INTERCONTINENTAL BALI · Resort Tour & Review · Sanur, Bali 🇮🇩 · There's a MUCH BETTER Choice!

[@maxinebartholomews2741]

We spent 2 months here when it was the fairmont . The South African manager was so hospitable. He allowed us a night in the presidential villa at the end of our first stay . He gave us a laundry allowance every day for a month . We returned for another months stay with 4 friends . Again we were all treated like royalty. The staff all knew our names and we had a marvellous time . The next months stay was at the Andaz . We went back to the intercontinental this year for a month in March with one of the sets of friends who stayed before . Complete and utter mistake . The staff were just as lovely. We changed rooms 3 times . The first room was so damp and dark we didn’t get past the end of the bed . The second room had no view at all because a tree was coming in through the window and the teak floor was very badly damaged . We had to spend 5 nights in this room before they moved us again to a top floor room . This room was very tired and when it rained our bed got wet as did our friends in the next block . Only one lift was working the whole month . Sea weed was never a problem under the fairmont . A massive issue this year . The water pressure in the shower was poor . The hotel is very much in need of a large injection of cash as it’s very shabby indeed .. The new manager could not be located the entire months stay . I won’t be spending anymore time in this very expensive hotel .

[@tfft]

Yeah, with the incredible options Bali has, I'd never return here.

[@rasferrastfarian739]

Great video Kevin. I really appreciate your humor!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@jimhearsonwriter]

Really appreciate adding the clip of the other Intercontinental for comparison - it helps me better understand the point you're making without having to find the relevant bit of a linked video, which is a bit of a faff. It also saves you having to include net new footage, so it's win-win!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@GabrielRodrigues-uy8so]

Best reviews on KZbin! Have booked a few places directly based on your feedback 🎉😊

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@DJ99777]

The music in your videos is so calming yet the monologue is chaotic.

[@tfft]

Ok, next time I’ll quietly sing my monologue in the style of an ancient Babylonian lullaby.

[@DJ99777]

@@tfft there’s just so many emotions.

[@jbennison5672]

What are you taking about? It's not chaotic at all.

[@DJ99777]

@@jbennison5672 of course it is. It’s like a roller coaster ride. The foods good the beach is bad the rooms are nice you can’t walk through the grounds. Such a roller coaster of emotions.

[@jbennison5672]

@@DJ99777 it's called an honest review. What do you expect him to do? Pretend it's all perfect so that your weirdly sensitive emotions aren't violated by your very strange interpretation of chaotic?

[@RobvHout]

Stunning decor indeed and great potential. Shame it doesn’t live up to its potential! We stayed here when it was the fairmont, the beach remains an issue despite all the effort (although the pace is very slow😂). I know you are a big Andaz fan, but perhaps you should stay at the Tandjung Sari Hotel, it’s run for over centuries by the same family that knows how to do it! We already booked our next stay and can’t wait to enjoy the beautiful grounds and perfectly maintained private beach. Thanks for all your great videos, we enjoy each and every one of them!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@harshavardhanm8397]

Really enjoy your videos you keep it real and your narration is the best with perfect music. I recommend you to use some drone shots in your videos. That will actually elevate your videos

[@tfft]

Drones are way too much of a hassle to travel with.

[@ulitkabob7567]

Спасибо за выпуск, Кевин! Вода со звуком... Интересно. Не смотря на все недостатки. Мне понравилось!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@michaelkoss24]

Was kinda hoping for a warm n fuzzy satisfying uplifting positive Bali review. I appreciate this.. I have flirted with going to this resort and I am supremely glad I didnt (more of a Nusa Dua person) but... come on Kevin, I need some inspiring reviews ... end of yr trip planning underway. Will be going back to some of the other Bali and Phuket vids to satisfy the craving.

[@tfft]

I can't create inspiration where there is none lol

[@ArtistJa2509]

Loving the channel for years now and seeing you grow. A few suggestions for future stays in Bali if you ever get an opportunity (would love to hear your takes!): Bali Beach Hotel/The Meru Sanur(supposedly, Bali's first ever 5-star hotel built in the 60s now newly renovated!) Maya Resort Sanur Samanvaya Sidemen

[@tfft]

Sideman is a place I’m dying to explore. The problem with the non-branded hotels in Bali though is there is no long term audience. It’s a simple equation that even when I started the channel I never thought about. ie if a resort has 12 rooms, realistically how many people will be searching for content about that place. So, in the future (think, double+ the subscribers I have now), that’s when I’ll have a bit more flexibility to take some risks on more independent properties.

