JUMEIRAH BALI 🚨 Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩【4K Resort Tour & Review】They Are Out of Their Minds!

[@edward88881]

This was a fantastic review. Awful hotel experiences such as this can easily turn into one big rant - but you kept it real: the detailed video and your descriptions of mismanagement completely supported your opinion and you kept it even toned throughout even if, in your mind, you were seething with rage 🙂. I was actually fascinated by the lack of quality and loved hearing your suggestions about the steps they could take to improve. If you ever wanted to start a second channel that was devoted to miserable hotels I'd be the first to subscribe. 😀

[@tfft]

I did always enjoy Gordon Ramsey’s Hotel Hell 😅. Appreciate the comment about keeping it balanced. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@RIZFERD]

There's something not good in the air with Pecatu Graha Complex the whole hectares of Tommy Soeharto private land where Jumeirah Bali is located just next door to my old project in 2011 Klapa Resort. Tommy Soeharto is the famous youngest son of former president Soeharto. If you know how "they" gotten the land, "stolen" from local Balinese powerless against "them". I was in Pecatu Graha complex daily for Klapa Resort development and marketing in 2011 till 2013 directly after I lived in The Netherlands and surrounding countries in fact as a descendant of royals of old Indonesia I've been living around the world all alone since childhood being a complete multiracial multilingual.

[@akumauhotel]

Hey Kevin... your review actually made quite a big impact on them. And they have been implementing quite a few changes. I can confirm that they have now hired 6 staff to clean the public beaches plus the hired village staff, around the resort with twice daily updates to the management on the cleanliness. Plenty of other changes for the better too. Thanks for the review and for giving an honest unbiased one.

[@tfft]

Sad that a hotel of this caliber couldn't have figured it out on it's own, but I suppose as long as they get there, that's all that matters! Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@bimahartono3112]

I love your very detailed reviews. I think people who work within the travel industry would learn a lot from your comprehensive reviews. You should try Tanah Gajah Ubud next time. Its very serene! 😊

[@tfft]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@richardpizzahut08]

I would have flipped out if I flew from the U.S. and couldn't even go down on the beach. I paid that much $$$ to stay there!!! They all should be embarrassed for themselves and their country!

[@RIZFERD]

There's something not good in the air with Pecatu Graha Complex the whole hectares of Tommy Soeharto private land where Jumeirah Bali is located just next door to my old project in 2011 Klapa Resort. Tommy Soeharto is the famous youngest son of former president Soeharto. If you know how "they" gotten the land, "stolen" from local Balinese powerless against "them". I was in Pecatu Graha complex daily for Klapa Resort development and marketing in 2011 till 2013 directly after I lived in The Netherlands and surrounding countries in fact as a descendant of royals of old Indonesia I've been living around the world all alone since childhood being a complete multiracial multilingual.

[@shubhamnarayan2077]

1000$ is insane for the service they are offering. It's really sad to see such a beautiful place is not able to realize it's full potential. I am planning a bali trip with my GF and i will definitely checkout your Bali playlist before i start booking. Loving your content so far!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@suriana2318]

Bali is huge....theres many other positive side beside from this traveler experienced.cos i lived there....people have their own opinions

[@RIZFERD]

There's something not good in the air with Pecatu Graha Complex the whole hectares of Tommy Soeharto private land where Jumeirah Bali is located just next door to my old project in 2011 Klapa Resort. Tommy Soeharto is the famous youngest son of former president Soeharto. If you know how "they" gotten the land, "stolen" from local Balinese powerless against "them". I was in Pecatu Graha complex daily for Klapa Resort development and marketing in 2011 till 2013 directly after I lived in The Netherlands and surrounding countries in fact as a descendant of royals of old Indonesia I've been living around the world all alone since childhood being a complete multiracial multilingual.

[@sandeepthilakan7728]

I remember reading in one of Gathy’s interviews that his team was pulled into this project at a later stage. He had no say in the architecture and exteriors of the resort. Anyways, thanks a lot for another honest review and helping me stay away from Jumeirah Bali.

[@tfft]

That makes perfect sense actually. Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@V5mGpYp]

Kevin, your objective, detailed, unsponsored reviews are invaluable. I refer your channel every chance I get. Thank you for your work.

