Bali's BEST Lake View Hotel: Hotel de Danau's Stunning Views Await!
Hotel de Danau: Is THIS Lake View Hotel Bali's Best? My Brain's Still Processing… (And the View's Spectacular)
Okay, let's just dive RIGHT in. Bali. Lake View. Hotel de Danau. Those three things instantly conjured images of idyllic sunsets and Instagram-worthy panoramas. And, well, the pictures don't lie. Seriously, the view from my room? Jaw drops and scribbles indecipherable notes on a crumpled napkin. It’s breathtaking. Utterly, completely, ridiculously breathtaking. But is it perfect? Let's unpack this messy, slightly over-caffeinated experience.
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Meta Description: Unearth the secrets of Hotel de Danau, Bali's gem with stunning lake views! My unvarnished review explores accessibility, dining, activities, and the big question: is it REALLY Bali's best lake view hotel? Find out with my honest, sometimes chaotic, firsthand experience!
The Arrival - Or, My First Encounter with "Balinese Time"
Getting to Hotel de Danau was…an experience. Let's just say the airport transfer (part of the services on offer, blessedly) was a masterclass in navigating Bali's chaotic traffic. I mean, the roads are basically a free-for-all, with scooters weaving through everything like caffeinated fireflies. But finally, finally, we pulled up to the hotel, and BAM – that view. Seriously, it's like the lake swallowed the sky and decided to reflect it back at you.
Real Quick Aside: They offer airport transfer. Good. Because trying to organize a taxi after a 20-hour flight is a recipe for a meltdown.
Accessibility - Navigating the "Accessible"
This is where things get a little tricky. Hotel de Danau definitely attempts to cater to guests with mobility needs. They tick a bunch of boxes! They've got Elevator access, which is HUGE. They list "Facilities for disabled guests." BUT and here’s the HUGE BUT some of the pathways felt a little dicey. Not specifically wheelchair un-accessible but maybe slightly… un-thought-through. Wide enough, but with some odd changes in levels—one minute you're strolling, the next, you're practically tackling a small staircase. So, make sure you are getting a ground floor room or request a room specifically designed for accessibility. They offer Facilities for disabled guests so check on what that will entail upon booking your room. The staff were SO lovely that if you had a concern, I'm sure you could work it out. I found that for a hotel of this quality, this wasn't a strong point, even though they do their best.
- Accessibility Checklist:
- Elevator: Check!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Present, verify specific room features when booking.
- Exterior corridor: Not applicable.
- Room access: Verify specific room features when booking.
Rooms - That View, Tho! (And the Pillow Fight of the Century)
My room? Oh, the room. It was… big. Overwhelmingly so in the best way. And of course, the view. The Lake View was phenomenal. I found the Blackout curtains were perfect. I appreciate the Air conditioning and the Complimentary tea. The In-room safe box was useful also. I can see that the rooms have been designed especially for couples! There's an Extra long bed and a Seating area. The Bathroom was clean and modern, with all those little amenities like Bathrobes, Slippers, and endless Towels. My only criticism? The pillows. Too fluffy! I spent a good 20 minutes flailing around, attempting to flatten them. I was so sleep deprived that I just wanted to sleep. They have pretty good Soundproofing because I didn't hear a thing during the night, except my own snorts! Oh, I completely forgot about the Wi-Fi [free]! Fantastic!
- Room Essentials:
- Wi-Fi [free]: Oh, yes. (And it worked!)
- Air conditioning: Crucial in Bali. 10/10.
- Bathrobes, Slippers, Towels: Check, check, check!
- Coffee/tea maker: Caffeine – my travel essential.
- Balcony/Terrace: Definitely.
- Desk & Laptop workspace.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking - Food Glorious Food (With a Dash of Mild Chaos)
The food at Hotel de Danau was… a mixed bag. They have a lot on offer! Restaurants, a Breakfast [buffet], Room service [24-hour], Poolside bar, Snack bar, and so on. The Buffet in restaurant was okay - your usual fare of scrambled eggs, pastries, and the like. The Asian breakfast was divine - you must try the coconut rice! The Western breakfast was good too. The A la carte in restaurant, however, was something special. I had the Pad Thai there. Superb. The desserts? Also, chef's kiss. The Coffee shop in the morning was great for a quick espresso and the Bottle of water at all times was a great addition.
