Posted by Nick on Saturday, 10. October 1998 at 02:16 Bali Time:
Visited Bali between Sep. 20 - 28. Following advice in this forum checked Hotel Padma in Kuta. The lobby was nice, but the initially they asked for US$125.00 per nigh for an average room looking into unimpressive inner court. After some negotiation they agreed to lower the price to US$97.00 but without a breakfast. On my insistence to include the breakfast in this price the receptionist responded that they have to charge me additionally US$13.00 per person for breakfast. That was the final point that convinced me that Padma Hotel in Bali is perhaps a place for rich Japanese tourists (there were plenty of them around) and must be avoided by those looking for better quality for their hard (earned) currency.
After checking three different hotels we (me and my Indonesian girlfriend) arrived in Santika Beach Hotel. The management was very responsive and flexible. They showed us three different types of rooms and bungallows, the one which is called Tunjangan (junior suite) was trully exceptional: large room with one king-size and one twin-size bed. Beautiful Balinese furniture, AC, huge bathroom with all the extras, internal little garden with bathtub, terrace with a pool view, just metters behind the pool was the ocean. The asking price for this was US$250.00/night, but after some negotiation they agreed to lower it to US$150.00 all inclusive (means - breakfast, afternoon tea and exquisite service). I am a guy who is very tough on his own money. but consider what I got in Santika Beach Hotel a real bargain. We spent one week in this lovely resort - beautiful gardens, pools, fitness, massage, etc. and I don't have a single unsatisfactory remark about their performance. There were some minor points like the one when the waiter at the Ulu Watu restaurant was studying the signature on my credit card like I am some kind of suspiciously looking customer instead guest of the hotel, but in general I would rate Santika Beach in Kuta 10- on a 10th grade scale. It was worth every penny we spent in there.
Some observations and advice: pay in cash whenever and wherever you can. Credit cards are accepted in many establishments but as I now discovered the exchange rate they applied between US$ and Indonesian Rp for credit card purchases is very unfavorable to the customer. I intend to dispute the charges with the bank but whatever the result - it is just a pain in the ass that may be avoided. Also - Santika Beach like many other upscale hotels quotes the prices in US dollars, but at the end they will charge you in rupiah because this is the law in Indonesia. Make sure to write on the receipt that the exchanged amount in Rp will not exceed the quoted amount in US$ or whatever else foreign currency is used. Thus you will have a proof with the bank if some higher amount is later charged to your account. It was exactly my case - the charged amount exceeded the agreed by US$79.65, but since I have their quotation in US$ and also wrote on the receipt what I stated above I think it will not be a problem.
On Bali (Kuta) in general. I had a great time but for personal reasons. Bali (Kuta) by itself is rather unpleasant place with too much pollution, hassling, hustling, etc. And it is overpriced in everything. Somebody told me that 20 years ago it was really nice place. Perhaps it is true, but not today. I had an additional experience of walking hand by hand (sometimes kissing) with my Indonesian girlfriend> The sight of a big European "bulle" walking with an Indonesian girl inevitably was attracting attention and sometimes - lewd remarks from the locals which I did not understand, but she did. In the beginning it was rather annoying, but I quickly learned that the best policy is just to disregard their attention. Once they realize that you have "I don't give a fuck" attitude - you earn their respect and they don't try to ostracize you or your girlfriend. The dinner on Jimbaran with fresh seafood was magnificent, delicious and cheap - $24 for a huge grilled lobster, crab, red snapper, squid and condiments - rice, baked potatoes, sauces, salads and 2 large Bintangs...
Selamat makam! (Bon appetit!)