In Reply to: Shangrila Candidasa posted by luisemark on Tuesday, 16. August 2005 at 14:39 Bali Time:
Never stayed there, but have eaten there and went to a really great birthday party there a couple of years ago. It's a nice small hotel right on a clean white sand beach [unusual for Candi Dasa] with a close in coral reef for easy low key snorkeling and fish watching. A few minutes walk from the Candi Dasa main street in a nice quiet little area of fishermen and small-time farmers.
I wouldn't think that the owners would want to associate themselves with unpleasant hard sell or dishonest tactics.
As for time share presentations, I've worked in some kind of marketing for most of my life and know what the sales people are doing and saying and why. I let them know that, in a polite manner, and that puts us both on a level footing. As long as they are honest and straightforward, I treat them politely just as I treat the Balinese hawkers etc. After all, they're only trying to make a living.
How long do you get for your money? If 3 days or more, I'd say it's a fair offer. The meals at Shangrila can be a bit pricey, but Warung Pini, with the delightful owner Wayan, is only 5 minutes walk down the road, further away from Candi Dasa and her food is very reasonable.
If you want a driver, I recommend Wayan Manek [Nick] ph 081 8353501. He operates out of Puri Oka Cottages, which is near Warung Pini.