Dining Highlights:
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Definitely recommend.
- Desserts in restaurant: Go. Now.
- Poolside bar: Perfect for sundowners.
Slight Hiccups:
- Service could be a bit…slow. (That "Balinese Time" thing again.)
- Occasionally, it was hard to find a simple salad that wasn't loaded with dressing (trying to be healthy when on vacation!)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day, Here I Come!
Listen, if you're looking to chill, Hotel de Danau delivers. The Swimming pool [outdoor] - infinity pool with a view? Yes, please! I swam in it until my fingers pruned. Several things on offer to help you relax.
- Ways to Relax:
- Spa: Omg, the spa. I booked a Body scrub and Massage, it was heavenly. Melted my stress away.
- Swimming Pool: Pool with view.
- Sauna & Steamroom: Because, why not?
- Gym/Fitness - Got to keep up my figure!
Cleanliness & Safety - Feeling Safe, Even if I Dropped My Phone in the Pool (Don't Ask)
Hotel de Danau prioritizes your health. I saw a lot of evidence of this. There was Staff trained in safety protocol, and Hand sanitizer everywhere! They also included Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays. I felt safe and at ease, even when I dropped my phone in the pool (doh!). They also had First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call.
- Safety Measures:
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff training: Visible and reassuring.
- Anti-viral cleaning products.
Services & Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter (and Some That Don't)
Hotel de Danau has a long list of services, from Concierge to Daily housekeeping (another win!). They have a little Convenience store. I found Cash withdrawal was great. Don't forget the Gift/souvenir shop. They will do Laundry service and Dry cleaning! The Air conditioning in public area was great! Unfortunately, I didn't get to try the Babysitting service, but that's ok!
Service Shout-Outs:
- Daily housekeeping: Spotlessly clean!
- Concierge: Super helpful with planning day trips.
- Luggage storage: Essential when you check out.
- Elevator: Yes!
Meh Moments:
- The gift shop was pricey.
Getting Around - Navigating Bali's Chaos
They offer Airport transfer and Taxi service, and have a Car park [free of charge]. I used the hotel's Taxi service as I had to!
For the Kids - More a Romantic Getaway than Family Fun?
Hotel de Danau seems more geared towards couples and relaxation. The Babysitting service can be a good option. It's not overflowing with kid-focused amenities, besides the Kids meal.
The Verdict: Bali's Best Lake View Hotel? … Maybe…
So, is Hotel de Danau Bali's best lake view hotel? Honestly, I'm still processing. The views are undeniably stunning. The rooms are
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're going to Bali! Specifically, we're crash-landing at the Hotel de Danau Lake View. Prepare for a week of…well, let's just see what happens, shall we? This is less a schedule and more a suggestion box for chaos.
Day 1: Arrival & That Initial “OMG, I’M IN BALI!” Moment
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Denpasar Airport (DPS). Pray to the travel gods that my luggage made it. Last time I flew, my suitcase went on a solo tour of… well, I'd rather not relive that traumatizing experience.
- Transportation: Taxi. Negotiating the price is an art form. Wish me luck. (I'll probably overpay, but hey, Bali vibes, right?)
- Afternoon: Check into Hotel de Danau Lake View. First impressions: Hopefully it looks like the photos online, not some distant cousin of a roach motel. The lake view better actually be a lake view. I spent a month of my life dreaming of this and it better deliver.
- Anecdote: Remember when I thought I was going to be a minimalist traveler? Laughable. My bag is overflowing with "just in case" items. I have a compass, a miniature sewing kit, and enough sunscreen to coat a small island… just in case.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Explore the hotel grounds. Find the pool. Plunge. Scream silently with joy. It’s been a tough year, and this is exactly what I need.
- Quirky Observation: The Balinese are ridiculously polite, even when dealing with jet-lagged tourists who can't string two coherent sentences together. I feel like I'm already improving my "thank you" in Bahasa.
Day 2: The Lake, the Temple, and the Unexpected Goat
- Morning: Breakfast. Buffet. Carb load for the adventures ahead. I'm already feeling guilty about the amount of pastries I'm inhaling.