[@tfft]

Appreciate that! Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@RIZFERD]

There's something not good in the air with Pecatu Graha Complex the whole hectares of Tommy Soeharto private land where Jumeirah Bali is located just next door to my old project in 2011 Klapa Resort. Tommy Soeharto is the famous youngest son of former president Soeharto. If you know how "they" gotten the land, "stolen" from local Balinese powerless against "them". I was in Pecatu Graha complex daily for Klapa Resort development and marketing in 2011 till 2013 directly after I lived in The Netherlands and surrounding countries in fact as a descendant of royals of old Indonesia I've been living around the world all alone since childhood being a complete multiracial multilingual.

[@catelove1512]

Thank you so much for being honest! I appreciate it!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@guillaumesoumillon6682]

Another enlightening video, thank you for the "sacrifice". When promises are not aligned with reality, well, that hurts. As you say, lack of management style, which leads to uncomplete (or total absence of) training often leads to these situations and operators (Jumeirah or others) and even hotel owners are not even aware of the situation. Just back from Bali myself, back to the hotel we used to go (which you reviewed couple years ago), we had great time, thanks to the incredible balinese people kindness. Safe travel!!

[@tfft]

Glad you enjoyed Bali as I usually do! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@RIZFERD]

There's something not good in the air with Pecatu Graha Complex the whole hectares of Tommy Soeharto private land where Jumeirah Bali is located just next door to my old project in 2011 Klapa Resort. Tommy Soeharto is the famous youngest son of former president Soeharto. If you know how "they" gotten the land, "stolen" from local Balinese powerless against "them". I was in Pecatu Graha complex daily for Klapa Resort development and marketing in 2011 till 2013 directly after I lived in The Netherlands and surrounding countries in fact as a descendant of royals of old Indonesia I've been living around the world all alone since childhood being a complete multiracial multilingual.

[@Raduandrei1980]

Man you are the king of reviews (and drama in this case). Love it!!! thanks a ton for this.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@andy-kai-chan]

I love your honesty. I do have one request for future content: could you create a video of any resorts/airlines that reach out to you, and discuss how they recovered or plan on recovering?

[@andy-kai-chan]

I mean… for starters, that beach require the hiring of a contractor to do daily sweeps…

[@tfft]

If and when a hotel chain or airline reaches out to me, the interaction is summed up and put in the pinned comment on the video. I’ve been reached out to a total of 4 times for the 220ish videos. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@andy-kai-chan]

@@tfft ah okay thank you. I stand corrected.

[@Luxuryescapes18]

Amazing one mate..forwarded this to the people who matters,Hope something will be done!!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@marti_in_tx]

Hi me again. Don’t know why I am watching the low scoring vids because I am depressed enough, but it has taken my mind to something else. Horror at your experience at what could have been a decent resort. I am so sorry that this happened to you. Your humor and natural decency when doing these reviews is refreshing. This stay was some time ago so I hope you have had a better year or so. All I can say is that hopefully all that security made the place safe from? Well, whatever they are afraid of.

[@tfft]

Cameras, I reckon haha.

[@mikhael_tarigan]

When the video gets to the beach part, I feel like watching a investigative documentary 😀Very detail and engrossing to see your experience and the comparisons. For a price that high and the prestige they claim this resort has, it's very awful to not "have" a beach and be treated that way by the management. I also do not see any "personality" in how they design the resort. Anyway, great video. Keep up!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@Stalker2509]

Thank you. Reviews like these are very important! You only made fair points and I would be furious aswell.. Iam exited to see where you stay next 🙂 hopefully in one of the Aman property’s, I truly loved it. Cheers

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@scottscott5224]

That was savage 😂. I really enjoy all of your videos.

[@tfft]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@jenniferrahman6960]

Omg thats quite a review!! But totally deserved, by the look of that sad and dreadful property. Most enjoyable to watch - one of your best, thank you!👌😊

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@killerqueen9298]

Hi, Kevin. Another review to your usual excellent standard. To be honest, I wouldn't pay $90 let alone 900 for a night at this hotel. Keep up the great work

[@tfft]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@ninascherini4410]

Thanks Kevin, looking forward to your Anantara Uluwatu review - hopefully you got some respite there.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@RIZFERD]

There's something not good in the air with Pecatu Graha Complex the whole hectares of Tommy Soeharto private land where Jumeirah Bali is located just next door to my old project in 2011 Klapa Resort. Tommy Soeharto is the famous youngest son of former president Soeharto. If you know how "they" gotten the land, "stolen" from local Balinese powerless against "them". I was in Pecatu Graha complex daily for Klapa Resort development and marketing in 2011 till 2013 directly after I lived in The Netherlands and surrounding countries in fact as a descendant of royals of old Indonesia I've been living around the world all alone since childhood being a complete multiracial multilingual.

