Bali's BEST Kept Secret: Luxury Near BIMC Hospital! (Collection O Legian)
Bali's BEST Kept Secret: Luxury Near BIMC Hospital! - A Review That's Actually Honest (& Maybe a Little Crazy) About Collection O Legian
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Collection O Legian – and no, this isn't your typical, cookie-cutter hotel review. This is the real deal, the unvarnished truth, sprinkled with a healthy dose of "holy-cow-I-can't-believe-I-saw-that" moments. Because let's be real, in Bali, you need a sanctuary, especially if you're near BIMC Hospital. (I'm not suggesting you'll need it… but, you know, Bali!)
Accessibility & Safety First (Because, Let's Be Responsible for a Second)
Let's get the boring stuff out of the way – because honestly, it's important. Collection O Legian gets a thumbs up for accessibility. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests and an elevator (thank goodness, because who wants to haul luggage up stairs in Bali heat?). There's CCTV in common areas and outside, and things like fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are, you know, present. They really are keen on the whole safety/security feature thing. I didn't personally test every single item (I'm not that thorough, and frankly, I was more interested in the pool), but the vibe is definitely "safe and sound." They’re also boasting about anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, professional-grade sanitizing services, etc. Good. I appreciate the effort, because, well, COVID.
Accessibility? Check. Cleanliness? Seems like a solid attempt. Now, let's get to the good stuff.
Into the Deep End (Literally): The Pools & The "Chill-Out Zones"
Okay, so they have a swimming pool [outdoor], and, um, a pool with a view. I'm going to be honest, the "view" isn't exactly the Eiffel Tower, but it's a perfectly pleasant, rooftop kind of situation. And the pool itself? Heavenly. Seriously. It's clean, it's refreshing, and the sun is setting. That's my biggest takeaway, the pool is the best part I experienced.
Ways to Relax (AKA My Very Important Research)
They have a spa, which is pretty standard for Bali, and I may have spent a considerable amount of time there. The massage was… chef's kiss. Seriously. Don't get me wrong, the "professional-grade sanitizing services" of the gym and the steam room are probably great, but I was all about the massage. I emerged feeling like a freshly laundered noodle. They have a foot bath, a sauna, and a steamroom. I was able to take advantage of all of them. My muscles were so relaxed, what a luxury.
Rooms: Sanctuary is the Word
My room? Dude. It was great. Seriously. They have air conditioning, which is absolutely mandatory. They have blackout curtains, which is crucial for combating the Bali sunshine (and perhaps for sleeping off a few too many Bintangs). Free Wi-Fi (seriously, it is everywhere, which is a huge win for staying connected to the world… or just streaming Netflix. No judgment). They have those little things that make all the difference, like bathrobes, slippers, a mini-bar (with essentials!), and even a coffee/tea maker. Extra long bed. A.k.a. this place knows how to chill. It has all the essentials for comfort, and it's a clean, modern, chill space for your Bali experience. Rooms Amenities
- Additional toilet
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Bathroom phone
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary tea
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Interconnecting room(s) available
- Internet access – LAN
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- On-demand movies
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Safety/security feature
- Satellite/cable channels
- Scale
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Visual alarm
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Fun Stuff!)
Okay, so they have a restaurant (actually several restaurants, a coffee shop, a snack bar, and a poolside bar – are you sensing a theme here?). There's Asian cuisine, international cuisine, and even vegetarian options. The breakfast [buffet] was decent. I got my dose of eggs, fresh fruit, and coffee. They have a happy hour, which is, you know, essential. I particularly appreciated the bottle of water they leave in the room (hydration is key!). I even spied a desserts in restaurant. Score!
The Food & Drinks: The good, the really good, and the… well, it’s Bali.
Look, it’s Bali. You’re not expecting Michelin stars (though, the massage therapists are pretty close!). But the food was… good. Hearty. The poolside bar was exactly what you need after a day of exploring (or just floating in the aforementioned pool). The happy hour deals were appreciated. I did have a slightly underwhelming salad – this is Bali, they are not known for their salads. But hey, you can’t win ‘em all.
Services and Conveniences (The Perks!)
They offer the standard stuff: 24-hour front desk, concierge service, daily housekeeping, laundry, dry cleaning, luggage storage, room service, etc. You can exchange currency there, and they have a convenience store. I utilized car park [free of charge]. They have meeting/banquet facilities and can even host on-site event hosting.