- Opinionated Language: This is what holiday calories are for, right? There's no such thing as a "good decision" when confronted with a chocolate croissant.
- Mid-Morning: Lake Batur boat trip. Supposed to be serene and breathtaking. I'm picturing myself drifting peacefully.
- Reality Check: Probably going to be seasick. I’m a terrible sailor. Bring on the ginger ale.
- Emotional Reaction: OMG, the lake is actually breathtaking. The volcanic peaks, the shimmering water… I almost cried from the beauty of it. Almost.
- Afternoon: Visit Ulun Danu Batur Temple. This place is supposed to be magical.
- Messy Structure: Wait…where was my sarong?! Did I pack it? Don't panic. This is where all that extra "just in case" stuff pays off.
- Anecdote: Okay, so the temple was jaw-dropping. But the goats roaming around the grounds? Unexpected. One looked at me like I owed him money. That’s Bali, I guess.
- Evening: Dinner at a lakeside warung. (That's a local restaurant, for the uninitiated.) Fresh grilled fish and Bintang beer. Repeat.
Day 3: Volcano Trek & Regret
- Morning: Mount Batur sunrise trek. Apparently legendary. Or, you know, "exhausting," as my friend said.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: Okay, this was a terrible idea. My legs are screaming, I’m sweating like a pig, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to be limping for a week.
- Doubling Down on the Experience: The view from the top was incredible. But the sheer effort of getting there? Unforgettable. Maybe I'll just stay in bed and watch Netflix tomorrow.
- Afternoon: Back at the Lake View Hotel, recovering. Pool. Lots of water. Attempt to move my legs.
- Evening: Dinner. In bed. Room service…and a well-deserved dose of self-pity.
Day 4: Coffee, Culture, and a Near Disaster with a Monkey (probably)
- Morning: A coffee plantation tour. Supposed to be fascinating (and caffeinated!).
- Afternoon: Visit local villages. Experience Balinese culture.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Tanah Lot Temple. Sunset. Beautiful. Insta-worthy.
- Anecdote: On my way back to the hotel, I almost got my cell phone stolen by a monkey. I'm pretty sure he was trying to get my selfie stick.
- Quirky Observation: I learned that Balinese traffic behaves like a particularly chaotic ballet. Horns are just part of the music.
Day 5: Recharging and Random Acts of Relaxation
- Morning: Spa day! Maybe, if I can make it to the spa.
- Afternoon: Doing absolutely nothing but reading a book and swimming in the pool. Perfection.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant while watching the sunset.
Day 6: Waterfalls, Waterfalls, and Regret: The Sequel
- Morning: Visiting a waterfall. Taking photos of the beauty that surrounds me.
- Emotional Reaction: I feel more serene than I have in years.
- Afternoon: Trying the food from different places.
- Messy Structure: Having a hard time deciding.
- Evening: Last night in Bali.
Day 7: Departure and the Post-Bali Blues
- Morning: Last breakfast by the lake. Trying to soak up every last ounce of this paradise.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: Leaving is going to be tough. I don't want to go back to reality.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport. Pray my luggage and me make it.
- Evening: Back home. The real world. Begin the long process of unpacking, laundry, and reminiscing about the magic of Bali.
There you have it. A week in Bali, a life lived a bit at a time. Wish me luck. And maybe send help (and more tissues) if you see me.
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Hotel de Danau: You Bet Your Bottom Dollar You Wanna Know Stuff?! (FAQs, but make 'em *real*)
Okay, spill: Is the lake view *really* as mind-blowing as the pictures? Because, let's be honest, Instagram lies.
Alright, here’s the truth, the unvarnished, possibly-slightly-hungover truth: YES. The lake view from Hotel de Danau… it’s a *thing*. Look, I walked into my room (Room 207, if you must know, because I spent *hours* debating which room was the best, and I'm still not convinced I picked right... maybe the one with the slightly wider balcony? ANYWAY…) and I genuinely gasped. Not a polite, ‘ooh, lovely!’ gasp. More like a full-on, air-choking, ‘HOLY MOLY!’ gasp. The lake is just *there*, this enormous, shimmering emerald thing, framed by volcanoes. And the *sunsets*... oh sweet baby Jesus, the sunsets. I'm talking colors you didn't even know existed. One night, the sky was this blazing orange, and the lake reflected it perfectly. I almost burst into tears. Almost. (Okay, maybe I teared up a LITTLE. Don't judge, I get emotional.)
