Where to Stay in Kuta, Bali: Luxury to Budget Hotels (2024)

The town that never sleeps… Kuta in Bali is a lively beach village and well-known for its parties as well as a shopaholic's paradise.

And in the daytime, Kuta has also plenty of things to do, from shopping to water sports. The beaches are great for beginners to learn. More advanced surfers can head this way to surf the ‘airport rights and lefts’.

Kuta is not only for young backpackers looking to party, it's also a great place to stay for families, due to the many amusement parks and proximity to the airport, which helps minimize travel time.

After visiting Bali many times, I have collected all the best areas for where to stay in Kuta and where to avoid.

Is It Really Worth Staying in Kuta?

Kuta seems to be one of those places that people love to hate and hate to love. It won’t come as a surprise that the opinions about this busy beach town are very divided.

So it is not weird that you might be wondering if Kuta is worth a visit in general before booking any accommodation?

The short answer: it all depends on what you are looking for.

Yes, for Party Animals (On a Budget)

As I briefly mentioned already, Kuta is known as the village that never sleeps and therefore mostly favored by young backpackers and budget party animals because it is an affordable place to go wild.

If you are looking for bars, restaurants and nightlife vibes Kuta will be an essential stop-off point. If you are hoping for peace and tranquillity, this town might not be the best place for you.

Yes, It Is Family-Friendly (And Affordable!)

There is more to Kuta than just boozy bars. If you are traveling with your kids, Kuta can be a great choice too.

Yes, Kuta does have a commercial vibe but it has many waterparks, cinemas and shopping malls close by. Waterbom Bali will keep the kids entertained, and we guarantee that your inner child will also have a blast!

Need a break from your beloved youngsters? Book yourself a relaxing massage or facial in one of the many spas around, for instance at De Nyuh Spa.

Where to Stay in Kuta: The 3 Best Areas

Kuta Main Beach: Perfect for sunsets, party and nightlife. Party animals gather in this part of town to dance the night away. Backpackers, surfers and budget travelers like this area because of its cheap drinks and fairly priced accommodation. Here you will also find many market stalls for some necessary souvenir shopping.

⭐ My top hotel pick in Kuta Main Beach: MAMAKA by Ovolo

Legian Beach: For family-friendly vacation days, staying in Kuta near Legian Beach offers the perfect blend of sun, sea, and sand, with plenty of activities and amusement parks to keep everyone in the family entertained.

⭐ My top hotel pick in Legian Beach: Padma Resort Legian

Tuban Beach: The ideal spot if you're seeking proximity to malls, a waterpark, and short travel distances from the airport, making it a convenient choice for your Bali stay.

⭐ My top hotel pick in Tuban Beach: Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel

1. Where to Stay in Kuta for Party & Nightlife: Kuta Main Beach & Poppies Lane

Jalan Legian is the official main street of Kuta, however, most will tell you that Poppies Lane is the place to be. That’s because it is the centre of all nightlife. Mostly budget travelers, night owls and party animals flock to this part of town.

In other good news, you can find some great cheap hotels here too.

Looking for some local cuisine? Poppies Bali on Poppies Lane offers some calm vibes together with tasty dishes right in the middle of the hustle and bustle.

Kuta Square and Jalan Legian are what shopaholics' dreams are made of! Here you will find shopping malls, flea markets, boutiques and budget shops.

Beach Walk Shopping Centre is a huge modern mall where you can shop till you drop, but that also hosts a variety of fun events.

Best area to stay for:

• Young party vibes around Poppies Lane
• Sun, surf and fun
• Budget travelers
• Shopping
• Waterbom Bali

Best things to do in Kuta Main Beach:

• Take a stroll or watch the sunset at Kuta Main Beach
• Slide down one of the many waterslides at Waterbom Bali
• Make time for some Bali-style magic at Kuta Theater
• Visit 5GX Bali Reverse Bungy
• Vihara Dharmayana is a 200-year-old Chinese Buddhist temple
• Release baby turtles at the Kuta Sea Turtle Conservation

Best Luxury Hotels in Kuta Main Beach

MAMAKA by Ovolo

For a luxury stay in Kuta, choose MAMAKA by Ovolo, one of my all-time favorites! This fancy hotel is steps away from the beach and only 500m from Beachwalk Mall. After some shopping, you can dip into the beautiful hotel infinity pool and enjoy one of Bali’s mesmerizing sunsets.

Check availability & current rates

The Stones Hotel

Another one of the best Luxury hotels in Kuta Beach is The Stones. This gem is located on the southern tip of Legian Beach, and if you want luxury, you don’t have to look any further. It has a huge pool with lovely cabanas and the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows for jaw-dropping views.