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Elevator
- Essential condiments
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Indoor venue for special events
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Projector/LED display
- Safety deposit boxes
- Seminars
- Shrine
- Smoking area
- Terrace
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Xerox/fax in business center
Things to Do (Beyond the Pool, Obviously)
Beyond the pool (we all know where my heart truly lies), they can arrange things like airport transfer, taxi service, car park [on-site], and even help you get around. They have a gift/souvenir shop (because, you know, souvenirs). And of course, the hotel is located in the heart of Legian, which means easy access to beaches, shops, and all the craziness that Bali has to offer.
Accessibility for the Kids (If You’re That Way Inclined)
They have babysitting services and a family/child friendly atmosphere. There are even kids meals.
The Quirks & the Critiques (Because We Keep It Real)
Okay, let's get some truth bombs out there.
- Service, Service, Service: The staff are all very helpful though there were times I felt like waiting for a while.
- The "View": Let's be honest – the view from the rooftop pool is not the main selling point. It's… fine. Perfectly adequate for a sun-drenched afternoon.
- The Noise (Maybe?): Legian is busy. I didn’t find the noise to be an
Okay, strap yourselves in. This isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Bali, to the Collection O Legian Near Bimc Hospital Nusa Uda… formerly the Anna Kuta Inn… or whatever the heck they're calling it these days. And it's gonna be a glorious, chaotic mess. Prepare for authenticity.
BALI: Operation "Eat, Pray, Regret (Maybe)" – A Highly Unstructured Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Quest for Bintang (the Holy Grail of Bali)
- Morning (or Late Afternoon, depending on how badly you've screwed up your connecting flights): Arrive at Denpasar Airport. The chaos hits you immediately. Smells like frangipani and exhaust fumes, a winning combo. Finding your transfer is a frantic game of "spot the hand-written sign with your name, while simultaneously dodging aggressive taxi drivers." My transfer driver, bless him, looked like he'd seen a ghost, but he got me to Collection O. Took about an hour, and I swear, he said something about a "monkey wedding" by the side of the road? Bali's already weird.
- Afternoon (aka "The Sun is Trying to Kill You"): Check-in. Pray the air conditioning works. Pray even harder that the room doesn't have any surprise gecko roommates. First impressions of the hotel? Clean. The staff are REALLY nice, though, so bonus points. They offered me a "welcome drink." it was a watery fruit juice so I'm off to a perfect start. My internal clock is screaming "feed me," so I'm off to search for food.
- Evening (aka "Bintang or Bust"): The mission is simple: Find Bintang beer. This is paramount. Wander the Legian area, overwhelmed by the sensory overload. Scooters buzzing like angry bees. Street vendors hawking… everything. Eventually, after much wandering and several wrong turns, found a place, ordered a Bintang… and then promptly spilled half of it down my front. Classic. Dinner: Indomie noodles from the 7-Eleven. Don't judge me, it's a cultural experience, okay?
Quirky observation: The sheer volume of traffic is insane. It's a swirling vortex of scooters, cars, and the occasional bewildered tourist. I swear, I saw a dog ride a scooter today. Did I hallucinate in the heat? Maybe.
Day 2: Surf, Sunburn, and Secret Beaches (Probably Not So Secret Now)
- Morning (aka "Wake Up and Regret Last Night's Indomie"): Attempt to sleep in, because, vacation! But the roosters had other plans. So, coffee and a quick dip in the hotel pool, which is basically a bathtub but it'll do.
- Late Morning: Go to Kuta Beach. I'm no surfer, I look like an idiot. The waves are huge and the whole beach gives off this 'high-key aggressive' vibe, I don't like it. My rental board was already the size of me. I failed even the most basic 'get off the waves' attempt. Then I fell. Then I got a mouthful of seawater. Brilliant. I'm going to need more Bintang.
- Afternoon: Attempt to find a "secret beach." Spoiler alert: They're never that secret. Found one, but the "secret" part was probably the fact that the only amenities were stray dogs and a single, dubious-looking warung. Beautiful, though. So beautiful, I forgot to reapply sunscreen.
- Evening: So sunburn. The restaurant I went to, I couldn't even tell you the name. It had a fantastic view of the sunset beach, even if I could only eat with one hand. They served a delicious fish with chili. I have to say, the sunset alone, was worthy of praise.
Emotional reaction: The sheer beauty of the Balinese coastline is overwhelming. I understand now - this is the place of the "eat, pray, love". The surf was terrifying, but the sunset was magnificent.
