In Reply to: Urgent Hotel Suggestions pls! posted by Alice on Sunday, 18. July 2004 at 13:28 Bali Time:
You will find Puri Raja quite comfortable, and I think from memory there are 2 pools, Melasti Beach Resort almost next door has 3 pools, and the older section has rooms almost double the size of Puri. Jayakarta is a lot older property, and I read recently that someone said it was looking a little "tired". Do not know the other place you mentioned. Out of Puri & Melasti, we believe Melasti to be the better value overall.
There is another completely renovated palce called NIKSOMA, just along from Puri. It is stunning, but very modern styled. As good a quality as Padma I think, but a lot less dollars. Well worth a look, ask your travel agent.. or, San Michele Travel in Sydney has it on their books.
There is another place immediately behind the old Paddies Club, which is excellent value. Our daughter has stayed there a few times, but it is about half the quality of Melasti, and 10% the price! It is traditional Balinese styled, boutiqu hotel, with a small pool & rooms not overly big. Hot & cold water, western toilet and air con, 75 meters from Poppies 2.. a nice tidy little place.
Try another Travel Agent, as agents purchase 'blocks' of accommodation, and when their block is sold, everything else gets a bit too hard for some of them! The good ones, on the other hand, will find U a bed with their opposition if necessary!