Mercure Resort Sanur: A Budget-Friendly Beachfront Stay for Families in Bali
If you want a beachfront resort in Bali that doesn’t cost a fortune, Sanur is worth a look, and Mercure Resort Sanur is one of its best-value family options. Sanur is calmer and more relaxed than Kuta or Seminyak, with shallow water and a flat beachfront path that suits prams and small children.
Quick facts
| Price | AUD$85- $130 per night (rates move, so check on booking) |
| Address | Jalan Mertasari No. 3, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80228 |
| Rooms | 189 rooms in Balinese-style thatched cottages |
| Book | Booking.com |
| Agoda |
Family-friendly features
Two pools plus a children’s pool. The resort has a Sahadewa pool on the eastern side with a dedicated children’s area, and a Nakula pool in front of the Pandawa Restaurant, very close to the beach. Both have poolside bars for snacks and drinks, and both are open from 8am to 7pm. One family reviewer said their son loved the pool and the water jet as a sensory experience.
Beachfront location. The hotel is steps from Sanur Beach, with sun loungers and umbrellas. The water here is calm compared with Bali’s west-coast surf beaches.
Kids Corner and playground. The Kids Corner is on the ground floor next to the lounge, where children can play while parents supervise and browse a mini-library. Expect a small indoor play space rather than a full-scale kids club, as some past guests found it small and better suited to toddlers than 6–8 year olds. Bring a few activities for older kids.
Children’s menu, cots and babysitting. The resort lists cots, babysitting, a children’s menu, a children’s pool and a play area. Babysitting and cots are worth confirming when you book. One child aged five or under stays free in the parents’ room using existing bedding.
Room options for families. Family rooms sleep four, and some have sea views. Connecting rooms are also available.
Gardens and space. The resort sits on 5 hectares of tropical garden, so there’s room for kids to wander.
Getting there from Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS)
Travel time: about 20–30 minutes by road. Listings say 25 minutes’ drive, and Sanur is reached via the toll road. Allow 45 minutes or more at peak times. Arrival by 10pm or later is usually much quicker.
Your options:
- Hotel airport shuttle. Available for a surcharge for up to 3 guests with luggage, and you need to contact the hotel 48 hours before arrival. It’s the easiest option with a tired family, and it’s worth requesting a vehicle with a child seat.
- Grab or Gojek. Use the app and follow signage to the designated pickup area. It’s usually cheaper than a taxi.
- Metered taxi or pre-booked private driver. A pre-booked driver is often the smoothest choice for a family with lots of luggage, and you can arrange car seats in advance.
Where to eat nearby
You don’t need to leave the resort, but Sanur’s beachfront path has plenty of casual options within a short walk. Listed walking times from the hotel include:
- Linga Longa Bar (4 min), Retro Beach Restaurant and The Beach Café (5 min)
- Paon International Restaurant and Tirta Restaurant (6 min), Genius Cafe and Bamboo Bar (7 min), Juicy and Crispy (8 min)
For a local evening, the Sanur Night Market is about a 4-minute drive away (4 km). It’s great for cheap satay, noodles and fresh fruit.
On site, the Pandawa Restaurant serves international cuisine with ocean views and has a buffet breakfast (Booking.com lists vegetarian and gluten-free options). One recent Aussie guest found breakfast a bit chaotic at peak times, so go early or late.
Things to do
At the resort:
- Swim in either pool, or play tennis, volleyball or badminton (all available to guests)
- Try windsurfing and beach yoga
- Book a spa treatment while the kids are settled (reflexology and massage)
- Use the free area shuttle for short trips
In the area:
- Walk or cycle Sanur’s beachfront path (bikes can be rented through the hotel)
- Visit Mertasari Beach, a 4-minute walk (0.4 km) away
- Take a day trip by fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan
- Visit the Sea Turtle conservation centre on nearby Serangan Island
- Explore Waterbom Bali, a popular water park about 12 km away in Kuta (Expedia lists the resort as close to Waterbom Bali)
The honest verdict
Pros: beachfront at a budget price, two pools with a children’s pool, calm water, easy walking to cafés, friendly staff.
Cons: the kids club is modest, and some reviewers have called the property a little dated in places. Scores of 7.6 reflect good value rather than luxury.
Best for: families with toddlers to primary-school-age children who want a relaxed beach holiday without a big bill.
Book: Booking.com | [Agoda: INSERT YOUR AFFILIATE LINK]
Images for the article
I found matching photos, but I can’t give you direct file URLs or licences for them. I’d use these two shots:
- Pool image: a photo of the Sahadewa or Nakula pool with the palms and thatched pavilions. Suggested alt text: “Family-friendly pool at Mercure Resort Sanur, Bali, surrounded by tropical gardens.”
- Beachfront image: a shot of the beach with sun loungers and umbrellas, or the garden cottages. Suggested alt text: “Beachfront at Mercure Resort Sanur on Sanur Beach, Bali.”
Since you’re an affiliate partner, the safest route is to use images from the Agoda or Booking.com affiliate image feeds, or from the hotel’s official gallery with permission, rather than copying from third-party sites.
Before you publish: please confirm the current room rates on Agoda and Booking.com for your target dates, and confirm the kids club hours and babysitting terms with the hotel. I couldn’t find your Agoda link, so I’ve left a placeholder for it.