[@howardbaldwin1226]

Our last two Bali trips have dispensed with resorts. We found a fabulous serviced private villa. A much better all round experience. Cheers from AKL.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Mr8888X]

Ayana all the way for this price. Excellent review. I love that you highlight really the details that so many hotels get wrong. I was fortune enough to have stayed in four different properties in Bali this summer across one month all around a price point of $225. I feel like while the will is often there the most basic stuff is missed or simply not done (e.g. cleaning air conditioning units, make sure the room is functioning properly). Room for improvement is definitely there. And for the Jumeirah: this isn’t worth the price at all!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@Postal_Deathcab]

OMG I just stayed in this hotel last month and thought hmm wonder if he felt cheated as I did. Anyway I found the staff to be nice and friendly but yes it did feel like an Arabic fortress in the sea with the security. The beach was not as dirty as I saw in your vid but yes, the state of Dreamland beach at that time was not up to par to a luxury resort. My own complaints: the food, the state of some details in the room, the service in f&b venues. Really goes out to show that sometimes, price does. not equate to quality. Thanks Kevin!

[@tfft]

It certainly doesn’t! Sorry they “got” you too! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@ybranham3556]

Love the honest videos you produce. Saves me money OR makes me spend money. Bali is a double edged sword: misbehaving tourists and bad hotel management. Don’t know which is worse

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@SabyasachiChatterjee82]

Hi , Kevin hope you are fine . I was a bit busy , now I am watching your vids one by one . I am sorry that you had the experience. Please do not get disheartened. At the same time this vids should get million of views st least . The way you narrated is beautiful , your humours way to describe a problem is great as usual. The best example is this hotel is specialised in making saggy potatoes!! Really hilarious!! The way you are giving your effort the amount of effort you are giving in , by now your subscriptions amount should have been close to a million . Do not worry it will happen very soon! To me you are the best youtuber who uploaded vids of luxurious hotels and flights in this app . Love and best wishes from India ❤️❤️🇮🇳🇮🇳.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@lyndylou752]

Considering the amount of money they ask per room this is just woeful, I love how honest you are in your reviews, we were looking at this resort now it definitely off the list, the lack of care shown by the staff here would make me nervous about consuming any food, basically as you cannot guarantee that they have a quality control system in place, as for security geez guys take a chill pill

[@tfft]

Agreed! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@JuddChristie]

Stayed here in December last year, fortunately our experience was nothing like you had, we had a great stay and enjoyed our time there. On our trip the beach access was open and the beach and water were very clean and clear. A few mounds of stacked rubbish ready for disposal - but it was very clean on the whole. Food at breakfast was also of great quality and no issues with service, security or taking photos. The architecture could definitely be more balinese but I get that this was not the theme they were going for. Hopefully what you experienced is not the new normal here.

[@tfft]

It’s a shame that such a ‘high end’ property has the ability to fluctuate so wildly. Glad you were able to enjoy! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@wendyurquia4034]

Howdy Kevin! I saw this review when you first published but forgot I had seen it. Was considering this resort for an upcoming 'milestone' stay. Thanks so much for saving me time. Keep up the great work.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@duanebeamsley7695]

Thank you for your honest review!!! We were looking staying here however have now changed this to The Ungasan Clifftop Resort!! Very much appreciated your feedback on Jumeirah Bali!!! Seems the Hotel have a lot to learn :-)

[@tfft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@bettyregina1]

From an ex travel agents perspective, you nailed it! Congrats. For the price, actually forget the price, for an internationally renowned brand that allows this kind of "indifference" and that is putting it politely, this type of "service" is simply uneceptable. Constructive criticism should be embraced not looked upon it as a threat. Keep up the great woprk Flip Flop. :)

[@Jamesdevil]

Having tried it for real, its either your review had made a huge impact or the day you were there was a one off. This was easily the most impressive resort I had stayed in Bali, by the beach or in Ubud, service and soft product wise. The staff are so natural and well intended, they felt absolutely well trained as well which cannot be said for other pretty major brands (especially anything affliated to Marriott and to a large extent Hiltons). Even the security whom guided me to Akasa when i was kind of lost was impressive, instead of pointing me, he walked me all the way and engaged in small talk that I have never seen no experienced in any of my ultra lux stays worldwide, amazing. Beach was spick and span though filled with the public watching sunset. Their colour scheme and botanical choices also rhyms with my preference of white and bright rather than the dark and gloom many chose to go in Bali. You should definitely go back and give this review and update.

