Escape to Paradise: Stunning RedDoorz near Mertasari Beach!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning RedDoorz near Mertasari Beach! - A Chaotic, Honest, and Slightly Rambling Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to tell you about my stay at the "Stunning RedDoorz near Mertasari Beach!" And let me tell you, "stunning" is a word that gets thrown around a lot in these reviews, so let's see if it actually fits, eh? This is going to be less "polished travel blog" and more "drunk aunt trying to describe a rollercoaster."
SEO & Metadata (Gotta appease the Google Gods!):
- Keywords: RedDoorz, Mertasari Beach, Bali, Indonesia, Hotel Review, Affordable Accommodation, Beachfront, Pool, Spa, Cleanliness, Safety, Wi-Fi, Family-Friendly, Accessible Hotel, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Near Airport, Best Bali Hotel, Budget Travel, Vacation, Getaway, Solo Travel, Couple's Retreat.
- Metadata Description: Honest and detailed review of RedDoorz near Mertasari Beach in Bali, Indonesia. Exploring accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, dining), cleanliness, safety protocols, and overall experience. Includes quirky observations, emotional reactions, and real-life imperfections. Not your average hotel review!
The Arrival & the Initial "WOW" (or Lack Thereof)
The location? Yeah, it's near Mertasari Beach. Like, a short stumble away. I'm talking "could probably hear the waves if you squint and really, REALLY listen". Which is awesome, actually. A HUGE perk. The first impression…well, it's a RedDoorz. You know the drill. It's functional. Cleanish. And, let's be real, the lobby wasn't exactly dripping in Balinese opulence. But hey, the price was right, and I was buzzing with that holiday feeling, desperate to shed the post-travel misery of a long flight. The reception staff, though? Super friendly. Genuine smiles. Instant points!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
Okay, here's where things get a bit…well, complicated. Wheelchair accessible? Technically yes, they had an elevator…but the hallways felt a little tight. Not exactly a grand, sweeping gesture towards inclusivity, but better than nada. Important Edit and confession: I'm not in a wheelchair, so I’m going by observation. My partner saw a guy struggling a bit and got the vibes. Facilities for disabled guests? They claimed to have them, but I didn't see any grab bars or lowered sinks in the available rooms, and no clear information was available. Kinda feels like they're saying it but not actually doing it. A bit disappointing here for that demographic, I reckon.
The Room: My Temporary Sanctuary (and My Laundry Pile)
Available in all rooms: Okay, let's break down what the room actually gave me.
- Air conditioning: Very welcome, honestly! Bali heat is no joke.
- Alarm clock: Yep, it did its job, I think…
- Bathrobes: Nope, no bathrobes. (Minor gripe, but still!)
- Bathroom phone: Nope (thank god! No need for hotel business interrupting my bathroom business!)
- Bathtub: Nope. Just a shower, which was fine by me.
- Blackout curtains: Yes! A godsend for sleep-deprived travelers.
- Carpeting: Nope.
- Closet: Yes, and it swallowed my clothes like a hungry monster.
- Coffee/tea maker: Ah, bliss! Instant coffee to start the day.
- Complimentary tea: Yep!
- Daily housekeeping: Spot on! They made the bed and left those cute little towel animals, which always make me smile.
- Desk: Yep, though the lighting wasn't ideal for serious work.
- Extra long bed: Okay, yes! I'm tall and I always appreciate this.
- Free bottled water: Always a plus! Hydration is key.
- Hair dryer: Yes! Saved me from looking like a drowned rat after a swim.
- High floor: I was on the (relatively) high floor, which was excellent.
- In-room safe box: Yes. I tried to use it, but then got too lazy and just left my passport in my bag. (Don't judge!)
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Nope.
- Internet access – LAN: I looked at the connector. It was there. I didn't use it.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes and it worked brilliantly. Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms! Woohoo! (More on that in Internet Access).
- Ironing facilities: Nope.
- Laptop workspace: Kinda/sorta. The desk again.
