Family friendly resort review - Hilton Bali Resort, Bali.

Hilton Bali Resort, Bali Review Summary

This family review provides an overview of Hilton Bali Resort as well as a summary of all recent reviews from people who have stayed there. Sources include Booking.com, Trip Advisor, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com and Google reviews.

Kids Holidays - July 2025

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Welcome to the Hilton Bali Resort, a place officially described as a "South East Asian beachside paradise" perched on a cliffside with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. With four pools, a sandy lagoon, a 30-meter waterslide, and a range of facilities for every member of the family, it paints a picture of a truly perfect tropical getaway. Yet, a closer look at recent family reviews reveals a more complex, and ultimately more interesting, story. It's a tale of two vacations, where the experience can be shaped by expectations and a surprising truth: what one traveler finds chaotic, a family often finds to be the vibrant hum of a happy holiday.

This report will explore the Hilton Bali Resort from a family's point of view, digging into the details of recent reviews to offer a complete picture. We'll examine the facilities, the atmosphere, and the service to help you decide if this bustling Balinese retreat is the right fit for your next adventure.

The Arrival Experience: From Paradise to a Packed Party

The journey begins with that first step onto the property, and this is where the contrasts truly start to appear. The official website promises a tranquil setting , a serene escape from the everyday. However, one traveler's candid review painted a different picture, describing the check-in area as a scene straight out of a "trip to Walmart during Black Friday". The scene was described as one filled with "hoardes of other guests," and the sounds of "kids screaming, crying, and running around". Staff, though "lovely and trying their best," were dealing with people who were "shouting and complaining". This chaotic first impression can be a real shock for those expecting an immediate sense of calm.

This feeling of being overwhelmed isn't just a matter of crowds, but of process. While one review praised a check-in that was "smooth and efficient" , another family reported a frustratingly long wait, noting they didn't get into their room until nearly 4:00 PM. This inconsistency suggests that the initial greeting can be a bit of a gamble, particularly during peak seasons. The feeling of being submerged in a crowd is often linked to the resort's popularity, particularly among those traveling with Hilton membership points.

This situation is a prime example of a key dynamic at play. For a solo traveler or a couple seeking a quiet retreat, a check-in area filled with loud children and long lines is an immediate turn-off. However, for a family with their own children, the presence of other "squealing children" is not a bug, but a feature. It signals that this is a place where families are the main clientele, and the atmosphere is a welcoming, non-judgmental zone where a bit of noise is not only tolerated but expected. The very reason for the perceived chaos is the same reason the resort is so appealing to its target audience. The high volume of guests is a direct result of the resort's success as a family destination, and that energy is woven into the very fabric of the experience from the moment a guest arrives.

A Splash of Fun: The Pools, the Slide, and the Beach

When it comes to the heart of the family holiday, the pools and beach are the main attraction, and the Hilton Bali Resort delivers on this front with an impressive array of aquatic offerings. The resort boasts four pools, including a unique sand lagoon and a tiered infinity pool. At the center of it all is the legendary 30-meter waterslide, a star attraction that is a hit with both children and "playful adults" alike. A family review on TripAdvisor specifically noted that their child "loved" the "stunning slide," confirming its status as a highlight.

Beyond the main pools, a quieter adults-only pool is tucked away, offering a space for those seeking a break from the action. The main pools, however, are lively and, as one review described, "full of games". This vibrant energy, while fantastic for children, also means the pools can get "crazy busy," with some guests finding it "really difficult" to find a sun lounger. This phenomenon is a direct consequence of the resort's popularity; its fantastic family facilities attract a high volume of guests, and this concentrated demand on a limited number of resources-like pool chairs-creates a situation where availability can become a challenge, especially during peak hours.

For a unique beachside experience, the resort provides access to its beautiful stretch of coast via a glass elevator that descends from the cliff. The beach itself is described as "amazing," "quiet and scenic," with soft sand and dramatic rock formations. While the peaceful atmosphere and secluded location are widely praised, one review did mention that during their stay, the water was "full of rubbish". This is an important detail, but it's also a variable tied to ocean conditions and tidal patterns, not necessarily a reflection of the resort's permanent state. For a family, the beach remains a beautiful spot for a stroll or a quiet moment, even if swimming conditions aren't always perfect.

The Kids' Corner: Clubs, Caves, and Creative Adventures

The Hilton Bali Resort understands that keeping children entertained is a top priority for any family vacation. The official offerings include a "Kids Club & Game Cave," and reviews confirm that the resort goes all out to provide activities for younger children. One review highlighted the "huge kids club with great activities" and a "cool outdoor area" that features "rock climbing, a trampoline, a sandpit, and climbing ropes". This collection of amenities sounds like a dream for any active child, ensuring they have plenty of options to burn off energy.

However, a closer look at feedback from a family with older children reveals a potential gap. One review mentioned that while the kids' "Jungle room" could be "larger" with "more play options," the real disappointment was the games room for teenagers, which was described as "terrible" and "very tiny". The reviewer lamented that there was "not much to do for teenagers anywhere in the hotel apart from the pool". This observation points to a clear divide in the resort's offerings. While the resort excels at providing a fantastic environment for young children, it may not be as well-equipped to entertain older kids or teenagers who require more sophisticated or engaging activities beyond the pool. A family's satisfaction with the kids' facilities will be directly related to the age of their children.

Beyond the dedicated clubs, the resort also offers a range of family-friendly activities, from tennis courts to Balinese cultural experiences and yoga sessions, painting a picture of a destination that strives to provide options for everyone.