[@tfft]

As I always say, my reviews are a moment in time, so it could certainly be either of the scenarios you mentioned. Either way though, glad it's much better now, as it should be. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@anthonyprice-zm5iu]

A comprehensive and fair assessment. You need to review Laguna Nusa Dua Kevin ❤

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@zeerem1726]

Best review channel on YT. It’s honest but in life nothing is going to be 100 percent. Give and take and life is a lot easier. Obviously it’s a large hotel chain trying to capture people with a lot of money and using cheap labor to increase the bottom line. This hotel is people with a lot of $$$ and they need to spend it at any cost.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@thewholenewworld3998]

your video changed hotel so much in positive way!

[@tfft]

Good to hear. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@1000davidcole]

Honest - no pampering to hotel groups to gain favour - constructive criticism is positive and should be applauded and welcomed by the hospitality industry.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@ianmounstephen3403]

An extraordinary review-for all the wrong reasons. You do a great service! Thanks Kevin!

[@tfft]

Haha appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@savinanencheva]

You should cover “ Andara resort and villas” in Phuket. Absolutely gorgeous!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@oblongmusic3389]

This was a fascinating story, Kevin .. in my opinion, you and every other guest (and I use the word guest advisedly), were more or less cheated .. it’s all about the actual price the company behind the property dare to ask for their services.. hearing the sadness and anger and frustration in your voice serves to remind us all that there are many many swindlers who charge as much as they can get away with , and as long as people accept and pay these astonishing prices, the prices will stay well above their true worth .. it takes brave people like you to remind people like your viewers that real value for money can be really hard to find in these strange times we’re living in .. thanks as always Kevin .. Peace .. ✌🏻

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@useless8989]

In a word...BRUTAL! I feel your pain.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@pauldooley8708]

Thanks for letting me know. I'll cross this one off my list of places to stay in Bali!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@gebe8978]

Agreed about the beach. Three years ago I was running a resort in Bali, in the Benoa area. Even during Pandemic we were cleaning the beach every morning as the sea would "deliver" plenty of debris and local Banjar (goverment) would not really do much.

[@tfft]

As it should be! Many moons ago I was managing a restaurant in NYC- our neighbor was consistently messy with their trash at night (put out in front of our storefront). So every morning, me or one of my staff would be scrubbing that sidewalk/curb with bleach. Why? Bc my customers saw it, full stop.

[@sheep.herder]

wow wasn't expecting this... much appreciated for sharing bro

[@tfft]

Me either! Lol. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@allhill]

glad youtube show your video on my home!! thanks mate! almost book it for end year vacation... better find something else.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@awac2]

As usual a very thorough and well explained review, about the shortcomings of your almost 1000 USD 1 night stay. If their management won't be shaken up after this video, I guess nothing can...

[@tfft]

Well said. As I mentioned to someone else, I suspect the result of this review will either be a top to bottom rework… or… absolutely nothing.

[@gocarlogo]

I highly recommend Bohol, Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@joethetravelguy6943]

Brilliant review and thanks. Glad we have people like you who tell it like it is. I agree with everything you said. A grand US a night I expect a lot more. Safe travels keep up the great content.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@rapidlink4625]

I could feel your pain Kevin 😂 great job 👍🏼

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@themediterraneanguy]

such a great vlog, I like this video so much, and I will always support this channel.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@eithneoconnor221]

Excellent and honest review. Thank you 🇮🇪

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching ☘️

[@bellaherman9000]

Amazing hotel!!!! Especially the restaurant with sunset!

[@tfft]

Hmmm... lol ok :)

[@Michele-ot8bh]

Truly appreciate your posts- thank you so much

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@leeheather8354]

I manage the travel agency and like your review~thanks!!

[@tfft]

Appreciate that!

[@patrickritzi]

I stayed at several Jumeirah hotels in Dubai and I can honestly say that this hotel does not deserve the Jumeirah brand. The general manager should be replaced ASAP. In Dubai they clean their beach every morning with special machinery to make them look pristine as advertised. What you showed is not what I would expect from a hotel in that price category. Thanks for your honest review!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@HawaiiDeva]

Another excellent review! Thank you so much for exposing how bad the trash problem is on the beaches in Bali. Knowing the truth is how we can stop the problem and then fix!