Check availability & current rates

Best Boutique Hotels in Kuta Beach

Kuta Seaview Boutique Resort

If you want to book a mid-range hotel in Kuta I highly recommend Kuta Seaview Boutique Resort. Choose between various rooms, cottages and luxury suites. And if you don't feel like going out, book yourself a lovely treatment at their spa or simply hang out by the pool before heading to dinner at Rosso Vivo Dine and Lounge.

Check availability & current rates

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is a great choice for a holiday with the whole family. It is close to all the action, including a few footsteps away from the beach. With beautiful rooms and kid-friendly facilities and amenities, this is the best family-friendly hotel in the Kuta area.

Check availability & current rates

Best Budget Hotels in Kuta Bali

Harper Kuta Hotel

At Harper Kuta Hotel, you'll discover wallet-friendly rates without compromising on stunning surroundings. Just a 10-minute stroll from Kuta Beach and a quick 15-minute drive from the airport, convenience meets affordability here.

Check availability & current rates

Bali Caps Hostel

Bali Caps is a fantastic option if you're on the hunt for an affordable hostel in Kuta. It's a cozy and budget-conscious choice, perfect for young backpackers or surf enthusiasts who plan to spend most of their time exploring.

Check availability & current rates

2. Where to Stay in Kuta for a Family-Friendly Bali Holiday: Legian Beach

Who would have thought you could find calmness in Kuta. In Legian, you will find fewer people but you’ll still find enough action if you’re looking for it!

The sunsets here are stunning so from around 4:30 pm until the sun dips below the horizon the beach is packed. After that most people head towards one of the many bars or restaurants around the beachfront.

Best area to stay for:

• Families with kids
• Sunsets on the beach
• Surfing and watersports
• Closer proximity to Seminyak

Best things to do in Legian Beach:

• Relax on the beach or poolside
• Learn more about Bali at the Dream Museum Zone
• Take the kids to Upside Down World Bali
• Meet some new people during a match of Beach Soccer
• Visit one of the many beautiful temples nearby
• Water sports and surfing

Best 5-Star Hotels in Legian Beach

Padma Resort Legian

Book yourself a room at Padma Resort Legian and indulge in all its luxury! The hotel has two beautifully landscaped pools where you can chill at one of the sunken bars.

Check availability & current rates

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Legian Beach

Bali Niksoma Boutique Beach Resort

Or instead stay in one of the boutique hotels in Kuta Beach, such as Bali Niksoma. Here too you can get pampered in their lovely spa but the prices of this place are more in the mid-range levels.

Check availability & current rates

Ossotel Legian

This is a special mid-range hotel because not only is it stunning, modern and clean, but it also has an 88m lagoon swimming pool. You can book yourself a room with direct pool access or a balcony overlooking the pool from a higher floor. Additionally, the hotel is only one block from the beach.

Check availability & current rates

Best Affordable Hotels in Legian Beach

Bliss Surfer Hotel

Legian Beach also has budget-friendly options to choose from. Bliss Surfer Hotel has a very laid-back vibe and is only a five-minute drive away from the bars along Dyana Pura Street. If you are planning a night out, it is of course better to take a taxi back to your hotel.

Check availability & current rates

Grandmas Plus Hotel Legian

A bit of a deceiving name because it isn’t for grannies at all. It is a modern, budget-friendly hotel and only a 2-minute walk from all the nightlife. With comfy rooms and a nice pool, it is a good pick if you are looking to save a bit of money on your shopping budget.

Check availability & current rates

3. Where to Stay in Kuta for Malls, Waterpark & Close to the Airport: Tuban Beach

If you're looking for where to stay in Kuta for easy access to malls, a waterpark, and proximity to the airport, Tuban Beach is your answer.

While Kuta does have a commercial vibe, it certainly doesn't lack charm or reasons to visit, especially for those traveling with family. Tuban Beach is a great location, offering plenty to see and do while being just a stone's throw away from the airport.

It's an ideal spot to kick off your family holiday, recover from jet lag, and dive into fun activities. Whether you're up for a leisurely day of shopping at the malls or looking for excitement in one of the nearby fun parks, Tuban Beach has it all.

Best area to stay for:

• Location next to the airport
• Easy access to Jimbaran Beach
• Shopping Malls
• Families

Best things to do in Tuban Beach:

• Shop till you drop at the Discovery Mall
• Check out Nirmala Waterpark
• Bali Underwater Scooter is a guaranteed adventure for the whole family
• Practice your swing at the New Kuta Golf

Luxury Hotels in Tuban Beach

The Anvaya Beach Resort

The Anvaya is a luxury beach resort just 500m from Waterbom Bali and has several dining options on-site. Both Tuban Beach and Discovery Mall are less than a kilometre away from this luxurious 5-star hotel in Kuta.

