Sandy Beach Bungalows

We booked 10 nights back in November 2023 to stay at the end of January 2024 (so not a last minute booking). We had to pay at the hotel on arrival. We arrived and were given a room down the back away from a family with a baby (at the hotels suggestion). Our room was extremely dark and dingy. Locks were difficult to lock. Shower had a slight trickle of water, no amenities as per our booking. The bed was rock hard with only a top sheet, no doona or extra pillows. We complained to management who offered another room but for only 6 days out of our 10 day booking, it also had a trickle from the shower and was not much better. We walked around the island and decided to book elsewhere. Upon returning to Sandy Beach Bungalows, initially they were not willing to refund us. We then spoke to the owner who agreed to refund half our booking only after we explained our experience, but we had to cancel through *********** so we could not leave feedback. Advice to others, check out your room before paying anything to the hotel. I am very disappointed that they would only offer a 50% refund rather than the whole amount less one night. These photos were from our bathroom.

Nice big room w great a/c but no hanging space. All water is salty but bottled provided for teeth cleaning. Both bedside lamps not working and room safe locked shut (staff resolved this after two attempts). Breakfast is poor - extremely limited choices (either juice or tea/coffee but not both!) and all westernised (No a Indonesian/Asian B’fast). Beware eating at the Hotel restaurant if you want to taste local cuisine: all flavours are diluted and adapted to lowest common denominator of western tourism. And fresh fish prices are sky high (3 times more for a small fish than I paid for similar in Padang Bai). Staff very helpful & friendly. Bike hire at IR 50k is pretty standard on Gili Air. Bike needed some servicing (rear brake disconnected, gears slipping so chain came off half way round the island). Location is good for sunset and sunrise especially at Legend Bar nearby. Swimming in front of hotel is ok but not ideal. Ten minute walk and it’s a good beach.