[@tfft]

Certainly not the whole of Bali… Thanks for watching 🩴

[@HawaiiDeva]

It’s not about which beach has trash on in at any given time. It’s a MUCH BIGGER PROBLEM! The hotel, community, and tourist should all be cleaning it up. Don’t act like just because you paid a lot to be on “vacation” you can’t clean up a mess YOU helped create. All humans are responsible for the extremely high levels of pollution in the air, land and sea. Wake up and do your part! Help clean it up every day

[@rosanneroszetta4484]

Thanks for your honesty and i must say that i won't be going, although it did catch my eye before!

[@kihokana01]

👍

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@blakesloan3922]

I spended a week there just now an I dont agree with almost anything in this review! The beach was clean and inviting, the facilities excellent and the service level was FANTASTIC! I’ve been to many luxurious hotels around the world in this price range and above the last 10 years and this was by far one of the best! 🤩

[@tfft]

You don't need to "agree" with the review... I had my experince and you had yours... based on what I've heard you have have this video to thank for your clean beach lol

[@lkhjason]

🤣🤣🤣 I can't with the black pepper comment 😂😂😂 Can't stop imaging a restaurant full of people sneezing and teary eyes

[@tfft]

Did you see my eggs Benedict? Lol

[@michaelswift7121]

Thank you for the honest review, I will take my hard earned money elsewhere. Your energy of reporting, excited me to watch this video until the end.

[@tfft]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@shahromrashid7346]

Y friends and I stayed here around one year ago and the beach was wide, clean and pristine. The service was impeccable. They anticipated our every need. We were very impressed.

[@tfft]

As it should be. Shame it’s changed so much. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@brilliantbutblue]

I am for once just lost for words 😢. Thanks Kevin for keeping these hotels accountable, mould, filthy beach, lousy food and service it sure was a "memorable experience" 👍

[@tfft]

Oh yeah. Sticking with me like burnt grease on an old pot 😅 Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Yyh85]

Great video again Kevin

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@jimmyjames6492]

Thanks for the info + video!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@bryancarlson3673]

My mom used to own and operate a tourist home at Watertown, New York back in 1951. She charged $3 per/night with free parking! The "State Street Inn" at 1042 State Street!

[@tfft]

I know Watertown very well. These days you’d be lucky to get an hour’s parking for $3 😅

[@thewanderingrey8830]

Hi man, thanks for this resort review. Just to give you a context and perspective about the "access to the beach" thing; in Bali, beaches are supposed to belong to the public, not given to private property - due to the backlash that because of the mushrooming "private beach resorts" the general public and natives that live in the surrounding areas suddenly have no access to the beach (some of it mean their livelihood). Therefore every time a new resort opens with "private beach access" it will be a constant legal battle between the people living nearby and the property owners, whether to "fence" the property or not, etc... As for me myself, I never go for these "private beach access" villas and just go to my secret spots where I know the beaches are beautiful but have not many visitors.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@hyk7205]

In addition to staying at Kempiski, I also stayed at Mulia Villas, which is one of the best resorts I have been to though it is actually in the lower price range than some it outbests. All thanks to this video, becuz I canceled Jumeirah at the last minute and booked Mulia😅

[@tfft]

Glad you enjoyed your trip!

[@suhendra30]

Thanks!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much for the support ❤️

[@gwilliams2417]

Wow, what a review. Your brutally honest reviews Kevin are truly a breath of fresh air on KZbin where you are often surrounded by fake amazing reviews. I sadly could feel your frustration and disappointment but to be honest, I have found it is not unexpected when you holiday in Bali. We often found it was a struggle to find a quality hospitality experience on the occasions we holidayed there, even at the higher priced properties that often boast loudly the quality experience you will have. They seem to do the absolute bare minimum (sometimes less) and will often wait to see if you will speak up about it before half-heartedly attending to your request. The island has so much promise but sadly so much lacking in terms of true hospitality, unless of course they are aware of the fact that you are vlogging or have been sponsored for your opinions. Which is why, your content should be the go to for travellers if you want the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, prior to the precious (especially in this economic climate) money you will outlay for a memorable getaway. Thank you again and I hope the next experience makes up for this one, looking forward to the next video.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much, but to be honest I do disagree with the Bali sentiment in general. I’ve had plenty of amazing experiences on the island and frankly this was my first true fail on the island- including times I’ve visited before the channel existed. Either way though, very much appreciate the comments 🙏🏻

[@gwilliams2417]

@@tfft definitely should have come across your channel sooner, not to say we won't give Bali a go again but this time of course, we'll stay where you did! 😁

[@kernthorpe864]