- Linens: Clean and crisp, which is all you really need.
- Mini bar: No, but there was room for my beers.
- Mirror: Plenty!
- Non-smoking: YES! Huge points!
- On-demand movies: Nope.
- Private bathroom: Yes!
- Reading light: Yep
- Refrigerator: Yes! (That's where the beers lived).
- Safety/security feature: Smoke detector.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes! For those moments of utter brain-dead relaxation.
- Scale: I didn't want to look, so no.
- Seating area: A small, comfortable sofa.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Nope. Just a shower, but it was a good one.
- Shower: The most important thing to me.
- Slippers: Nope.
- Smoke detector: Yes. Safety first, folks!
- Socket near the bed: Yes, and very important for charging my phone, which I'm hopelessly addicted to.
- Sofa: Yep.
- Soundproofing: Okay, I could hear the occasional scooter, but it wasn't bad.
- Telephone: Yes.
- Toiletries: Basic but sufficient.
- Towels: Clean and fluffy.
- Umbrella: Nope.
- Visual alarm: Nope.
- Wake-up service: Nope, I used my phone.
- Window that opens: Yes! Fresh air is always a win.
Clean, Cleanish, or Clean-Adjacent?
Cleanliness and safety: Okay, let's get real. Individually-wrapped food options: Yes. Room sanitization opt-out available: Yes. Rooms sanitized between stays: I'd like to think so. Staff trained in safety protocol: Judging by the hand sanitizer stations everywhere, yes. Hand sanitizer: plentiful! Anti-viral cleaning products: they said it. Daily disinfection in common areas: I believe it. Professional-grade sanitizing services: Maybe? I mean, it felt clean, but you know…I still wiped everything down with my own wipes anyway. I’m that paranoid, sorry. On the other hand, Hot water linen and laundry washing: this is a big plus. Hygiene certification: I didn't get a look at the certificate. Shared stationery removed: Well, I didn't see any stationery. Safe dining setup: I did. However, Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn't see an option to opt out.
Dining, Drinking, and the Quest For Good Food
Ah, the eternal hotel dilemma: the food. Restaurants: There are two on site, it turns out - one serving breakfast, and one serving all the normal dishes, and a Poolside bar:. Both establishments were… adequate. We had Breakfast [buffet] one morning – the spread was fairly basic, Buffet in restaurant – the usual suspects, with a few sad-looking pastries and lukewarm instant coffee, but enough to get you going. The other food? Asian cuisine in restaurant. Western cuisine in restaurant. Yes, it was present and available. A la carte in restaurant was offered, with Coffee/tea in restaurant present and on demand. Snack bar: was not present. Happy hour was a definite plus and the Poolside bar was well, poolside, serving up the perfect sundowners. The general quality of the food… well, let’s just say that Bali has much, much better culinary options. Bottle of water was always a welcome presence. Breakfast in room was an available option. But the option of Alternative meal arrangement was not offered.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and The Blissful Pursuit of "Me Time"
Swimming pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was the star of the show! It was stunning, and the Pool with view was just gorgeous. Lounging by the pool with a book and a cocktail was pure bliss. Sadly, the Spa/sauna was not an available option, which was a
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Alright, hold onto your sarongs, because this isn't your cookie-cutter Bali itinerary. This is BALI: Uncensored, Unfiltered, and Probably Sunburnt Edition. RedDoorz at Mertasari Beach - LET'S DO THIS.
Day 1: Arrival and the Beach Gods (Mostly Good)
- 06:00 AM (ish) - Airport Debacle: Oh, the best-laid plans! Landed in Denpasar, felt like I was wading through a sauna. The airport? Pure chaos. Finding a decent cab was like winning the lottery. Finally, haggled down a driver who looked like he’d seen some things, and we were off. Note to self: learn to speak basic Bahasa Indonesia before I die of heatstroke.