[@ArtistJa2509]

@@tfft Absolutely fair and understandable. Keep up the great work! We’ll be visiting Bangkok in October and using your reviews as a guide has been so helpful. Keep up the great work!

[@yungyung201]

Another great video Kevin, thank you.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@jackybaynes1648]

Thanks for this. I was eyeing the Intercontinental off as an option to treat myself. I’m happy to pay 5 star prices, but only if I get 5 star service and facilities. I’ll go to one of the others right near it.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@pointoflight7332]

Thanks for this funny report....😅 the strangled geese....

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@TheStagswag]

The boat parking lot view and a smell, how unrelaxing. There was a write up for apurva kempinski bali in the paper today, I'll cleanse my mind by rewatching that banger of a review.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@michaelj3282]

I stayed at the Intercon Jimbarran bay a number of years ago, one of the loft rooms, it was wonderful. Stupidly expensive though, but the amenities, the beach in the bay, and the tranquility was wonderful.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@waterguy3107]

We visited early this year, disappointed, not worth the amount paid for the villa! We should have revisited Kempinski instead! You are right, property is not small but limited space to explore within 😂😂

[@tfft]

Just such a strange design! Especially considering the entire spa was windowless. They could have just put it in the basement lol

[@waterguy3107]

@@tfft if i am not wrong there’s a sort of playroom for children within the same area as the spa which was not opened when we were there. The vibe in holiday inn was much better than here. 😅😅

[@toniblackmore3016]

The strangled goose. I keep going back to listen 😂

[@tfft]

Be careful. There is a breaking point at which time it will begin to haunt you.

[@gunadz]

The Park Hyatt NYC also provides strangled geese, but they only honk while the bathtub is draining.

[@tfft]

And I imagine it's a very professional honk.

[@jbentley75]

Thanks Kevin - another great review. Out of interest, is there a club lounge / section of hotel? That's one of IC Jimbaran's biggest strengths IMHO.

[@tfft]

Not when I was there, but interestingly enough, when it was originally built as a Regent, the entire facility was club access.

[@sapereaude3210]

Could you imagine making a Video about the UMANA Bali LXR. That would be a property that one of your comprehensive videos would be very interesting to watch in my humble opinion. :)

[@tfft]

Sure, I can imagine filming anywhere lol

[@sapereaude3210]

@@tfft Well, that does make sense I guess…

[@mikeykeyes]

whilst you are travelling according to your schedule impeccably I on he other and is so rusty keep goofing up just to visit 1 country! First I booked SIA ticket to India using the wrong dates, spent sleepless days for a week before I had to pay extra to change to the correct dates; then I assumed ETA to India can be applied 30 days ahead but would start from the date of arrival only to discover it expires the day I arrive because I applied exactly 30 days in advance! Choices are- leave it as it is and hope there are no flight delays which gives me 2 hours before expiry OR apply for a 12 month visa spending a lot of money which I may not use! I checked SIA flights and barring once in 2018 they never arrived late to Kolkata. As an experienced traveller what do you suggest I do?

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@stevene465]

As there as so many good resorts in Bali there has to be a few duds and here you present one - the smells of course are everywhere when you least expect it , the sewerage does flow into the ocean and walking around the streets you know to be very very careful of open drains - did someone say travel insurance , in any case the beach isn’t nice , the grounds limited and the pool area uninspiring so …. Next 😂great video though as always

[@tfft]

Agreed!

[@josht9055]

Thank you for this review. I was considering this previously but the grounds look even worse compared to Holiday Inn Baruna! Seems Intercontinental Jimbaran is still the Gold Standard for the IHG group in Bali and I hope their new GM will help it even further.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@jtan0048]

I guess these chains like IHG or the Bonvoy group have a strict set of criteria on how their hotel should look n feel like. I just feel like they could have done so much with all that space ..... Thanks for the review kev. Cheers

[@tfft]

Agreed, but in that same breath, I’m surprised there isn’t a “room to explore” metric that IHG would enforce. Idk, maybe some enjoy walkways lol.

[@SBArrow310]

The appearance of the beach is unbelievable. I went to the hotel website to see how they show the beach to potential guests. Of course the website photos make it look great. Imagine planning a dream vacation and arriving to find that awful beach view.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You ✈️

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@talast2000]

I almost booked this place for new years, but 5 nights for $2k was a bit too much when next door you got the holiday inn express for under $700. I know it's not the same. but when the tour is hit the ground running and out touring most of the duration, the extra $1300 is not worth it

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@tommykay7427]

It's strange that the price bracket seams to be about the same too. Maybe they are planing a remodel? But proably not. 🙂

[@tfft]

Don’t think so, they already did a refresh before it opened as an IC.

