In Reply to: accomodation around island posted by bro_d on Monday, 14. March 2005 at 06:35 Bali Time:
I generally holiday the way you are planning to do. The Green Garden is a good choice for the first few days. It's a good idea to have accom reasonably close to the airport for the last two or three days too. OK for last minute shopping and also you don't really want a long drive before you get on the plane home. If you would like to spend your last day or so at GG, then book it whilst you're there, as GG is often heavily booked.
I like to spend time at Ubud, Candi Dasa and Amed, all very different to the Tuban/Kuta/Legian area and different to one another.
I don't turn up at a hotel with my luggage on show, looking like I've just got to find something soon, as that gives the hotel a bargaining advantage. My way is to have a trip around in advance of my planned move. A vehicle and driver for the day will only cost you approx 250,000 to 300,000 and a good driver can give you a very interesting day and take you to many places. Don't let the driver "introduce" you to a hotel, go in on your own and make your own choices.
If I like the look of a place, or have a recommendation [perhaps from the Forum], I go in and tell them that I MAY be in this area in a few days time and if I am then I MAY be interested in staying there. I check out the types of accom on offer, then we negotiate on price. If we can agree on price, I get a written price, perhaps on the back of the managers card and probably pay a small deposit, for which I get a receipt. Then all the worry is over, you know the next place you'll be laying your heads. If you have any particular places in mind, print their best internet prices and you shouldn't need to pay more.