JBR-ACCOMMODATION
Having made several trips to Bali, thought it time I put together a JBR.
This forum has been so helpful to us; I thought it time to put our own experiences together.
First, as everyone wants to know about accommodation, This will be my first JBR.;
Ramada Bingtang............ Tuban
Beautiful Resort....Huge & Grand.....Far enough away from the madness of Kuta but not too far away to walk in and out, or just pick up a cab for under $2
The breakfasts are excellent. The rooms were nice clean comfortable, the grounds are very nice and have a lovely pool. Had great massage here at the resort for $6AUD few years ago. Enjoyed the free sauna. Great restaurants near by, avoid resort restaurant as it's expensive US$. This is certainly a great family resort or for couples. Because it is so big, would recommend a room on the lower floors closer to the pool so it doesn't take forever getting to your room and to breaky etc. For any first timers to Bali, I think it is a great resort to start with, although not intimate like the smaller ones and maybe not be as Balinese but still very nice. And I don't think you would be disappointed.
Bali Rani............. Tuban
A much smaller resort and more intimate than Ramada. Has beautiful lotus ponds. We stayed in deluxe room next to pool. Best decision. Rooms were nice nothing flash but clean comfortable. Location very good, a lot closer to Kuta than Ramada and just a quick walk into Kuta but still far away enough. From memory only about $1 in cab couple of years ago, we found it cheaper to ask the cab to put on the meter than to haggle on price and less of a hassle.
Kuta Lagoon................ Legian
Have to say we thought this place was an absolute dump. We stayed here on numerous forum recommendations in DEC 2004 and was a big let down. The only thing that was good about it was the closeness to everything as far as shopping. The rooms were dark dingy and needed repainting. Water dripped from the ceiling the pool was disgusting was afraid of catching something, all round the pool was a big rim of scum. Although we saw cleaners their, they didn't seem to bother about this stair you in the face problem. It was also incredibly noisy up above our bedroom, sounded like a heard of elephants in the middle of the night dragging bags and what not across the room. Complained to management but they were not in the least bit interested. We paid for an extra night stay to have a late check-out which we had received a breakfast voucher for, we asked management if we could exchange it for a drink instead as we would not be there in the morning, which they refused. Could not believe their attitude. Very unfriendly and unhelpful, definately not Bali. The worst we have experienced in Bali. And by far the worst accommodation. My recommendation to anyone considering this place... think again.
Ubud................... Tjamphuan
Tjamphuan This place is great. The entrance spectacular, the gardens, same. Absolutely loved this place. There are lots of stairs, but I would not let this put you off unless you had a health problem. Pool and surrounds are gorgeous. Rooms are nice clean tidy comfy, nice balcony overlooking river. The setting is excellent. Breakfast is O.K. Location is close enough to walk or you can opt for the courtesy van. Ask for fridge as the room doesn't come with one. The Spa Grotto is out of this world (fairyland). Definite thumbs up for this place. Great restaurants in U.B. Good shopping. Staying for the 3rd time this December 2005.
Ubud............... Alam-Inda
Alam-Inda, One of the nicer rooms we have ever had, views are great, nice gardens and pool. Bad points, the shower over bath which never worked properly for 7 days we were there and were not fixed. A very small resort A little too close for comfort when we went to breakfast. Somehow, I just seemed to feel a little acqkuard staying here. I did not like one of the drivers that made the comment it would be quicker for me to take a shortcut into town through the monkey forest rather than expecting to take the courtesy van, as it was a long way around for them. That did not wash we me very well. You always felt like you were asking them a favor when wanting the courtesy van. I have to say, I had a very un-nerving experience trying to go through the monkey forest from here when I got bailed up by several monkeys screeching and bearing there teeth at me when I had my partner rescue a baby kitten from them. Most unpleasant and terrifying experience I have ever had. Would I stay here again
.......A definite no.
Tungung Benoa................Melia Benoa
Loved this place. We booked deluxe room but were upgraded to an executive suite. This is an all inclusive resort, which suited us. Some people think what is the point in staying at an all in inclusive as Bali is so cheap and you're not seeing Bali. Our argument for it is sometimes you just want to lay back relax unwind and enjoy after having lots of stress back home, you can simply come here, and enjoy without having to worry about where you are going for lunch or dinner. It is made easy for you and well and truly worth it. You get to eat a-la-carte or smorgasbord if you wish and drink as much as you like. The swim up bar is great. All day you can eat and drink as much as you like without even having to think about what it's costing. It's all one price. The bar upstairs is great to finish off the evening when you return from the restaurant and also inclusive. The resort also offers free of charge use of non-motor sports, a gym and squash court.
We think it is great value for money. Beautiful gardens and not too big a resort.
About half hour to Kuta ($5 by taxi). The staff are the best you have ever seen.
Kubu Bali....................... Candidasa
This is one of those places that for us was a real find, my first reaction was wow! Look at all those stairs we have to climb (about 130 to our room) my second reaction, loved the layout and gardens, and arrived at our villa after couple of breather stops. Loved the villa. Got changed into swimmers, so hot after the big climb up to the room. Walked out to the pool, fell into the pool, looked around the place and my next reaction was Wow!Wow!Wow! I have died and gone to heaven. This place is gorgeous. I would have to say, one of the prettiest. And the price is amazing. Other good points, they charge in rupiah for mini bar and room service and restaurant and quite reasonable not like the bigger hotels in Kuta. The food is very good. The staff are great and always giving you a little extra here and there. Definitely worth staying. If I had not have been pre-booked and just walked in off the street, I would have to say I probably would have not bothered to stay which means, look what I would have missed out on. This is one of the best places I have stayed in in Bali. And for those who are put off by the stairs, I would not let it, it isn't that bad and they way they meander to the top, it isn't as though you are just climbing stairs, it is actually quite pleasant and through the most amazing gardens.
Amed............Anda Villas.............Staying Dec 2005 Follow up to come
Sanur............Puri Santrian ...........Staying Dec 2005 Follow up to come
Hope this is of some help to someone.