- 07:30 AM - RedDoorz Reconnaissance: Found my RedDoorz near Mertasari Beach. Honestly, for the price? Not bad. Clean enough, aircon blasting like a hurricane, and the promise of a pool. Check. But the Wi-Fi? Forget about it. This is when the internet's ability to access information will go down drastically.
- 08:30 AM - The Beach Beckons: Headed straight for Mertasari Beach. Okay, it's not Seminyak. Definitely more "local" than "luxury resort." But the sand was warm, the waves were gentle, and the early morning light? Magical. Took a dip. Glorious. Almost got taken out by a rogue wave – heart rate spiked. Still glorious.
- 10:00 AM - Beach Breakfast Bliss (and Betrayal): Found a little warung (local eatery) right on the beach. Ordered a "nasi goreng" (fried rice) and a fresh coconut. Total bliss. Sat there, watching the world go by, feeling utterly content. Then… the coconut water turned a bit… off. My stomach did a somersault. Ugh. Lesson learned: always check the coconut!
- 11:30 AM - The Pool (and the Plan to Do Absolutely Nothing): Retreat to the RedDoorz pool. Read a book that I should have brought with me to Bali to make this experience even better. Sunbathed, napped, repeat. This is what vacation is all about, right? Ignoring all my responsibilities. Life's great when you've got a pool, sun, and not much else to worry about.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch: Ate at a warung near the beach, because I'm apparently fearless with my stomach. I had a "gado-gado" (Indonesian salad with peanut sauce) this time. It was fantastic.
- 3:00 PM - Nap Time: Did you guys know that naps are an undervalued part of life? I did the most fantastic nap on the beach!
- 6:00 PM - Sunset and Dinner: More beach! Strolled along the sand as the sun painted the sky in all sorts of beautiful colors. Snapped a thousand pictures, because, you know, Instagram. Dinner was at a little seafood place. Fresh grilled fish, Bintang beer (the local brew), and the sound of the waves. Perfect. Except…I think I overdid it on the chili. My tongue is still burning.
- 8:00 PM - Bed. Slept like a rock with zero regrets.
Day 2: Culture Shock (in a Good Way) and Spiritual Mishaps
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Mishap: The RedDoorz "breakfast included" option? Let's just say it was…basic. Like, toast and a weird, vaguely pineapple-flavored jam. Still, it filled a hole, so all is good.
- 9:00 AM - Tirta Empul Temple (Holy Water): Decided to be all spiritual and visit Tirta Empul, a famous temple with holy springs. It was busy! Like, elbow-to-elbow busy. Watched the locals perform their purification rituals. Took a dip! The freezing water shocked the snot out of me (literally). A little bit of culture shock. I survived. Apparently, I haven't offended the water gods.
- 11:00 AM - Ubud Adventure: Hired a driver to Ubud. The scenery was incredible. Lush rice paddies, winding roads, and the constant hum of scooters. Took a deep breath. Ubud is gorgeous!
- 12:30 PM - Monkey Forest (and a Near-Death Experience): Walked through the Monkey Forest. Cute monkeys! Mischievous monkeys! Absolutely terrifying monkeys that steal everything in sight. One leaped onto my shoulder and tried to make off with my sunglasses. I screamed like a small child. Definitely don’t recommend wearing anything loose or dangling.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch in Ubud: Found a cute place overlooking the rice paddies. Smoothie bowls, avocado toast, the works. Very "Eat, Pray, Love." Very expensive. My wallet weeped.
- 3:30 PM - Batik Blunders: Attempted to learn to make Batik. It was a disaster. The wax went everywhere, I stained my shirt, and my "masterpiece" looked like a toddler's crayon explosion. Gave up. The art isn't for me.
- 5:00 PM - Back to Mertasari, and the RedDoorz Relief: Escaped the Ubud crowds and traffic. Needed a cold shower and a serious dose of chill. Thank god for the pool.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: Found another warung near the beach. More local food. This time, I was brave enough to try "sate lilit" (minced meat skewers). Delicious! No tummy troubles! Victory!
