We are a couple in 40s..so may have a tamer vacation plan than others. First visit to Bali.
My husband is Japanese, I'm American..so two cultural viewpoints as well.
We bought a package trip here (Japan) and had limited hotel choices. Airline was Continental Micronesia, on time (or early)--everything fine except food was horrid. Had to change planes in Guam..lousy food choices there..but a chance to buy magazines at American prices.
Arrived with no problem. I think we were the only flight at that time..took only 15 minutes. Charged our VOA on credit card. As we were going through the guy asked if we had anything to declare..no, he looked in our bags..and seemed almost shocked..No cigarettes, no alcohol..... He looked puzzled. Is it so unusual? .. A couple of porters tried to pick up our bags but since they were on wheels it was quite obvious we didn't need their help and they didn't push. Travel agent rep. picked us up..took to hotel and gave us a basic overview and warnings. He also gave us some info. on tours in Japanese (all overpriced) but did not really try to sell anything..I suspect he realized that since we both speak English..we wouldn't need an overpriced Japanese tour guide.
My husband chose Intercontinental, Jimbaran. Considering it cost less (I'm guessing)than the expensive villas and such..it was great. Service was excellent. We got upgraded to the Club building. I am sure they teach all employees to greet the guests as even the groundskeepers would say hello. In the Club: Food, drinks..free Internet connection..everyone seemed to be aiming to make us spoiled..and it worked. We hardly wanted to leave the hotel..especially my husband. He was content to sit in front of the beach and relax. Turns out we were there during the end of Ramadan and so there were many visitors.
I was told that the hotel was at 95% capacity that week. Still we were able to find beach chairs. Apparently the hotel does not allow any hawkers anywhere near the hotel. A guy selling ice cream passed by the beach, but did not approach the hotel. On the end of the property there was a guard. So you are not bothered by anyone. Hotel employees came by just a few times asking if we wanted drinks..but were walking around so it wouldn't have been difficult to get one if desired.
Hotel provided plenty of bottles of water each day so we did not need to buy any. There was a converter plug-in ..so we could use our camera recharger..no problem there. Breakfast was nice..more relaxing in the Club room. Regular restaurant had many families with children..pancake/waffle station/fresh juice bar..the works.
Very satisfactory breakfast. Club room had afternoon tea 3-5 pm, cocktail hour 5-8pm, food available all hours. GREAT service..tasty food.
We followed advice of others. Brought cash (yen and dollars) and then changed it 10,000 yen at a time. Got a little over 800,000 rupiah for 10,000 yen..Used authorized changers...counted our money. No problem. Rate was so-so at the hotel..and not much better across the street..but I used that lady a couple times..she had a little girl and I think appreciated the business. Got a better rate in Ubud and Sanur when there.
Used the room safe. Seemed solid. One day forgot to lock the safe..oh, well. I felt we could have left everything on the table and it wouldn't have mattered. I don't think any employee would have touched a thing. Felt very safe. They were all so kind and seemed quite trustworthy. Had one problem with veranda door lock and they came immediately to fix it. No waiting. We are spoiled now and will have a hard time if we have to stay in a regular room next time....