[@zakelwe]

Well Kevin, or Mr XXXXX, as you are known on your shaded out boarding card or letters to Qantas for a refund etc etc , having seen all your flight videos finally took the plunge into your hotel ones and although with some trepidation on thinking it might have far too much spa and health and wellness and therefore being bollocks ( personal grooming and me do not get along unless it is a simple bar of soap ), my first tippy toe into the deep end of those turned out rather well. I love my food and your breakfast ranking of all was a hint to future pleasures. Or disasters. Who doesn't like when it all goes tits up, makes it all the more fun? At least for the potential subscribers and likers ( PSLs) . Green Bay Phu Quoc at number 147 strikes my eye immediately for some fun at your tongue expense. Ironically 147 is the maximum at snooker which have a table using the green baize. I guess you didn't Green bay pack it all into your mouth? Now here's a thought ... you fly to Las Vegas and do ALL the buffets there for the hotel/casinos and hotel reviews. After all that Kangaroo hopping exercise you would need some calories. YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE. There are even entire youtube channels on people doing that, without your wit and wisdom obviously. A collaberation with Lounge Index would be swell, just sayin....

[@tfft]

You lost me lol

[@PIL-t3x]

I used to visit Pier 8 for drinks/meal. However, no longer as they insist on playing loud doff doff music. Unable to keep a muted conversation. I can confirm the beach is not for swimming. Same for the entire Sanur beach stretch.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@soumyonath911]

I guess I have to continue the chain, I’m fourth

[@tfft]

No shame in choosing another path lol

[@idoobedumbedoo]

One pool? That's a big let down from Intercontinental Jimbaran. Was staying at Hyatt Regency Sanur a few months ago, the beaches in front of Hyatt and Andaz was clean, the beach in front of Intercontinental was not. Maybe it's the location, but 🤷‍♀️

[@tfft]

Yeah I was equally as confused given how close they are. I think the difference is IC relies on the community staff for cleaning and the Hyatt properties don’t wait for them to get around to it.

[@kevboynet]

That DID feel like an abrupt ending lol... *mic drop* One poke in your side tho: A room temp of 20 C / 68 F only gets a yellow check mark in your book? What temperature is comfortable for you?

[@tfft]

If the AC has been running full blast overnight and it only got down to 68, that's barely acceptable. 66 and lower is what I consider to be good. Not bc I want my room at 66, but if it can't get to 66 on a normal day, it's definitely not getting below 70 during a heat wave.

[@kevboynet]

@@tfft That's fair enough.

[@TheMaartian]

First time as a first viewer! EDIT: Not. Thanks for nothing, YT.

[@tfft]

Someone else trying to challenge you on that lol

[@TheMaartian]

@@tfft Never mind. There weren't any listed when I showed up.

[@DeniseSommerRoque]

With so many attractive resorts in Bali, this tired looking property would be bottom of my list. Very uninspiring and dull. With the Andaz close by, this really doesn’t stand a chance 🙈 Thank you for this review 🙏🏼

[@tfft]

Agreed! Total head scratcher.

[@OK-Travels]

First second third!

[@tfft]

Let's not be greedy

[@We-we-we-we]

Strangled goose. LOL🤣

[@tfft]

🪿

[@akirakai7072]

you should try to visit Ayana Segara next

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@66tortor]

I agree with you. You can't help but compare this resort with InterContinental Jimbaran and the one in Jimbaran cleans this one's clock. Why stay at this place when there's a better InterContinental for about the same price. Tell your Grab driver to make a u-turn and head on to Jimbaran. Just wondering: do you have something against Nusa Dua? There are plenty of nice resorts there.

[@tfft]

What did I say about Nusa Dua? lol

[@66tortor]

@@tfft It's your lack of Nusa Dua coverage. Only Conrad and Kempinski so far? Conrad is not even in ND.

[@useless8989]

I've been to the IC Jimbaran several times. This place isn't even close. I'd be very disappointed to travel 21 hours to arrive here,

[@tfft]

Agreed

[@riteshpatelbk]

I am third. 😀

[@tfft]

You know what they say about coming in third...

[@riteshpatelbk]

@@tfft Love you and your channel sir.