- 9:00 PM - Bed: Dreaming of non-aggressive monkeys and perfectly made Batik art.
Day 3: Beaches, Booze, and Maybe Some Regrets
- 9:00 AM - Sleep In: Decided that staying in bed instead of exploring was the key to my happiness
- 10:00 AM - Seminyak Showdown: Jumped on a scooter (more like was driven by a terrified local - I am not a scooter person) and headed to Seminyak. Totally different vibe from Mertasari. Trendy shops, fancy cafes, and a general air of "look at me."
- 11:00 AM - Beach Club Bliss (and Bill Shock): Tried out a beach club. Cocktails, sunbeds, and music. Pure indulgence. Until the bill arrived. Ouch. My bank account is crying.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch & Retail Therapy: Lunch in Seminyak. Avocado toast again? Yes, please! Shopping. Bought a sarong, a straw bag, and a questionable amount of jewelry.
- 3:00 PM - Back to Mertasari: Needed to escape the glitz and the bills. The pool was calling.
- 4:00 PM - Beach Bumming and Beer: Sat on the beach and tried to soak up as much sun as possible. Found a local warung selling ice-cold Bintang. This is life.
- 6:00 PM - Sunset - AGAIN: Had a lovely sunset, and a lovely dinner.
- 8:00 PM - Nighttime shenanigans: Drinks at a beachfront bar, karaoke (I should never be allowed near a microphone), and maybe a few too many cocktails. Blurred memories.
Day 4: Recovery and Departure
- 8:00 AM - The Hangover Blues: Woke up feeling less than wonderful. The Bintang had betrayed me. Needed all the electrolytes immediately.
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast: The RedDoorz breakfast was a lifesaver.
- 10:00 AM - Massage Therapy: Booked a massage. This was truly amazing.
- 12:00 PM - Packing and Preparation: Packing up, reluctantly. Bali, you've been a whirlwind.
- 1:00 PM - Last Lunch: One final nasi goreng and coconut. A proper farewell to the tastes of Bali.
- 3:00 PM - Airport…the Sequel: The airport. The heat. The crowds. The final haggling. Departure.
- 5:00 PM - Bye-Bye Bali: I could not finish this. Too many tears.
Reflections (or, the Unedited Truth):
Bali is a sensory overload, a beautiful mess, and a place that will simultaneously charm and challenge you (or at least challenge your bank account). The RedDoorz was a perfectly adequate base camp for my adventures. The locals are kind, the food is (mostly) amazing, and the beaches…well, the beaches are pure magic. Did I screw up a few things? Yes. Did I spend too much money? Probably. But would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe with a less-aggressive monkey-proofing strategy…and a better plan for the coconut water. Until next time, Bali!
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Escape to Paradise: RedDoorz near Mertasari Beach - The Real Deal FAQs (Because Let's Be Honest, You're Gonna Need 'Em!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm not gonna give you some sanitized, PR-approved answers about this RedDoorz. I'm gonna tell you *everything* you need to know, even the stuff they probably *don't* want you to know. This is my personal experience, so take it with a grain of Bali sea salt.
1. So, is this place *actually* paradise? The name's a bit bold, isn't it?
Paradise? Let's pump the brakes a bit. It's *close* to paradise. Mertasari Beach is undeniably gorgeous, especially at sunrise when the light hits the water just right. Heavenly, even. The RedDoorz itself? Well, think of it as a gateway drug to paradise. It’s a perfectly acceptable place to crash after a day of sun, surf, and maybe a few too many Bintangs. My first impression? "Okay, this is… clean. Thank god.” You know, the essentials are there. Aircon that actually works (a BALI MUST!), a relatively comfy bed, and a shower that, surprisingly, produced hot water *most* of the time.
And speaking of "most of the time"... there was this one morning, I swear, the water was ice. Absolutely freezing. Woke me right up, in a way I didn't appreciate at 6 am. So, paradise-adjacent, for sure. Don't expect private infinity pools and butler service, alright?