We were at Belmond Jimbaran Puri last week, at least partially based on your review. They kept their part of the beach immaculately clean and I didn't see any crapola in the water. The rest of the beach wasn't very clean but not nearly as bad as this Jumeirah abomination. I'd recommend anyone looking for a pristine beach vacation in the region head to Pangkor Laut which we just left a few hours ago ... thats an entire pristine jungle island and Emerald Bay is in a completely different league to Jimbaran.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@sonnysantino7849]

Splendid and honest review of a TERRIBLE property! Truly disappointed and border line insulting for any price! Thank you for making this video and I really agree with your logic and your arguments! 👏👏

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@lpm6114]

astonishing !! thanks

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@kilantravels]

Jeez, sounds like a nightmare! 😮 I’m impressed that you seem to understand how things work little bit different in Bali (along with the rest of Indonesia), I’m really curious on the reason behind the beach condition. It’s great that you were able to see the beach from a different point of view from Anantara, it really put things into perspective. At least the property looks nice? 😅 Although aside from that thing at 5:19 that resembles 13th century Candi Bajang Ratu, I’m having a difficult time seeing ‘Majapahit’ in its design. It’s giving me more of 18th-19th century palace complexes of Yogyakarta and Surakarta down to the blue/green washed wooden elements. Also the Water Palace concept, with your poolside walls looking very similar to the ones found at Taman Sari in Yogyakarta. BTW I think your neighbors might have been Singaporeans/Malaysians, seeing that they were speaking in Singlish/Manglish at 20:00 😆

[@tfft]

I agree I also don’t see the Majapahit inspirations at all. This resort could have been built in a multitude of places and ‘fit in’ just the same. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Kevin-qn6iv]

You 10000000% have every right in the world to be pissed. I’d be so mad too if this is the crap I got for that price range. Keep up the great videos!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@andhikawidjaja8712]

Look forward to the Indigo Bali video! Heard some positive reviews around it + wonder why price-wise it's similar to Intercontinental Jimbaran. Also, if you need recco which hotel to try next time in Bali: Potato Head Studio (great ESG), Four Seasons Jimbaran (2 times Dioriviera), St Regis (great service)

[@tfft]

After my stay at Alila Seminyak (directly next to PHS), Potato Head has definitely been crossed off my list lol.

[@b8800ah]

@@tfftmind telling us why?

[@tfft]

I certainly will in the Alila review.

[@andhikawidjaja8712]

@@tfft me personally will not try Alila Bali unless it's Alila Uluwatu

[@davidrockman4385]

Quite the doozy of a review. I watched with interest having just returned from a first time trip to Bali. I had given brief, somewhat wistful, consideration to the Jumeriah, but not real serious since it was above our price range. However, there was no indication in written online reviews (Tripadvisor, Google) of anything like this beach situation. A cautionary tale about how superficial most reviews are. Kevin - You sometimes indicate awareness of issues identified by online written reviewers when describing your experience, but have you ever had a situation where the online community had so missed a major issue (even if didn't otherwise result in a recordsetting (?) low Flip Flop score?)

[@tfft]

For sure, at nearly every hotel- in both good or bad ways. Before this channel I was in the restaurant business for nearly 20 years, I can tell you from first hand experience that TripAdvisor and the like are 70% solicited (in some way) promotion. If you ever want to use online reviews to give you a good idea of what to expect on an upcoming stay, select only 2, 3 and 4 star reviews, sort from newest to oldest and read anything from the past three months. One star reviewers generally have a chip on their shoulder. Many five star reviews are influenced in some way. The truly valuable feedback (as a potential guest or a business owner) is in the middle of the pack. Ah and don’t bother with Google Reviews from a rating perspective at all. There’s no control mechanism for multiple reviews/ratings from the same IP address for example. Often l find hotels that haven’t even opened yet will have loads of google ‘reviews.’ In some countries, it’s used by locals as a sort of national promotion. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@bellyhungry]

I have always enjoyed your videos and your direct opinions. Keep up the good work. I look forward to more. This resort unfortunately kind of stinks for the amount they charge.

[@tfft]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@travelbliss5148]

Hi Kevin, good review. I suspect this hotel was planned as Uber Lux hotel however during the construction (project start in 2013), it may be delayed/halted. I can see some of the architecture is gorgeous but the furnishing, decor, garden landscape and pool area are not 6 star worthy, so they may cut a lot of budget. The beach in bali get a lot of ocean debris, in Dec 22 I saw unbelievable massive debris in Berawa, but most major hotels in Bali clean their beaches for guests. This hotel beach is small compared to other hotels so this really baffling because it wont cost so much to clean. In any case, it is a mystery how Jumeirah can stoop so low. I have stayed in some local hotels in Ubud whose management seems 10x better than this.