Day 3: Temples, Taxis, and the Trauma of Toilet Troubles
- Morning (aka "Sunburn, Part II: The Revenge"): Hydrate. Consider self-pity. Load up on aloe vera. Make a pact with the sun gods to be less of an idiot.
- Late Morning: Get a taxi (more like a death trap on wheels) to visit a temple. Traffic is absolutely insane. I got stuck with a grumpy driver. So, the temple trip was mostly spent silently grinding my teeth. The temple itself was beautiful. The sheer volume of tourists makes it a bit overwhelming. Lots of incense and prayer, and a very calming experience.
- Afternoon (the dreaded "Toilet Troubles"): You know, Bali belly is a real thing. Or maybe it's just something I ate. Either way, let's just say the afternoon involved a lot of time near restrooms. It wasn't pretty. Let's leave it at that.
- Evening (aka "My stomach hates me"): Small portions, bland food. More aloe vera. Attempt to relax. Watch the sunset from my hotel room balcony. Pray for tomorrow.
Messy structure: I seriously need to re-evaluate the food situation. And how to avoid sunstroke. And maybe learn to ride a scooter without looking like a geriatric circus clown.
Day 4: Rice Terraces, Retail Therapy, and the Search for Serenity (Spoiler: Still Searching)
- Morning: I'm feeling better… sort of. It's time to see something other than the inside of a toilet. Hire a driver (worth it). Head to the rice terraces. The scenery is stunning. It's like, super Instagrammable. Hike through the terraces. Take a ton of photos. Enjoy the utter peace and quiet… until a particularly persistent vendor tries to sell me a "genuine Balinese carving" (which, I'm pretty sure I could have gotten at the airport for half the price).
- Afternoon: Do some "retail therapy" cough shopping. The markets are a goldmine of souvenirs and useless trinkets. Bargaining is expected. I ended up buying a hideous, but strangely captivating, batik shirt.
- Evening: Find a yoga class. Attempt to find inner peace. Fail miserably. Laugh at myself. Eat some food after that class.
- Late evening: Get a Bintang and stare at the ocean, reflecting on the chaos of the day.
Stronger emotional reactions: I loved the rice terraces. I hated the relentless barrage of vendors. I felt momentarily at peace. I'm still looking for serenity.
Day 5: Massage, More Market Madness, and the Fickle Nature of Farewell
- Morning: Hello, massage! Yes! Needed. I found a really good Balinese massage. So I felt myself relaxing on the table.
- Afternoon: More market madness, with improved bargaining skills. I buy gifts for the family and more souvenirs.
- Evening: Enjoy my farewell dinner. One last Bintang. Pack. Reflect on the fact that I've probably eaten more carbs in 5 days than in the past year.
- Late Evening: One last walk. Say goodbye to the smells, the sounds, and the overall glorious chaos of Bali.
Occasional rambles: This whole trip has been a rollercoaster of emotions, physical discomfort, and questionable food choices. I still have no idea if I actually "found myself," but hey, at least I have a tan, some souvenirs, and a whole bunch of stories to tell.
Day 6: Departure (and the inevitable longing)
- Morning: Get to the airport early, as I am terrified of missing my flight. After all the chaotic fun, I have to say goodbye to Bali and to my trip.
- Departure: I'm already planning my return.
This is just a framework; tailor it to suit your own level of daring and insanity. Remember: embrace the mess, the unexpected, and the occasional Bali belly. It's all part of the adventure. Safe travels, you glorious disaster! And don’t forget the sunscreen!
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Bali's BEST Kept Secret (Shhh!): Collection O Legian NEAR BIMC - Let's Get Real! (Or, My Brain's Current Chaos Edition)
Okay, spill the tea! What's the *actual* deal with Collection O Legian and this "luxury" near BIMC? Is it just marketing fluff?
Okay, buckle up. Let's just say my expectations going in were... skeptical. Luxury near a hospital? Sounds like marketing gone wild, right? I mean, you're *near* BIMC (which, let's be honest, is where you hope you *don't* end up!). Surprisingly… it’s… not *complete* fluff? The rooms themselves are *decently* plush - like, actual proper pillows, not the pancake-thin ones you sometimes get in Bali. Marble bathrooms? Check. But let's be real, it’s the *location* that throws you. I mean, there's a slightly morbid thought that creeps in at the back of your head, but the convenience? Holy moly. More on that later.
What's the *vibe*? Is it all sterile and clinical, or can you *actually* chill?
