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Like many onsite restaurants, you kind of gravitate to eat there more out of convenience than because of food write ups. This is hardly surprising since you sleep under the same roof and probably have breakfast included in your tab. As such, the kitchen is there to fill you up and not necessarily wow you. Yet Roomah is surprisingly above the norm and a much better vibe than other “generic” hotel brands. Often these hotels cater for transient guests with a convention mentality, where speed dictates the choice of food and direction of the menus.
The lunch menu caters for diverse international crowd and there really is something for everyone, including kids.
The Asiatic choice is extensive, offering Balinese heroes like Ayam Betutu, Nasi Goreng and Nasi Campur, as well as Chinese specials like Kung Pao Chicken and Cantonese Beef Medallions. Even Laksa Sumatera and Singapore Chili Prawns are on offer.
Small Plates offer quick fixes like an Arabic Cold Mezze or Chicken Spring Rolls. Big Classics are loaded up with pasta, including a huge favourite of mine anywhere: Linguine Aglio Olio. You can’t go wrong with that. Likewise with a New York Cheese Burger or Fish and Chips! For the more adventurous, don’t bypass the Nikkei- Sei or Japanese Peruvian fusion selections. These include Wasabi Prawn Tempura, Crunchy Fish Bao Buns, Crispy Chicken Tacos and Ni-Sei Beef Tartare.
I ordered and loved the Nasi Goreng Kampoeng Nelayan with is seafood fried rice, grilled fish, tempura calamari and prawns. But let me tell you this, before I ate that, I had an even better surprise: freshly baked Focaccia bread, drizzled with olive oil and herbs. I don’t think I have ever eaten such beautifully fresh and soft bread at any hotel!
Check out the infinity pool at the Roof Top Pool Bar. It is unquestionably one of the major draw cards at the Holiday Inn Canggu. You literally have breathtaking sunset views for miles, from the water, with lots of undeveloped land between you and the ocean. Elliptical sun loungers line the pool facing towards the ocean and there are plenty of the purple striped swimming towels on offer.
During my stay, I hardly saw anyone there, which really surprised me. Mind you it was still in the December rainy season months and I guessed everyone was out and about on Batu Bolong, sampling the many cafes and bars, or shopping. However, if you time your visit right, between 3pm and 7pm there is a 2-hour “Free Flow” or selected wines, beer and cocktails for IDR 350,000 per person (about AUD $35).
The setting was immensely serene and peaceful with a lovely blend of families and couples of all ages either sunning themselves, swimming or sitting under the shaded thatched eaves of the bar roof. It was by no means busy. I swam a few lengths and even ventured off the left to the quieter, sectioned off spa area. If I had more time, I would have kicked back, read a book at soaked up some sun.
The Holiday Inn Canggu could not be better positioned to give its guests access to one of the fastest growing regions in Bali. This has become the epicenter of chill vibes, surf culture, and creativity—it's where the magic happens!
For ocean lovers donning surf boards, you won’t be alone anywhere in Canggu. The sound of ocean and smell of spray will have you rushing for world-class waves almost every day. The surf here has been legendary for decades. But it's not just about the waves; it’s about the whole vibe.
Canggu feels like a creative playground, with street art, funky cafes, and boutique shops popping up on every corner. The entire place is this amazing blend of laid-back beach vibes and a cutting-edge, boho, artistic energy. You're just as likely to bump into a surfer fresh off the beach as you are a digital nomad working on their startup in a trendy coworking space. The community is super diverse, with people from all over the world, but everyone shares this love for the island’s magic.
Then there’s the food. Oh, the food! Healthy bowls, smoothie cafes, organic vegan spots, but also plenty of places that do ridiculously good Balinese dishes and hearty comfort food. There's literally a cafe for every mood. Oh, and let’s not forget about sunset sessions! The beachfront bars serve up cocktails and vibes that’ll leave you speechless.
Canggu is also insanely photogenic. Every street corner, every rice paddy, every beachside sunset could be a postcard. The energy here? Electric, but also incredibly peaceful at the same time. Whether you're here for the surf, the food, the community, or just to soak up the beauty of Bali, Canggu has this perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
If you haven’t been, get ready—it’s Bali’s coolest hidden gem!
Holiday Inn Canggu was a breath of fresh air and one that I did not expect. I often think of Holiday Inn as a rather insipid and impersonal brand, that caters mostly for generic travelling suits, rather than chilled out family holiday-goers. But true to that soft and edgy IHG direction, it has delivered an awesome and affordable product, in a really good location.
The Family Kids Suites are a massive winner, though sadly there are only four of them at the hotel. I have reviewed well over 50 hotels in Bali and none of them have such a fun and funky kids area in one suite, that can also be closed off from the Master Bedroom.
I loved the modern design, which was a basic classic contemporary feel of concrete and wood, Sure, it was not stacked with bells and whistles and in my opinion, it hasn’t really shaken its generic Holiday Inn mantle either.
It was a quiet retreat, off the beaten path, but close enough to the beach, surf and shopping action. The roof top infinity pool and was a great asset, and in my opinion, under-used by both myself and the other guests. Great dining and bar choices were also within short walking distances.
My one big concern is one that many Bali experts, like myself, will ponder: congestion.
If you have not been to Bali recently, let me paint you a modern picture: almost everything is being dug up and built, from roads and pavements, to streetlights and villas. Rice paddy fields are becoming extinct. Villas are filling the void. I would wager a bet that cement will soon become more valuable than gold or cocaine! Construction is booming. And the mess is ever present to prove it.
Whilst development is often a good thing for emerging economies, I have to question how much Bali can handle. Canggu is like an egg timer. Everything and everyone is trying to get through one tiny throughfare. The constriction of cars and motorbikes as they converge down the same, single lane roads, needs to be addressed or tourism will go elsewhere.
For more information on the Holiday Inn Canggu Hotel Review or to make an actual booking enquiry, contact Bali experts BlueSun Travel on 1300 799 758 or email holidays@bluesuntravel.com.