[@ronald3921]

Love the reviews overall but don’t think the steel drum music is great

[@tfft]

Can't please 'em all! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@saranraparthy]

I have stayed in Intercon Mauritius and the experience hasn’t been great. Service wasn’t great. Rooms and balconies were huge but somehow lacked quality.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@petek5523]

I think I would have skipped showering in the room, and used the one at the gym 😅😂

[@tfft]

My hostel vibes left many years ago haha. I’ll take a noisy private shower anyday 😅

[@petek5523]

@@tfftlol 😂

[@omarsaleem9324]

Brewing sludge ;)

[@tfft]

Ahhhh, that's what it was.

[@PratikSarkar-d4h]

1000th view. Thank me later, Kevin! :)

[@tfft]

Thank you! (It’s been 43 minutes…)

[@anthonyprice-zm5iu]

It’s a no from me .. plastic grass 😮 WTF!!! …. Naughty IHG!

[@tfft]

To be fair to them, it may have been premium plastic... 😆

[@anthonyprice-zm5iu]

😂😂😂

[@BilalAhmed-d4l]

What would you say is your favourite Bali resort (for luxury and detachment vibes), given this is your 18th Bali video?

[@tfft]

Alila Ubud for detachment.

[@Normalaatsra]

I could use the strangled goose to stay awake in a hot shower 😂

[@tfft]

Ahhh, that's why they didn't give an espresso machine!

[@shaunholmes4143]

5th

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@tonybrise6524]

Yikes....A for Awnesty! (is that even a word?)

[@tfft]

If presidents can make up words, so can you!

[@FDchick]

LOL that goose in the shower head was no joke!!

[@tfft]

For real!

[@tommykay7427]

Being a professional globertrotter, is there a country that you haven't, and would like to visit? Whats the top of the bucket list?

[@tfft]

Well, I’ve been to around 80… so I suppose I have around 110 remaining lol. My top three are probably a deep dive into West and Southern Africa as a whole, Poland, and Georgia.

[@reclusiarchnotrobsimmons]

15rd

[@tfft]

Thank you for breaking that lol

[@oscarwinston1159]

Been once. Didn't go back. Platinum Ambassador appreciation - zero.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@yobklim]

13:50 With that sound, rubber ducky in the bathtub is not necessary. As always, thanks for a great review!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@davedotravel]

What’s worse the property or bali itself as a beach-focused destination?! Bali has gone downhill

[@tfft]

I find that 99.78 times out of 100, people who think Bali has gone ‘downhill’ come to that conclusion after experiences in a few very specific areas (and only those areas). Would be like visiting Tromsø in winter and declaring Europe has really gotten dark over the years.

[@davedotravel]

@@tfft haha love your "stat", truly. But I still believe a lot could be done to make that beach look more appealing.

[@TeunLos]

Normally I agree with the things you said, but when you called the shower sound a strangled goose, you went too far. It definitely sounds like a strangled goat.

[@tfft]

You have come across some strange goats in your lifetime it seems lol

[@henktl3580]

The owner is a stingy guy indeed... Horrible place. For what you pay at least. Glad to see they refreshed the rooms. I was there before that and the rooms were not good at all.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@A380_Flyer]

Not a fan of this resort, especially seeing as andaz is nearby. Not really worthy of a IHG Rewards property tbh.

[@tfft]

Agreed. Feels like a Crowne Plaza resort with really nice rooms.

[@jonathanfurtado2191]

I came to the comments, this time, specifically for the reactions, halfway through the review. I saw someone say fourth and i thought okay, everyone's already commenting on the strangled goose..but well...lol.. like seriously, wtf was with that sound man.. was it faulty or intentionally made to scare you of your wits?

[@tfft]

Idk but the fact that housekeeping (hopefully) uses water to clean the shower and that it’s still like that baffles me lol.

[@bierstick]

Probably a political deal.

[@tfft]

Anything is possible

[@krugmeup2162]

You went to Bali and ate a friggen pizza lmao wtaf

[@tfft]

I’ve lived in Southeast Asia for a decade, was there a ‘local food only’ requirement in the bloc I wasn’t aware of?

[@krugmeup2162]

@@tfft no mate but it’s funny that you review the hotel food by a pizza right? Not having a go at you - just think it’s funny. Ive just come across your channel. The food review of the restaurant in the regent in Vietnam was very good.

[@rizkytaufik792]

Lol, imagine a couple doing some relaxing romantic moments in the bathroom and when they start the rain shower....they'd prob have a great laugh instead!!

[@tfft]

Honeymoon ender lol