There has been much to say about the Sofitel of late, good and bad! But the amount of negative feedback in people's opinion seems to outweigh the positives. To have people change their holiday accommodation from a few bad reviews is crazy, experience something yourself (this is why we travel) if you don't like it don't go back. My wife and I have stayed there twice over the years and enjoyed both times.
Location it is right on the beach you can't get much closer for the price in the Seminyak area. if you want Kuta go and stay down there, there is heaps of night life just 5 min up the road if that is what you are looking for and only a few minutes up the beach to places like Kudeta, La-Luchiola and Gado Gado is right next door. Seminyak has a different feel to the rest of the beach area north of Kuta so be aware as this might not be what you are looking for and in turn may inadvertently upset your holiday.
it is a large older style resort ( formally the Imperial) but not too big and unipersonal there are two pools one overlooking the beach and the other in a more relaxed hidden area of the hotel great for those midnight swims with your partner. The restaurants are great especially the Tepinyaki and breakfast has one of the best setups (both buffet and menu) and fresh made mix juice to order. The Two times we stayed our room or should I say suite was just great new and modern with big balcony a large lounge room and separate bedroom , bathroom was fully renovated and clean, maybe there are other rooms that are still to be renovated (as it would cost a few $$$ to fully renovate a hotel of this size) and some people may have experienced this but if you have travelled anywhere and like to get the finer things you just don't book the bottom room range and expect the best in a county like Indonesia (Champagne taste beer budget ). Service was as I would expect from this style of hotel and was never disappointed.
Overall we have travel extensively around the world and have stayed in some very missed match hotels but this one for sure holds up to what it promises. We would stay again but this year when we come at Christmas we will stay in a villa. As there is 5 of us and the sofitel cannot accommodate us in one villa but not without trying.
In my opinion and to shine some positive response on this forum, this hotel is not the Oberoi or the Legian but has the same location beach front! The price is reflective of the style and service you will experience what some people expect from 5 stars as what others demand vary accordingly.
I would stay again should our circumstances permit and would be happy to give any more info if required.
When people have a great time they tell people when they have a bad time they shout it out.
Experience is a unique thing and one of personal fulfilment don't be swayed by any negative info and don't go looking for things to make your holiday unenjoyable.
again this is just my opinion