Novotel Lombok Resort and Villas — Hotel in Lombok

Hardware need some improvement, but staff (reception, restaurant, housekeeping) are mostly helpful and proactive making the experience less undesirable. Special mention to Mila who’s friendly and professional.

A solid two-star rating in my view.

Rooms interiors require significant repair and maintenance and just a repaint needed. Tough stains, mould, scums, and wears and tears are prevalent across walls and furniture surfaces. Bathroom sliding doors could never be opened or closed smoothly. The sink’s leaking water to the sides and the floor.

Some teething technical issues: Aircond and fan were not functioning properly (luckily only c27oC at night outside when I stayed), with aircond dripping water from the ceiling (causing dangerously slippery floor every time I stepped out of the bathroom and electrocution risk when I tried to switch on/off the lights with wet feet). Very noisy even in the lowest setting like starting a car engine. Two Engineers sent promptly twice upon request but no solutions.. TV remote working 20% of the time only. The old TV model is from the 90s with low resolution. Cracks in power points and switches.

Thin doors, ceilings, and walls mean you could hear ppl in the neighboring/upstair room talk and even shower or flush the toilet quite clearly — even though the hotel’s not in full occupancy.

Toilet not cleaned before the room’s ready for check-in, but the staff acknowledged it and apologized afterwards. Nonetheless, not an ideal first impression and it’s not even an early time for check-in (past 3pm). Old yellow and brown stains on towels and beddings.

Amenities like toothbrushes, slippers, or razors are not provided — just making the experience more like 2-3-star rather than 4-star. The reason cited by the hotel was “banning of single-use plastics in the country” which’s good for the environment (and I fully support a good cause); but why’re we still provided shower gel and shampoo in single-use small plastic packs rather than big ones for pumping?… Somewhat weird and contradicting. These are considered rather basic amenities in Asian hotels.

Dirty beach full of garbage — already mentioned in many previous reviews so that’s within expectation. Being a beach allowing public access, the hotel may not be able to do anything about it unfortunately. But the hotel management later mentioned they did have cleanup every few weeks.

Overall verdict:

A night or two may be ok, but don’t expect too much. Photos at hotel website are either 20 years old or heavily photoshopped. Bed’s comfortable. The friendly staff members made a difference, and are well aware of Accor Plus...

Spent a night here in Superior Room, rooms are spacious and comfortable. Cheapest rooms start from 1 million IDR (INR 5000/USD 70+) per night while more luxurious garden pool villa and private pool villa costs 3 to 4 times more. If you book for 2+ nights some extra perks like free airport transfer are available. Breakfast may not be included unless specified- pay attention while booking.

Superior and deluxe rooms do not have much of a view to offer as they are bit far from ocean. Entire campus is designed in some Egyptian village theme with villas looking like village huts on the outside- but of course all the luxuries once inside..

In garden pool villa you get a pool but to be shared with other 4-5 garden pool guests. Private pool villa gets exclusive pool (but a bit smaller than garden pool)

Family rooms are also available.

There is one infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a secondary pool as well, in addition to actual beach and private pools in your villa.

Beach area is almost private (Local law doesn't allow private beach- outsiders are free to walk into ocean area but given the distance from town such instances are few- I saw some vendors trying to sneak in and sell their wares to the guests. There're swings and sit out areas by the beach with a bar, volleyball court, surfing and other activities.

Several activities are available to keep you occupied. A few attractions like heritage village, sunset point etc are nearby. MotoGP Track is also coming up neaby to Novotel Lombok. A movie screening area, an ATM, a gift shop and other facilities are available within the campus.

Breakfast I would rate as 'decent' for a vegetarian.

Branded drinking water bottle is chargeable 30000 IDR (USD 2) but unlimited RO treated drinking water is available through machines kept in each floor. Several other green initiatives are also in place- like no straw is offered with drinks unless explicitly requested. There are free bicycles you can take and ride around.

21% tax applicable on all rates shown- factor this. Some add ons like My Glass package can be available to get unlimited soft drinks and hard drinks (subject to some...

Overall not a bad hotel, we primarily stayed here due to the Accor brand and bookended they stay with a few nights at the Sofitel in Bali. On the first night we had an issue with our terrace doors not locking, maintenance attended reasonably swiftly but could not fix it. This then entailed a room change after which we offered a complimentary dinner. I noticed from another review that there was an issue with a door lock and mould in the bathroom (August 2019) I think we started off in the same room with the same problems. Whilst I wholeheartedly applaud the use of refillable water bottles for the rooms instead of disposable plastic or glass making the water coolers of a height which will fit the bottles would be a distinct improvement as would having them actually dispense cooled water - the one outside our room did not chill at all. Housekeeping was very hit or miss, 3 times I had to call for toiletries to be refreshed as the empty shower gel & shampoo etc bottles were removed and not replaced- maybe a change to dispenser instead of single use plastic for those would be a good idea such as adopted by Marriott & IHG? My main criticism is the restaurant - the holiday camp feel of not being able to escape the “entertainment”. maybe put the entertainment off to one side so that there is a dining option without its constant barrage. There was also a distinct pressure to have the buffet from the waiters - to get a menu took several attempts - 3 to 4 times of asking, and each time it was suggested that I would rather have the buffet - no I wouldn’t which is why I asked for the menu. I did try the buffet twice and was disappointed with it both times as resembling more of a cafeteria than restaurant at a 4 star resort. The service was also exceptionally slow. On one night after being told 5 mins after ordering that the lamb rack was no longer available I then waited over 45 minutes for a lamb burger which I eventually abandoned waiting. Breakfast was the exception which was marvellous, varied with international staples and excellent local flavours. The rest of the resort staff were helpful & welcoming and the...