swan inn ubud — Hotel in Pulau Bali

A little bit of context: I have been backpacking across Java for 10 days staying only in hostels prior to this. So when I finally reached Ubud after 10 hours of gruesome travel from Ijen, all I wanted to do was take a shower and just relax for the next two days. But being in the swan inn made relaxing practically impossible.

It started at check in, when we were brought to the wrong room and despite us telling her that we booked for twin room, she just insisted that will require additional payment. So then we had to drag all our things to the wrong room and dig out the booking before they brought us to the other room. Throughout the switch, no assistance was offered on our luggages. (Side note please do not book the bungalows, the fan at max speed was still really stuffy and there were too many mosquitoes to leave the windows opened)

During the first night when I was taking a shower, the toilet suddenly became flooded with water because the drainage system (buried under wood panels) stopped working. I had to jump out in the midst of a shower to get help downstairs (it was only around 7pm) and I ran into the owner who just came up, have a look, and said “ok i’ll come and check tomorrow”, and I did inform him i was in the middle of a shower. No offer of room change, nothing. There goes my night to unwind and recharge.

Next day, they did come up to fix at about 2pm and everything was resolved. But during the night time, a lizard visited but my room mate got rid of it. Next came a cockroach, which was at least 3cm long, which leads me to believe that this room probably have not been used for a long time. The cockroach ran around really quickly in the room and we eventually lost sight of it. But believe me when i say i had the worst sleep of my life, just imagining that huge thing crawling up on me.

All in all, this concluded my stay in Ubud and i just had the absolute worst time. I am supposed to love Bali but I really couldnt. Don’t get me wrong though, the people there were very nice, they check in on you and all, oh and the laundry service was absolutely amazing (it smelled so good), but I just dont think this is a very good place to stay in. I’ve had way better rest in hostels than this private room just because their turnover is higher i guess. Anyway, i also hope they adopt a more organized system for check in and management...

LOVE THIS PLACE....MORE THAN WORTH THE MONEY! Most important feature of any hotel, to me is ...the staff! They are amazing people: friendly, polite, and jump to immediately when asked for anything. Swann inn is down a small walking lane, only 30 seconds walk between last car stop and entrance. Motorcycles can access all the way to the gate and there is parking. YOU CAN NOT BEAT THE PRICE & PRESENCE of this place! Walk in the gate 5 feet and you will see exactly what i am talking about! The grounds are Very Spacious, lots of plants and flowers, big swimming pool, spacious outdoor poolside kitchen and sitting area for guests, in the back there is a traditional Balinese temple and ceremony buildings and, the rooms...👍🙏 The exterior of each of the buildings are decorated like Balinese temples with brick walls and stone carved decorative features! BEAUTIFUL! The grounds are so big i dont hear traffic...only birds cooing and singing and the breeze in the trees! The inside of the room i stayed in (standard room), is large, comfortable big bed, desk, wardrobe, small refrigerator, and an end table. Bathroom...Huge. Attached Outdoor roofed sitting area with couch and throne like comfy chair! Sit anywhere inside or outside and look around and you see green, flowers, and beautiful local traditional architecture. Only downside for Some people...no tv and no ac. Ceiling fan was comfortable enough for me. And who needs a tv when everyone these days has a tablet or phone! 👍🙏 Location is also petfect! Central Ubud: 1 minute from ubud handicraft mkt, 4 minutes from wholesale handicraft export area, 4 min from monkey forest, 2 minutes from local food areas and market, and 5 minutes from western tourist restaurant areas. Safe for families, couples and solo travelers like me! I stayed 1 month...and I WILL COME...

I booked a Standard Room – Garden View at Swan Inn, drawn in by its charming Balinese décor. Unfortunately, the reality was far from the photos. From the balcony to inside the room, the furniture was old, filthy, and covered in mold. It wasn't limited to a corner—mold was everywhere, including the toilet area

When I asked the staff for a room change even if I upgraded to a deluxe room they showed me another room in a supposedly modern style with pool view but it too had the same mold problem, right in front of the bed. I refused to stay further for fear it would harm my health, so I checked out immediately.

I asked for a refund so at least a confirmed cancellation so i can claim to agoda but the owner never replied. No communication at all.

From other reviews, I discovered I’m not alone,but i know the owner will maybe reply this review as a rude guest blabla but come on guest will not write bad review if the reality of their experience not bad.

The decor may look nice online, but the hygiene is unacceptable. The owner clearly doesn’t care about upkeep, and communication is non existent. Avoid this place unless you want to risk mold-related...