[@tfft]

Certainly could be! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@garysmith9985]

Brilliant review. We need far more honesty in Bali.. Just FYI, I have passed your link on to the governors expert advisor on tourism.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@northshorenerds]

Nail, hammer, head in regards to the comments on cleaning the beach...disgraceful. Great professional videos mate, well done.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@1bluensx]

Great review, as always. I swear we travel to the same countries. The first time I went to Bali, I stayed at the Hard Rock, in Kuta Beach. Awful! It smelled so bad in the room. The room was always damp, and I’m sure that there was mold in the room, this was after we paid for an upgrade to a poolside room. Kuta beach itself was a dump. Looked very much like the beach at your hotel. I was there in January. Maybe it’s the time of the year with tides? But I cannot believe that people swam in the water at Kuta beach.

[@tfft]

If you google “Bali garbage flow 20xx” just take a look at the news tab and you can see specifically which month it took place during that year. January is a definite possibility.

[@wesssavorn9018]

Thank you for the honesty 🙏 I really enjoy your videos this hotel should be ashamed for the price they charge omg not just the beach but the duvet cover, the AC, the food , omg shameful😢

[@tfft]

Certainly was a shock to the system lol. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@nickt9134]

Enjoyed the review!! More than once I've seen security guard help out with beach cleaning at sun rise before breakfast daily, all over resorts in SE Asia. This one is sad.

[@tfft]

As have I. These guys though didn’t give off a “I’m helpful” vibe though… 😅 Thanks for watching 🩴

[@rjwilson73]

Hard to see where the $1000 a night goes. I wonder what you think is the best way to deal with that situation if you just felt you had been short changed and the experience failed to live up to the price tag? Is it best to address on checkout and be critically honest, or deal with 'corporate' after the event ?

[@tfft]

Deal with it with blunt honesty at every step along the way and document as much as possible (chatting via text comes in handy for this). By the time you checkout it should come as no surprise to them if you’re asking for compensation. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Mr_Busted]

Do not upset Kevin !

[@tfft]

😅

[@susanchacko-y7f]

While all your videos are enjoyable, I get a 1000x more excited when you review the higher end properties such as Jumeirah Bali, the upcoming Taj Lake Palace (which was my greatest experience in any hotel in the world), Six Senses Fort Barwara etc. I hope you do more higher end properties in the future such as what the "luxurytravelexpert" does.

[@zetaxyz-oz1mg]

amen

[@tfft]

If we were all equally excited by the same things then the world would likely be a boring place 😅 Thanks for watching 🩴

[@justinlimnardy9407]

The beach is pristine indeed. You can swim through the trash piling on the beautiful beach as an aesthetic for $1k.

[@tfft]

Had to read that twice haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@rwrae72]

Did you ever receive any follow-up from the hotel?

[@tfft]

I did not, no. A few of my subscribers did email the hotel (unbeknownst to me) and they each received ‘corporate’ responses as you’d expect, but detailed enough to know they’d seen the video.

[@TJ_Wonderfullandscape73]

Hi Kevin, I am very sorry about what you have experienced with Jumeirah Bali, the quality is not adequate for the price you have paid. We've been thinking about staying there, but still don't feel ok because after seeing the very expensive price. After that we stayed at Rimba by Ayana Bali. Ayana has approximately 1 hectare of land, has 12 swimming pools and has a private beach and the room we stayed for was around 200 USD last June, but it was very satisfying for us, of course if you choose Villa by AYANA the price is also much more expensive , but we feel staying at Rimba by Ayana is much more valuable than Jumeirah after we watched your video. But if you are in Bali again, we recommend that you try a villa at AYANA Bali, it's worth the money you paid. Thank you for showing us Jumeirah Bali. have a nice day.

[@tfft]

Appreciate that! Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@jrlthetourist]

Thanks for this! Planning some travel to Bali in January. You would think that this sort of thing would come through in online reviews. But there seems to be this trend of stifling negative reviews, either because people feel bad leaving one and two-star reviews or businesses are successful in getting those reviews removed from platforms. What's the point of having these feedback mechanisms if they don't work?

[@tfft]

As someone who came from the restaurant industry before this channel and used to feel enslaved to TripAdvisor, I can tell you with certainty, it is not a trend, but rather that is how the system is designed. The review itself is the ‘important’ thing. The truth is no longer relevant. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Michael-jo9jb]

Thank you for the honest review! Please dont be afraid to rip into a hotel. We need to hear the good, bad, and ugly! So do they, actually! You dont want to be another Sam chu lol. Any company should be receptive to criticism so they can improve and do better.