2. The location – Mertasari Beach. Is it as amazing as it sounds?
Okay, *this* is where it delivers. Mertasari Beach is fantastic. It's not the party beach, which is a HUGE bonus if you're looking for some chill time. The sand is soft, the waves are gentle (perfect for a novice like me!), and the sunsets… oh, the sunsets. Honestly, some nights I just sat on the sand, completely mesmerized, feeling all zen and stuff. Worth it. I spent *hours* just… staring. And taking about a million photos. Which, by the way, the beach vendors love! They are super chill, so just be aware you'll be asked if you want a massage or something every few minutes. But it's all good vibes, really.
One tip: Head there early. You'll almost have the beach to yourself. Pure bliss. Seriously, if you're a sunrise person, you're in for a treat. I saw the most incredible colors. It was at this moment I thought it was paradise, you know? Until the cold shower…
3. What's the actual *room* like? I’m picturing a shoebox...
Okay, the rooms are… functional. Let's be diplomatic. Don't expect a grand suite! They're compact, but clean. Mine had a double bed, a small TV (mostly Indonesian channels, but hey, there was *something* on!), and a tiny bathroom. The aircon worked, which is a HUGE deal in Bali. I can't stress that enough. The bed was… well, it wasn't the *fluffiest* bed I've ever slept in, but it did the job. I slept. That’s the main thing, right?
One thing to note: The soundproofing isn't amazing. You will hear your neighbors. So, if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. I forgot mine, and I heard a couple having a rather… enthusiastic conversation at 3 am. Let's just say I learned more than I wanted to about their relationship. So, yeah, earplugs. Pack them.
4. Is it good value for money? Be honest!
Honestly? For the price, yeah, it's a good deal. Bali can be incredibly expensive, and this place is definitely on the budget-friendly side. You're not going to be breaking the bank. Plus, you’re saving all that money for important things. Like, you know, Bintangs and massages. Seriously, you can save a *ton* of money compared to the luxury resorts further up the coast. You’re paying for the location (which is fantastic) and the basic amenities. Don't expect fancy, but it gets the job done and lets you enjoy the real Bali – the beach, the food, the culture.
5. What about breakfast? Is there anything?
Okay, this is where there's a bit of a… let's call it a "discrepancy." The listing may *suggest* breakfast. What you *actually* get might be a bit... underwhelming. In my time, I think they had some toast and maybe some instant coffee. Don't bank on a full buffet. My advice? Walk down the street to a warung (local restaurant). You will get delicious and affordable nasi goreng and fresh fruit. Honestly? It's a much better option anyway.
6. Any tips for nearby eats and activities? Spill the tea!
Okay, LISTEN UP. This is gold. Forget the fancy restaurants, at least for a few meals. Wander down the beach. You'll find incredible warungs serving freshly caught seafood (grilled fish, mmm!), local Indonesian dishes, and cheap Bintangs. The food is amazing, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you’ll meet some genuinely lovely people. Don't be afraid to try everything – especially the satay. And for those with a sweet tooth, don't even get me started on the banana pancakes. Pure heaven!
For activities, obviously the beach is king. Learn to surf (there are beginner waves), swim, sunbathe, or just stroll along the shore. You can also rent a scooter and explore the area. Just be careful of the traffic! I also joined a yoga class, it was amazing - it's worth it to reset. You can also hire a driver for the day to visit other attractions. Just a short drive away, there are temples, rice paddies, and bustling markets.
7. What's the vibe? Is it a party place?
Definitely not a party place. Thank GOD. It's more chilled out. Families, couples, solo travelers looking for a relaxing getaway. It’s a very relaxed vibe. So if you’re looking for nightlife, this isn't the place. You’ll want to head to Seminyak or Kuta for all that. Otherwise, expect peace and quiet. And the sound of the waves, of course! That can be loud sometimes, so bring earplugs. See a theme here?
