Arrived at the Hilton which is a very nice place, nice room overlooking the beach and pool, only down side is the size of the place, with over 500 rooms you could get lost. Come to think of it we did. Went straight for a swim as the humidity got to me, and had my first Bintang ever which was to come a very important part of the day. Great thing about Bintangs is that it is not gassy like Australian beers and you can drink heaps.
The Hilton was very lonely place as there was only 20% occupancy, with more staff than guests. Had a very average dinner which cost a fortune, Hint 2 - do not eat at the Hilton, and do not stay there if you want some action or at least to see other guests. Again the staff were more than happy to assist and always smiled. Breakfast was good and after a swim in the ocean, thank god for oceans as i presently live in Bourke in New South Wales and is miles from the ocean. The beach was very clean with a great view of the volcano - very nice.
We got picked up and went to the Padma which was nice from the front. Got a deluxe garden room which is not as big as the rooms at the Hilton but nice. Disappointment one was coming, the pool. As it was school holidays the place was packed with children and families and not a seat in sight. As a school teacher I did not really want to spend my time with children or a place that was packed. Although the Padma was nice I would not stay there again as I do not think it is the value it should give. It is in need of a touch up and with school holidays was completely booked out - too many people. All the kids seem to have fun and enjoy themselves but it is not for me or my wife. We did look at a number of other places for a next visit but it will not be the Padma. Dont get me wrong, the hotel was nice but not for the money. Things that annoyed me:
1. paying 25000 rupiahs for milk in your room - I have not come across this anywhere in all my travels.
2. having to get up early and bar your seat for the day although you have to fight off the towel nazies who come and take towels and belongings away if they have been unattended for a awhile. There was of course no mention of what precisly is "unattended".
3. running out of towels and having to get a coupon for the next day, not what you think of a five star hotel.
4. the high cost of Bella Rosa resturant which has very basic food and not very good service at all. The only time I ever came across staff who really did not want to serve you, perhaps they were worn out with all the people and likely not paid very well. I would avoid Bella Rosa as their are many more places which excel in both food and service. I will of course name them later on.
The pluses:
1. great breakfasts
2. clean rooms and great view
3. cocktails and bitangs at the Sunset Bar
4. great staff who smile all the time and seem really happy that you are there
5. nice pool when not full of children
6. location to beach and shopping in Legian
Hint 3. do not use their spa as it is very expensive. We got a 5 and half hour spa with the works at the Odessius Spa in Saphir Beach Hotel in Seminyak for US60 each which was a 40% reduction. It was heaven in heaven with body scrub, massage and all the rest. Well worth it - when I find the number I will post it.
So we stayed at the Padma for 10 days and did enjoy it but I still think you can get a better deal with hotels in Seminyak where I would stay again as the place has a nice feel about it with great places to eat.
Stay tuned for the next exciting adventure of "travels in paradise"