[@tfft]

Have never been afraid to say exactly what happened- good or bad.

[@Michael-jo9jb]

@@tfft and that's why I love your channel!

[@vivitow873]

This comment cracks me up LOL agreeeee… big nope to another sam chuuuu 🤣

[@nunoalmeidacosta2417]

As always Kevin a big applause! Such a pity indeed. The villas are beautifull I really like the overall style but no way I will spend a dollar there im the nearest times.. jumeirah wake up don't waste such a beautifull arquitectural and concept work! Urgent staff dislocation!

[@tfft]

And yet the praise for this property online is never ending 😅 Thanks for watching 🩴

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You✈️

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@DrAndrewKramer]

awesome content as always

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@christopheryoung3850]

Seems like an up market version of Fawlty Towers...😜

[@tfft]

I had to google that one haha. But I suppose I’d agree 😅 Thanks for watching 🩴

[@GuillermoGomezGG1959]

Kevin; If this reservation was made through AMEX, I strongly encourage you to exercise your right to demand a full refund. The level of service you received was truly horrendous, and I believe it is only fair that you are compensated for such a negative experience. I want to sincerely thank you for your honest and detailed review. It is important for others to know about the subpar quality of service at this property. I strongly urge you to share your experience with Katerina Giannouka, the CEO of Jumeirah Group. She needs to be made aware of the issues faced by guests like yourself. Always supporting you in Patreon. GG

[@tfft]

I completely agree with you but I have a few ways I need to look at it. First, give them a chance to respond to the video. I’m not hopeful but, let’s see. If they did reach out- as I’ve maintained in the past, it wouldn’t take a rocket scientist for them to figure out exactly who I am. Putting those pieces together under those circumstances I’m okay with. But, being the one to initiate the chargeback or compensation is just out of the question for me. First, I did stay there. I slept. I used the facilities. Was it an absolute rip off? Yes. But, I (personally) don’t think it qualifies for a full chargeback. If there were magical options where I could dispute 50% or the charge, maybe that would be different. The last piece to mention for this review specifically, Jumeirah is owned by Dubai Holdings, which is a government fund. I don’t want to be red flagged by Jumeirah- or worse- the UAE by taking this further than I have already. Let’s see what happens. Thanks as always for your support 🙏🏻

[@ruudvoeten]

Oepssss 38/100 as far as i remember you never rated this low. Reactions from staff like you explain has many times to do with hearing the same complain multiple times per day. Hope the GM see this and start communicate on all levels where he/she should.

[@tfft]

It is in fact the lowest. If I was the owner here, I can’t imagine I’d be giving the same GM 5 minutes more here.

[@oscarwinston1159]

OH MY GOSH!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@jimhearsonwriter]

I'm curious about what the score would have been had it been $400-500 a night. Similar, as it's still bad, or maybe in the fifties as the price doesn't sting so much?

[@tfft]

A bit higher, but not much. Things like the beach and the service at dinner and lack of management presence are problems that are unacceptable even at properties a third of the price.

[@ninettemurkdesignersagains7220]

The breakfast doesn't look that bad- so much fresh fruit!

[@tfft]

Massive piles of fresh (whole) fruit are a cop out at a resort like this. It’s an easy way to fill up the tables and costs them next to nothing.

[@shakesnbake]

I usually try and gyess the score before the card comes up - I was way off!!! 🤣

[@tfft]

The title and thumbnail didn’t give it away? 😅 Thanks for watching 🩴

[@shakesnbake]

@@tfft yeah, but I was thinking a 53 or something like that :)

[@dennischua1668]

Thank you for your work. I enjoyed your reviews and am particularly embarrassed about your stay at Park Hyatt Auckland. Keep up the good work.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@marekhrusovsky1491]

Great review. This is the first time I have seen such a low score from you. You haven't asked for any sort of compensation which you should (faulty AC).

[@tfft]

Tbh the faulty AC is like 7th on my list of things I could ask for compensation for lol. But correct, I have not and will not ask for any. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@gosikh]

I was curious to know how you choose your stay on bali, so many choices. Where do you get your leads?

[@tfft]

I have an algorithm that I use to help me choose when it’s at a location with many options. I have around 80 properties in Bali I’m continuously interested in, so it’s just a matter of plugging them in and seeing what comes out.