What's the *actual* experience like? Is it full of honeymooners awkwardly canoodling or… something else?
Honeymooners? Yes, there were some. (They seemed happy, though I did see one guy spill coffee down his pristine white linen pants at breakfast. The schadenfreude was real). But the vibe? Surprisingly chill. It wasn't overly stuffy. Loads of families, a few solo travellers like me, a couple of yoga retreat groups doing their… thing. It felt… genuine. Relaxed. The staff is friendly, not fake-friendly, and they seem to genuinely enjoy their work. Honestly, I found myself chatting with one of the cooks about the best way to eat grilled corn (apparently, *he* thinks chili powder is the key, but I'm still on team butter).
The rooms… Are they actually *nice*? Or just "nice for Bali"?
Okay, let's be honest, "nice for Bali" can be a low bar. But Hotel de Danau... It's actually *nice*, period. The rooms are clean, spacious, and the decor isn't some hideous, forced Bali kitsch. They’re tasteful and modern, with all the amenities you need (decent Wi-Fi, hallelujah!). But here’s the kicker: the *balcony*. Even the standard rooms have them, and trust me, you'll be spending a LOT of time on that balcony. Seriously, I read a whole book there. Burnt my nose a little, but totally worth it. I'm still thinking about it, tbh.
The food! Is the hotel restaurant any good? (Please don’t tell me it’s just bland buffet food…)
Okay, this is a *big* one. The food at Hotel de Danau? It's… surprisingly good. The breakfast buffet has your usual suspects, but they also have some AMAZING local dishes. I'm talking *gourmet* Nasi Goreng. Seriously, I was going back for thirds. And get this: they have a chef who actually *cares* about the presentation. Beautifully presented food, even at the buffet. The dinner menu offers a variety of Indonesian and Western dishes. I tried the crispy duck. It was, and I’m not exaggerating, one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. So yeah, the food is a definite plus. The restaurant also has a killer view, obviously.
Okay, but what if… there's a downside? What’s the catch?
Alright, honesty hour: there are *minor* downsides. It's not perfect. The Wi-Fi, while generally good, did occasionally hiccup. One day, I had to walk a little bit further than I thought I should to see an amazing fish swimming in the lake, and the pool while beautiful, could get busy at peak times. Plus, it’s a little bit of a drive to some of the more… *bustling* areas of Bali (like, you know, Kuta, if you're into that sort of thing - I, personally, am *not*). But honestly, if you’re looking for a secluded retreat where you can disconnect and just *be*… those are all minor quibbles. For me, the peace and quiet *more* than made up for it. The view? Worth every single penny.
Let's say, hypothetically, I'm clumsy. Are there a lot of stairs?
Hmmm, clumsy, huh? (Me too, friend. Me too). Okay, some rooms are located up a few flights of stairs. Not *a lot*, but enough to consider if you're REALLY bad with stairs. They do have elevators, but, well, it's Bali, so sometimes it's down for maintenance. Just ask when you book to make sure you get a room close to the ground, if that's a concern.
What about bugs?! I HATE bugs. Like, REALLY hate them.
Okay, deep breaths. Bali IS a tropical island. So, yes, you might encounter a bug or two. Look, I saw maybe one lizard in my room the entire time. The hotel does a good job of keeping the rooms sealed, and they spray, or have mosquito repellent, in case. But be prepared. Bring a small bug spray, just in case.
Can I easily arrange activities from the hotel? Volcano trips? Kayaking?
YES! They offer a whole list of activities. The hotel staff can help you book tours, rent scooters, and hook you up with all sorts of adventures. Just ask! I went kayaking on the lake at sunrise. Seriously, do it. It's… indescribable. Okay, I'll try to describe it: The water was like glass. The air was cool. The sunrise was painting the sky in these insane colors. I felt like I was the only person in the world. (Okay, there were a couple of other people kayaking, but still!) It was one of the most peaceful, beautiful, soul-cleansing things I’ve ever experienced. 10/10 would recommend, and I'dBlog Hotel Search Site
