Where to stay in Ubud: Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa

I‘ve visited Ubud a few times and can safely say I’ve walked past Plataran Ubud each damn time, totally oblivious to the hidden world behind its welcoming, understated facade. Mind you, I was distracted each time as I was on my way to get a burrito so, you can’t really blame me. When we pulled up out the front of the hotel I recognised it immediately and then this thought crossed my mind, “where the heck is the actual accommodation?” Turns out, there is much more to the hotel than meets the eye and, as Matt and I discovered, it’s a jungle wonderland perfectly hidden in plain sight on the main streets of Ubud.

Planning your trip?
•••
Hotels, we use Agoda
Rentals: Discover Cars
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Insurance: Cover-More
SIM Cards: Simify

Where possible, I register as an affiliate for anything I use and recommend. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click these links and make a purchase I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and in some cases, these links may even unlock savings or give you additional bonuses I’ve negotiated. You can find out more about this here and here.

---

Where is this magical place?

You’ll find Plataran Ubud right off the main shopping street of Ubud, Jalan Hanoman Road. If you’re planning on getting around Ubud on foot or looking for a super central location right in the heart of everything, this is the place for you. It’s super easy to get around to all the things you want to see and do, whether you opt for hiring a scooter, catching transport or legging it. I’ll also say this – don’t let the central location fool you, cos the hotel stretches waaaaaayyyyy back away from the road, so even though you’re smack-bang in the thick of it all, you feel like you’re an entire world away!

How the heck do I get my sweet buns there?

Whether you’re coming directly from the airport or transferring from somewhere else in Bali, it’s super easy to get to the hotel. I would strongly recommend you contact the hotel directly and arrange a transfer with them. We went with this option and it was just so easy and worry-free. Our lovely driver, Oka, was waiting for us cheerfully at the airport, whisked away to the super comfortable car and drove us the 1 1/2 – 2 hours up to Ubud, even stopping along the way for us to pick up some supplies from a local mini-mart.

What are the rooms like?

We stayed in one of the deluxe rooms with a view over the pool and rice paddies. Our room was nice and spacious, decked out with a super cosy canopy bed and a long lounging chair for relaxing. It was also equipped with a desk and chair, television with plenty of English channels, minibar, kettle and tea and coffee, safe deposit box and free wifi.

The bathroom was compact but in no way cramped, comfortably fitting in a shower over bathtub. We found our room to be a great size, comfortably fitting everything in while still giving us enough space to be able to open up our suitcases and spread out. I loved waking up, opening up the blinds and catching a glimpse of the jungle and rice paddies each morning, it really connected me to Ubud and reminded me I was really, truly there (as opposed to being in the type of hotel where you could be anywhere in the world.)

There are quite a few different room types, including spacious garden and plunge pool suites, as well as junior, executive, and resident suites. Which one is best for you will just depend on your personal preferences, budget and the number of people you’re travelling with. Personally, I found the deluxe room to be a great size for two people. The modern, simple fit-out was enjoyable and comfortable and the room really offered everything we needed.

But, what is there to do?

Given its super central location, Ubud is really yours for the exploring when you stay at Plataran Ubud. We ventured out on foot, exploring the streets nearby, finding plenty of shopping and great food on offer. We also hired a scooter and were able to easily visit the surrounding area, with places like the Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Tegenungan Waterfall within cruising distance. It was very, very easy to get around and explore.

We also took in a cooking class on-site, learning to prepare traditional Balinese dishes under the expert guidance of one of the hotel chefs. The best part was we woke up early in the morning and were escorted to the local Ubud morning market, where we picked up a few supplies for the dishes we prepared later that day. It was a great way to experience the market and see how to turn local goodies into delicious Balinese meals.

If getting out and exploring sounds like too much work, you’ll be right at home at the gorgeous infinity pool tucked among the rice paddies. We spent a good few hours in and out of the pool, hiding under sun umbrellas, sipping on cocktails. Floating in the pool, looking up at the bright blue sky, you’d never know you were a few hundred metres away from the hustle and bustle of Ubud’s main streets. I’ll also tell you this – there’s an on-site spa and the treatments are top-notch, so be sure to spend a few hours relaxing and unwinding in the spa as soon as you get the chance. You might also like to read my epic guide on 22 awesome things you absolutely must do in Ubud.

Talk me through the food situation…

Again, the location plays a huge part here – there are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Remember the burrito I mentioned earlier? You’ll find Taco Casa just down the street, if you’re a fiend for Mexican food (like me!!) I’d also recommend you read my ultimate guide to 5 of the best restaurants in Ubud.

We sampled the dinner menu at the on-site restaurant, The View, and loved it. The restaurant offers great views over the rice paddies and serves up really delicious meals too! I feasted on a great selection of vegetarian treats, showing off the very best Balinese flavours. The food was absolutely yummy and I loved the open-air feel of the restaurant.

I also really enjoyed the breakfast each morning, which was really thoughtfully put together. What I mean by that is it wasn’t the kind over-the-top stomach-ache inducing buffet you can often see at hotels and resorts. Instead, it was a carefully curated selection of fresh juices and fruit, pastries and bread, cereals and other bites paired with an a la carte menu boasting tasty options like pancakes and eggs. It made it very easy to have a filling but not sickeningly over-filling breakfast each morning – perfect!

The verdict

Plataran Ubud does a fantastic job of offering that ‘away from it all’ feel while being right in the heart of it all! It combines great accommodation, fantastic service and delicious food with the absolute convenience of a prime location.

I loved the on-site staff and the wonderful service we received from everyone. The attention to detail and thoughtfulness of the staff stood out to me and we felt so well taken care of and valued as guests.

I think the hotel would be a great choice for anyone experiencing their first trip to Ubud because the location and the attentive staff just make the whole trip easy. It’s easy to get around, the staff are super reliable and helpful and it’s so central you can see and do as much or as little as you like.

If you’ve been to Ubud before and are looking to return but don’t want to stay outside of the main area, then this is also the spot for you. It’s a great all-rounder hotel offering everything you could hope for in a super relaxing getaway with that famous Ubud soul.

---

---