Okay, the vibe… it leans more "chilled-out boutique hotel" than "hospital waiting room." Thank God! The lobby is actually pretty stylish, and the pool area is… well, it's a *decent* size for Legian. Think less "Vegas mega-resort" and more "laid-back oasis after a terrifying motorbike adventure." Or maybe that was *just* my experience. There’s greenery, a bar (hallelujah!), and generally a good vibe. People are dressed in sarongs, not scrubs. I saw a few people looking stressed, but mostly just a standard Bali vacation vibe.
Let's talk location! Seriously, explain the BIMC proximity. Is it a dealbreaker?
Okay, *this* is the crux. You are… *very* close to BIMC. Like, "walk across the street" close. Which, on the surface, is a bit… unsettling. I had this constant, tiny, nagging feeling in my brain. BUT! Hear me out. If you're prone to Bali belly (and let's be honest, who *isn't*?) or have any even slightly dodgy digestive symptoms, this is a *godsend*. You're literally steps away from top-notch medical care. And, if (God forbid) something *does* go wrong, you're not facing a hair-raising, panicked taxi ride. I didn't *need* the hospital (thankfully!) but the peace of mind? Priceless. Plus, the area is *surprisingly* close to everything; shopping, restaurants, the beach… It’s a trade-off, and honestly, depending on your travel style, it might be a HUGE positive.
Is the food any good? And what about the breakfast situation? Because breakfast is *important*.
The food... is okay. The restaurant is passable. Nothing to write home about, but edible, which, let's be honest, is a win, especially after a dodgy street food experience (which, again, is almost inevitable in Bali). Breakfast, however, is… let's say… variable. The usual suspects: eggs, toast, some sad-looking fruit, and the promise of a "made-to-order" omelet that sometimes arrives perfectly and sometimes ends up a rubbery, overcooked tragedy. The coffee is… drinkable. Look, it's not a culinary destination. But it will fill the hole in your stomach. Just don’t go expecting Michelin-star magic.
So, you mentioned a motorbike adventure. Let's say, for the sake of hypothetical, someone…*ahem*… took a tumble. How would Collection O's proximity to BIMC have *actually* helped, assuming a broken leg and a face full of gravel?
Okay, so… let's hypothetically say a certain clumsy blogger (*cough*) (ME) attempted to navigate the chaotic streets of Bali on a rented scooter. Let's just say Bali traffic humbled me. Let's say it involved some serious road rash and the distinct feeling of my kneecap having a *very* unfriendly chat with asphalt. Now, imagine this: you go down, you’re covered in blood, the adrenaline's thrumming… the last thing you want is a 45-minute taxi ride to a hospital. Which, by the way, is where I spent *an hour* debating an ambulance as the pain set in. Instead, let's imagine (yes, I'm really reliving it!) you stumble (or are carried) to the hotel, and BAM! Across the road is BIMC. Immediate attention. Professional care. No excruciating wait. The pain? Still there. The potential for scarring? Debatable. But the sheer relief of instant access to medical help? Freaking *priceless*. Seriously. That experience alone probably pays for the whole stay for me.
Are there any downsides besides the "hospital next door" thing?
Oh, yes. There are always downsides. Bali is chaotic, even "luxury" in Bali can be chaotic! The air conditioning in my room was a bit… temperamental. One minute, it was a blizzard, the next, I was sweating like a pig in a luau. The internet, at times, resembled a snail on a sugar rush. And the noise at night… well, Legian is Legian. You'll hear motorbikes, karaoke wafting from somewhere, and the distant sound of dogs fighting. It's not the place for total silence and zen. And the staff, while helpful, are not always the quickest to respond to requests. This is Bali. Patience is a virtue, my friends. But the minor quirks are Bali charm. Embrace it.
Would you recommend it? Be honest!
Alright, raw honesty time. Yes, I would recommend Collection O Legian. But with caveats. If you're a hypochondriac, maybe not. If you absolutely MUST have complete silence, look elsewhere. If you think they *also* should cater to your every whim, you'll be disappointed. But if you're looking for a decent, clean, conveniently located hotel in Legian, with a solid safety net (that BIMC connection!), and you're prepared to embrace the slightly chaotic Bali experience, then YES! It's not perfect, but I'd go back. Especially now that I have a deeper understanding of the motorbike situation. And next time? I'll be wearing a full-body suit of armor. And probably sticking closer to the pool. And the bar...
How's the pool, really?
