I visited Gili Air first-last time 6 years ago and spent most of my time in a hut-shaped accommodation next to one of the mosque’s speakers. Looking back on old photos and screenshots, Villa Karang is something we considered, but didn’t choose for our last night. The prices have dropped *considerably*. Villa Karang does lack the same kind of personality as some of the other places on the island (be it the more old authentic or new hobo huts), but if that’s not important to you, it’s probably one of the better places to stay. A lot of the island/accommodations felt dead in 2023, but this one seemed consistently busy. It definitely has more of a resort vibe with a large reception area and an open plan courtyard layout for guests. You get welcomed with a drink and there’s a restaurant on site. Garden is well maintained, though pool could probably do with more TLC. It’s usable, but there’s definitely some leaves and bugs floating around. We saw the courtyard constantly tidied, but pool only one the last day (granted, we weren't there always). The pool bar wasn’t open (we did visit out of season) and no noise carried through to the rooms and we definitely had neighbours. Doors close probably 99%, but we didn’t have any bugs or other wildlife make its way into the room, but the Gili dirt on the other hand is impossible to shake. We opted out of cleaning initially, but this was definitely a mistake (plus you won't get your top up water then). There’s a laundry service, a spa nearby & the hotel hosts cinema nights. You’re probably as close as you could get accommodation to the port and walking a bit further, it’s right next to the sunset spots. There’s a few friendly, but loud cats roaming around (not an issue for us). Breakfast was an extra couple of euros and for that was adequate, though not amazing. The room was of adequate size and definitely more modern-fresher looking than some of the other places we’ve stayed on the island (though bathroom was the smallest). There was a safe and a TV, but we used neither, so can’t comment on that. Bed wasn’t the worst, but a bit too hard for my liking (common theme in Indonesia, it seems). A/C kind of worked - as in that in one regime it did blow out cold air, but it was just consistent cold air rather than adjusting to the set temperature (also common). It was also the only place we stayed in where it made a quiet humming noise - my partner didn’t mind, but it did bother my autistic brain and made me sleep with headphones. However on the bright side I found out only later that the mosque speakers did reach our accommodation after all. 7SEAS is the only place I’ve stayed where I haven’t heard them, though, so it’s kind of unescapable, and not the hotel’s fault. Staff seemed a little clueless at times and a lot of them seemed to only speak basic English, but were lovely and always available otherwise, and for us this wasn’t an issue. I would probably consider staying again if I ever visited Gili Air ag
3 Ulasan