Check availability & current rates

Bali Dynasty Resort

If you want luxury to the fullest I suggest booking at Bali Dynasty Resort. It has so much to offer, you might not want to leave the hotel at all. It offers cooking lessons, kids' activities, aqua aerobics and also has two swimming pools.

Check availability & current rates

Best Boutique Hotels in Tuban Beach

Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel

A beautiful mid-range hotel with mesmerizing Balinese architecture. Just a 10-minute drive from the airport makes this an ideal place to unwind before you continue with the rest of your holiday.

Check availability & current rates

Best Affordable Hotels in Tuban Beach

Ara Inn Bed and Breakfast

With only a short 3-minute walk from the beach, this bed and breakfast is cozy but comfortable. You find everything you need including air-con and breakfast in the morning plus beautiful staff makes this place great value for money.

Check availability & current rates

Grandmas Plus Hotel Airport

Grandmas Hotel has a convenient location right next to the international airport, making it an excellent choice if you're heading home and aiming to catch your flight on time. With a lovely pool and a far cry from the typical grim airport hotels you might be envisioning, it offers a comfortable stay.

Check availability & current rates

Where to Stay in Kuta – Pre-Travel Tips

Planning your stay in Kuta, Bali? Before you set off, I have some essential pre-travel tips to ensure you make the most out of your accommodation choices.

• Research Multiple Accommodation Options: Explore various accommodations in Kuta, considering factors like location, amenities, and your budget.
• Check Hotel Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality and suitability of each accommodation option.
• Consider Transportation: Plan your transportation from the airport to your accommodation in advance, whether it's through airport transfers, taxis, or ride-sharing services.
• Pack Accordingly: Pack essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, and lightweight clothing suitable for the tropical climate of Bali.
• Learn Basic Phrases: Familiarize yourself with some basic Indonesian phrases, the locals will appreciate it!
• Check Travel Requirements: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including passports, visas (if required), and most importantly, health insurance!
• Safety Precautions: Familiarize yourself with safety tips for traveling in Bali, such as avoiding scams, staying hydrated, and being cautious with valuables.
• Money Matters: Exchange currency or bring sufficient cash for your trip, and inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.
• Health and Medical Needs: Consider any medical needs you may have during your stay and pack necessary medications or medical supplies. You may not be able to get them in Bali!

Where to Stay in Kuta – Frequently Asked Questions

🛫 How Far Is Kuta From the Airport?

Kuta’s popularity might have something to do with the fact that it is one of the first tourist towns to be developed on the island. After a long flight, you can almost hop from your plane into a bar because Poppies Lane is about 10 minutes away from Bali International Airport (DPS).

Book your airport transfer before arrival

Alternatively, book yourself into one of Kuta’s Beach Resorts to sleep off the jet lag for a couple of days, before you head further to other destinations on the island.

✔️ Is Kuta Safe?

Like any place on earth if you are looking for trouble you will probably find it. This is no different in Kuta. Kuta, as well as Seminyak and Canggu can be more sketchy after the sun sets in comparison to Ubud.

As Kuta is such a hotspot that pickpocketing crimes occur here, especially in bars and restaurants. If you can, leave any valuables at your hotel safe, and only take the essentials for a night out. Another thing to be mindful of is the ‘sting’ operations of the police. They sometimes pose as drug dealers and then carry out raids, sweeping bars and clubs for drugs.

❓ Is It Better to Stay In Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu?

The answer to this age-old question depends on what it is you are looking for! Each of these places attracts its own unique crowds, and therefore one is not necessarily ‘better’ than the other.

Canggu is known for its laidback surfers' vibe, great brunch spots and expat crowds. A lot of young people head this way to check out the nice beach clubs and famous bars such as Old Mans or La Brisa. More experienced surfers prefer the breaks here and for good reasons. The currents are strong, and the waves can be high! Read the full guide on Canggu or find the best places to stay in Canggu.

Seminyak is often described as the older, more fancy sister of the two beach towns. It has a lot of nice spas, hotels and of course, restaurants and bars. It is more upscale around here, and you’ll see a lot more fancy shops around too. Plan your Seminyak itinerary or find the best villas in Seminyak.

And who's to say you can't stay and experience all of them for a few days!

Where to Stay in Kuta – Final Words

I hope my guide has helped you choose the perfect accommodation in Kuta.

Whether you're seeking relaxation by the beach, adventure in the bustling streets, or a mix of both, Kuta offers a range of hotel options to suit every traveler's needs, from couples to families to solo travelers.