Bali Hotel vs Villa: Which is right for your family?

Trying to decide between a Bali Hotel vs Villa for your next family holiday? We take you through the pros and cons of each.

Planning a family trip to Bali? One of the biggest decisions for some families is where to stay – a private villa or a hotel?

Bali offers both in abundance, and each has its own unique perks. Honestly? You can’t go wrong in Bali.

Both villas and hotels have their own charm, and the right choice really depends on your travel style and what your family needs to have a great time. We’ve done both with our kids, and each time it’s come down to what kind of holiday we’re craving.

Some families even mix it up – a villa in Ubud to relax, and a beachfront hotel in Seminyak, Sanur or Nusa Dua to finish the trip with a bang. The best of both worlds!

Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons to help you decide which is best for your family.

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Table of Contents

Why Choose a Villa in Bali?

Private villas are a huge part of the Bali experience – think private pools, lush tropical gardens, open-air living rooms, and staff that will spoil you rotten. Villas in Bali come in all sizes too, from cozy 1- and 2-bedrooms all the way up to larger villas that sleep up to 20 people.

Unlike a hotel, you will have lots of private space, including living areas, access to a kitchen and that home away from home feeling.

You can spread out your belongings, eat breakfast in your pyjamas, and chill by the pool while your kids take a nap. If you have little kids who go to bed early, you can put them to bed and still have somewhere to hang out in the evening, without having to tiptoe around in a hotel room.

It’s altogther a more relaxed vibe.

Pros of Staying in a Villa

Privacy & Space – Great for multi-generational trips or families who like a bit of breathing room.
All bedrooms under one roof -Perfect if you have a larger family or younger kids who aren’t ready for a separate hotel room down the corridor from yours.
Private swimming pool – No sharing the pool with strangers and no searching for empty sunloungers to relax on.
Home away from home – You get living spaces, a kitchen, multiple bedrooms – perfect if your kids go to bed early or still nap.
Private staff – Many villas come with housekeeping, security, and even a private chef – hello, nasi goreng for breakfast!
Cost-effective for groups – For families or groups of families, splitting a villa can often work out much cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Kid-friendly amenities – Some villas offer pool fences, baby gear, and even babysitting services.

Cons of Staying in a Villa

Limited On-Site Facilities – No buffet breakfast, poolside bar, fitness centre, kids club or spa (unless you hire services in).
Location Can Vary – Some villas can have a more rural location or be tucked away down small lanes – peaceful, yes, but maybe not walkable to shops or restaurants.
DIY Planning – You’ll need to plan your own meals, activities, and transport unless you book a villa with concierge services. (We recently organised a villa through Villa Finder who do have a concierge service.)
Less Social – If you like meeting other travellers or hanging out somewhere with a ‘vibe’, a villa can feel a little too quiet.

Why Choose a Hotel in Bali?

Hotels in Bali range from budget stays to five-star luxury resorts with infinity pools and beachfront locations.

For many families, this familiar setup is super convenient. You’ll have onsite bars and restaurants for food and drink on demand, an onsite concierge to help you with reservations and transport, and other onsite facilities to make life super easy.

If your kids like to make friends on holiday, they’ll usually find someone to play with at the pool, and if you like to be able to the drop them off and enjoy some adults-only time, there’s often a kids club to do this.

Pros of Staying in a Hotel

Easy & Convenient – Meals, cleaning, tours – everything’s taken care of. Room service, poolside bars, onsite restaurants, it’s all just easy.
Facilities Galore – Kids’ clubs, multiple pools, water slides, spas, fitness centres… your kids may never want to leave.
Central Locations – Hotels are usually in the heart of things, so it’s easy to pop out for food, shopping or a quick beach trip.
Social Atmosphere – Great if you like chatting with other travellers or if your kids love meeting new friends at the pool.

Cons of Staying in a Hotel

Less Space – Hotel rooms can feel cramped, especially for families on a longer holiday. Family suites are better but often come at a premium.
Noise & Crowds – You might have noisy neighbours or a packed breakfast buffet during peak times.
Extra Costs – Room service, laundry, and drinks by the pool can add up quickly.
Less Personalised – Hotel staff are friendly, but you might not get the same tailored service you’d get from a villa team.