The Family Table: A Culinary Journey for All Ages

Dining at the Hilton Bali Resort is a major part of the experience, with a variety of restaurants and a deli to choose from. The breakfast buffet, in particular, is a consistent highlight, described as "extensive" with a vast range of cuisines, from local Balinese to Indian and Chinese dishes. Reviews frequently praise the breakfast for its "a lot of varieties" and delicious food. Live cooking stations for things like omelets and noodle soup are also a popular feature, and the staff is noted for being attentive and friendly even during the busiest hours.

Just like the check-in experience, the breakfast has a dual nature. While the food is great, the dining area can become "crazy busy," with one review noting that "people will resort to pushing and shoving" and that "almost every table had a herd of squealing children". The sheer volume of guests can transform what should be a peaceful meal into a bustling frenzy.

The cost of food is another recurring theme. Some reviewers found the prices to be "very expensive". However, a savvy insider tip from a TripAdvisor review points to a "great local spot" located to the left of the hotel, accessible by the beach, that serves traditional and affordable dishes like nasi goreng and satay. This is an invaluable piece of information for any family on a budget. By understanding the dining dynamics, a family can plan a strategic approach: enjoy the high-quality, vast breakfast buffet by arriving early to avoid the crowds, and then explore more authentic and affordable options for other meals, both on-site and off-site.

Your Tropical Retreat: Rooms & Living Spaces

The rooms at the Hilton Bali Resort present what might be the most significant contradiction in the reviews. The official website describes rooms as "tastefully decorated" with "exclusive amenities". Agoda also notes that the property was "Newly renovated" in 2023.

Despite this recent renovation, reviews from July 2024 and January 2025 continue to raise concerns about the state of the rooms. A recent review noted that the hotel "has lost it's new-car-smell" and described a "well-worn" bath, thin walls that allowed them to hear their neighbors, and a visible water leak repair on the ceiling. Another guest mentioned that some furniture was old and that a door lock "was almost broken". This echoes a much older review from 2015 that complained of a "mouldy-smell," "damp" beds, and "worn-out" towels.

This discrepancy suggests a possible explanation: the 2023 renovation was likely a partial refurbishment rather than a full-scale overhaul of every room and wing. Since the property opened in 1996 , it's a large complex with many different types of rooms. A family's experience with the room quality may be a bit of a game of chance, depending on which part of the resort they are assigned. This is an important detail for a family to understand, as the physical quality of the room may not align with the "Newly renovated" claim on all booking sites. For a family, it may be a good idea to book a specific room type, such as the "King ocean terrace room," which was positively reviewed , or to explicitly request a recently renovated room upon booking.

The Heart of the Resort: The People Who Make it Shine

While reviews can be conflicting on the atmosphere, facilities, and room quality, there is one consistent, unifying theme that is overwhelmingly positive: the staff. This is the single aspect that elevates the Hilton Bali Resort experience for families, and it is mentioned again and again across all major review platforms. The staff are described as "amazingly friendly" , "very kind and caring" , and "incredibly kind, warm, and attentive". Even the most critical review, which found the resort's atmosphere to be chaotic, took the time to praise the "lovely" staff for "trying their best".

This praise is not just general; it's personal. A family with a child who had medical issues mentioned that the General Manager, Amit, was "nothing short but exceptional in his professionalism". A review from July 2025 gave a special shout-out to Debby and Jiogo at the Grain restaurant, noting their "superb work" in making their dining experiences "truly amazing". There are also the stories of the "rolling Ice Cream chef," who was a "super nice guy with kids" , and a housekeeper named Rio, who did a great job with creative towel art that the children adored. These personal touches go a long way.

The universal praise for the staff is not merely a nice add-on; it serves a crucial function. The excellence of the staff appears to be a powerful force that offsets some of the resort's physical shortcomings, such as dated rooms or a chaotic dining area. The genuine care and warmth provided by the team can make a good vacation feel like a great one, regardless of other issues. For a family, this level of attentiveness can be the most valuable part of the entire stay, offering a sense of security and genuine hospitality that makes all the difference.

Final Word for the Modern Family

The Hilton Bali Resort is not for a family seeking a silent, secluded, and pristine luxury experience. The reviews make it clear that this is a lively, bustling, high-volume resort where families are the primary focus. For some, the crowds and noise are a deterrent, but for the right family, they are a sign of a vibrant, welcoming environment where children are not just tolerated, but celebrated.

This resort is an excellent fit for a family that:

Embraces a lively, bustling, and kid-filled environment: The constant energy in the pools and dining areas is a feature, not a flaw.
Values incredible, genuine service over flawless physical amenities: The staff's universal praise suggests they can turn any potential issue into a positive experience.
Wants a self-contained destination with a massive amount of activities for young children: The pools, waterslide, and kids' club are a powerful combination for entertainment.

For a family planning a trip, here are a few actionable takeaways:

Recognize that the check-in and breakfast experience may feel crowded. Arriving early for breakfast can help avoid the busiest times.
While the resort is a complete destination, consider a trip to the local eatery mentioned by a reviewer for a change of pace and a more affordable meal.
The room quality can vary. Request a room in a recently renovated wing or book a specific, well-reviewed room type, such as a "King ocean terrace room," if possible.
Above all, be open to the genuine warmth of the staff. It is the human element that makes this resort truly shine and can be the secret ingredient to a memorable family vacation.

Note: This is an independently created report based on publicly available review data and is not an official publication of the resort. All information is for planning purposes. You should check with the resort to confirm any details in this report before booking your holiday.

For more information on accommodation in Bali please visit our Bali accommodation page.

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